All 54 African countries excluded from U.S. 2025 visa waiver list

On Monday, the United States released its list of countries eligible for the 2025 Visa Waiver Program. Forty nations from Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East secured visa-free entry into the U.S. However, none of Africa’s 54 countries were included.

While the list remains largely unchanged, Romania was newly added this year. Conversely, the United Kingdom is not included in the program but remains eligible under specific conditions.

The exclusion of African countries is nothing new, but it reflects the ongoing challenges African nations face in securing easier access to the U.S.

For years, visa rejection rates for African applicants have been on the rise, with U.S. authorities citing concerns over immigration violations, fraud, and security risks.

Since Trump’s return to office, his administration has doubled down on strict border control and mass deportations, with African and Latin American immigrants bearing the brunt of these policies. Thousands of undocumented African immigrants in the U.S. could now face deportation under these renewed crackdowns.

So, why do some countries always seem to have a harder time getting U.S. visas? Several factors come into play.

Countries with high numbers of visa overstays, asylum seekers, or economic instability tend to face stricter entry requirements. Additionally, weak diplomatic ties and security concerns can lead to higher rejection rates.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Visa Waiver Program lets travellers from participating countries visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa, though they still need prior approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

While the program is designed to encourage tourism and business, the continued exclusion of African nations raises serious questions about the fairness of U.S. immigration policies and the state of its relationship with Africa.