In a recent announcement by the United States Department of State, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana have been notably excluded from the 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). This decision has raised questions and concerns across these countries, especially as the US opens its doors to millions of travellers from other nations.
The Visa Waiver Programme allows citizens from eligible countries to travel to the United States for business, tourism, or transit purposes without needing to go through the lengthy visa application process. This year’s update to the VWP, which includes 40 countries, brings both excitement and disappointment, as some countries, including key African nations, are left out.
The Visa Waiver Programme is a major convenience for international travellers. It allows citizens from eligible countries to visit the United States for up to 90 days without the need for a visa, making travel easier and faster. Instead of applying for a traditional visa, travellers only need to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which is an online pre-approval to enter the country.
For years, this programme has been a valuable tool for encouraging tourism, business, and international exchanges, particularly for countries with strong diplomatic ties to the US and robust security measures in place. However, with the 2025 update, the United States has made changes to the list of eligible countries, which has sparked disappointment for those countries left out.
The US Department of State has introduced a revised list for the 2025 Visa Waiver Programme, which now includes 40 countries whose citizens can travel to the US without needing a visa. Notably, Romania has joined the list this year, marking the most significant change. This new addition reflects Romania’s efforts to meet the necessary security standards and establish strong diplomatic ties with the US.
Other countries that are still eligible under the updated programme include major European nations such as Andorra, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy. Additionally, countries like Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore continue to be part of the programme. However, this year’s update leaves some major nations outside the list, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana.
Taiwan and the United Kingdom are also excluded from the 2025 update, with the US setting specific conditions for these countries’ continued participation. The US has cited security concerns and border control issues as reasons for the exclusions.
The exclusion of Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana from the US Visa Waiver Programme for 2025 has raised concerns across Africa. These three countries represent some of the largest and most influential economies on the continent, and their exclusion from the programme highlights a significant gap in the US’s approach to engaging with African nations.
Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country and a key player in the continent’s economy, has been a major partner in international trade and security efforts. South Africa, with its advanced infrastructure and strong economic base, has been another crucial partner for the US. Similarly, Ghana has become an important player in West Africa’s economic and political landscape, with strong ties to the United States.
Yet, despite these positive diplomatic relationships, the exclusion of these countries from the VWP reflects broader concerns that the US government has about certain countries’ security protocols, border control measures, and visa-related issues. This change will likely result in increased pressure on citizens from these nations to apply for visas, which could lead to longer waiting times and higher application costs.
For citizens of Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana, the exclusion from the Visa Waiver Programme for 2025 presents a significant inconvenience. Previously, citizens from these countries had been able to apply for a US visa relatively easily, but now, they will have to follow the full visa application process.
The US visa process is often lengthy, expensive, and complicated. Applicants must attend interviews at US embassies, submit biometric data, and provide a range of supporting documents. This can be particularly challenging for Nigerians, South Africans, and Ghanaians, who often face long wait times for interview slots due to high demand for US visas.
While the exclusion of some countries has been disappointing, the US Department of State has stated that the 2025 update to the Visa Waiver Programme focuses on enhancing security checks and prioritising nations that meet specific diplomatic and border security standards.
The US government has made it clear that countries which maintain strong border controls, cooperate in counterterrorism efforts, and have secure travel systems will be prioritised. As part of the 2025 update, the US has also improved its security protocols for citizens of eligible countries, with a greater highlight on screening processes and the prevention of potential risks.
For Nigerians, South Africans, and Ghanaians hoping to visit the US, the exclusion means they will now have to apply for a visa through the traditional process. This could discourage some travellers, particularly those hoping for short trips for business or tourism purposes.
Nigeria, for example, remains one of the largest sources of international students in the US, and this change may add an extra layer of bureaucracy to the already challenging process of obtaining a student visa. Similarly, business professionals in Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana who travel frequently to the US may now face additional challenges in securing the necessary permits.
