visa waiver program

Delays in the U.S. J-1 visa waiver program are putting hundreds of foreign-trained doctors at risk of leaving the country, disrupting both their careers and healthcare access in underserved communities. As CNN reports, a growing backlog threatens timely placements, with many hospitals unable to afford alternative visa options. Experts warn the impact could be severe, leaving vulnerable populations without care while raising concerns about policy inefficiencies and the future of international medical careers.

Argentina's relationship with the United States has strengthened, leading to its reinstatement in America's visa waiver program. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised President Milei's leadership, highlighting Argentina's improved visa overstay rate and increased travel to the US. This return, potentially benefiting 1.2 million Argentinian travelers annually, signifies a growing partnership and mutual desire for secure and lawful travel. Read below!

The United States' visa waiver program (VWP) allows citizens of 41 designated countries to enter the US for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days without a visa, requiring only an ESTA approval. India is currently excluded from the VWP, necessitating Indian citizens to apply for B1/B2 visas. The program continuously evolves with security enhancements and eligibility reviews.

The United States has launched a visa waiver program for Israelis, allowing them to visit the country for up to 90 days without applying for a visa. The program was initially announced in September, with the start date set for November 30. However, it was operationalized earlier this week. Israelis must register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, and eligibility is determined based on certain criteria. This move comes as the Israel-Hamas conflict escalates, with Hamas launching attacks against southern Israel and Israel preparing for a ground invasion.

The U.S. Department of State has finalized new rules for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, requiring applicants to provide passport information and a scan of their biographic and signature pages. These stricter identity verification measures, effective April 10, 2026, aim to combat fraudulent entries and ensure applications are tied to real individuals.

As of April 2025, the US visa waiver program allows citizens of 43 countries, including newly added Romania, to visit the US for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. India is not yet included and must apply for a visa, meeting specific requirements for potential future inclusion.

The Bush administration is poised to remove US visa requirements for the citizens of seven allied countries.

Starting October 1, 2025, the U.S. ends broad visa interview waivers for international students and professionals. Only select categories, like certain diplomatic or B-1/B-2/H-2A renewals, qualify. Students and workers may face longer consulate waits and required in-person interviews. Planning ahead, checking embassy guidance, and preparing documentation is essential as visa scrutiny increases.

As of April 2025, the US visa waiver program allows citizens of 41 countries, including recent addition Romania, to enter the United States for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Travelers must hold an e-passport, obtain ESTA approval, and meet specific eligibility criteria.

Navigating international travel can be complex, especially with visa applications. This article simplifies the process by explaining different visa types, including traditional visas, e-visas, and ESTA. Traditional visas require in-person applications, while e-visas offer a convenient online alternative. ESTA, however, is a travel authorization for visa waiver program countries, not a visa. Understanding these distinctions can streamline your travel preparations.

The Biden administration is poised to admit Israel this week into an exclusive club that will allow its citizens to travel to the USA without a visa despite Washington's ongoing concerns about the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinian Americans.

Qatar has been included in the United States visa waiver programme, making it the second Muslim-majority country in this list. Qatari citizens can now travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days. In return, American citizens will enjoy visa-free travel to Qatar starting October 1. This step strengthens bilateral ties and encourages trade and travel.

The US visa waiver program (VWP) allows citizens of 43 designated countries, including recent additions like Qatar and Romania, to travel to the US for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. Eligible travelers must obtain ESTA authorization online and possess an e-passport.

Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ezzatollah Zarghami has said the Iranian Cabinet has decided to unilaterally cancel visa requirements for visitors from India. Iran on Wednesday decided to waive visa requirements for 33 countries. Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Zarghami said the decision is aimed at boosting tourism arrivals and attracting more visitors from countries around the world. He said efforts to boost tourism can neutralize Iranophobia campaigns.