The United States of America has released the list of countries eligible for its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme, but Nigeria is not included.
The US Department of State recently announced the updated list, which features 40 countries whose citizens can travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days for business or tourism. However, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana were noticeably absent from the list.
According to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, the VWP allows most citizens or nationals of participating countries to visit the US without a visa, provided they have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization approval and meet other requirements.
The agency stated: “Travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor visa.”
A major change in the 2025 programme is the addition of Romania, while countries like Taiwan and the United Kingdom remain eligible under specific conditions.
The full list of eligible countries includes:
1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Chile
6. Czech Republic
7. Croatia
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hungary
15. Iceland
16. Ireland
17. Italy
18. Israel
19. Norway
20. Poland
21. Portugal
22. San Marino
23. Singapore
24. Slovakia
25. Japan
26. Slovenia
27. Latvia
28. South Korea
29. Liechtenstein
30. Spain
31. Lithuania
32. Sweden
33. Luxembourg
34. Switzerland
35. Malta
36. Netherlands
37. New Zealand
38. Qatar
39. Romania
40. Morocco
The US also emphasised that the 2025 VWP update focuses on enhancing security checks and prioritising countries with strong diplomatic ties and border security measures.
While the new programme opens doors for many nations, the absence of Nigeria has left some citizens disappointed.
The US government has not provided specific reasons for excluding Nigeria, but the situation has sparked discussions about the criteria used for selecting countries in the waiver programme.
Further updates are expected as the US continues to review its travel policies.
