U.S. excludes all African Countries from 2025 Visa Waiver Program

The United States has released its list of countries eligible for the 2025 Visa Waiver Program, allowing visa-free travel for up to 90 days. Forty nations from Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East made the list, but none of Africa’s 54 countries were included.

While the list remains mostly unchanged, Romania was newly added this year. The United Kingdom is not on the list but remains eligible under specific conditions.

The exclusion of African nations is not new, but it highlights ongoing challenges in securing easier access to the U.S. Visa rejection rates for African applicants have been rising, with concerns over immigration violations, fraud, and security risks cited as reasons.

Since Trump’s return to office, his administration has reinforced strict border controls and mass deportations, disproportionately affecting African and Latin American immigrants. Thousands of undocumented Africans in the U.S. could now face deportation under these crackdowns.

Countries with high visa overstay rates, economic instability, or weak diplomatic ties often face stricter entry requirements. Meanwhile, nations included in the Visa Waiver Program still require prior approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The continued exclusion of African countries raises questions about the fairness of U.S. immigration policies and its relationship with Africa.

Full List of Countries Eligible for the 2025 U.S. Visa Waiver Program: