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As of May 2025, Indian citizens remain excluded from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which permits nationals from 41 countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa. This exclusion persists despite India's significant global standing and robust bilateral relations with the U.S.
Why India Is Still Excluded from the VWP
Several factors contribute to India's continued ineligibility for the VWP:
1. Reciprocity Requirements: The VWP operates on a principle of mutual visa-free travel. Participating countries must allow U.S. citizens to enter their territories without a visa for a similar duration. India's visa policies for U.S. travelers do not currently meet this reciprocity criterion.
2. Visa Rejection Rates: To qualify for the VWP, a country's visa refusal rate must typically be below 3%. India's refusal rate has historically exceeded this threshold, indicating a higher risk profile in the eyes of U.S. immigration authorities.
3. Security and Immigration Concerns: The U.S. assesses countries based on their ability to share security-related information and manage immigration risks. While India has made strides in these areas, concerns remain about document security, law enforcement cooperation, and the management of overstays.
4. Illegal Immigration Issues: The presence of a significant number of Indian nationals residing illegally in the U.S. has been a point of concern. In early 2025, India offered to repatriate approximately 18,000 of its citizens living unlawfully in the U.S. as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on immigration matters.
Implications for Indian Travelers
Due to India's exclusion from the VWP, Indian citizens must continue to apply for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visas through the standard application process, which includes scheduling interviews and providing extensive documentation. Even Indian nationals holding permanent residency in VWP countries like the UK or Australia are not eligible for visa-free entry to the U.S.
Prospects for Inclusion
While India has expressed interest in joining the VWP, achieving eligibility would require significant policy adjustments, including lowering visa refusal rates, enhancing security cooperation, and aligning visa policies to meet reciprocity standards. Until such changes are implemented and recognized by U.S. authorities, India's participation in the VWP remains unlikely.
For now, Indian travelers should prepare for the traditional visa application process when planning visits to the United States.
