The United States has released its list of countries eligible for the 2025 Visa Waiver Program, with 40 nations from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East securing visa-free entry into the country. However, none of Africa’s 54 countries were included in the program.

The exclusion of African countries is not new, but it highlights the ongoing challenges they face in securing easier access to the US. Visa rejection rates for African applicants have been rising, with US authorities citing concerns over immigration violations, fraud, and security risks.

The Trump administration’s strict border control and mass deportation policies have disproportionately affected African and Latin American immigrants. Thousands of undocumented African immigrants in the US now face deportation under these renewed crackdowns.

The Visa Waiver Program allows travelers from participating countries to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain prior approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

However, the continued exclusion of African nations raises questions about the fairness of US immigration policies and its relationship with Africa.