The United States has revised its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), announcing that travellers who have visited certain countries or hold dual citizenship with some nations are no longer eligible to enter the country without a visa.
Sponsored Ads
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visa.
Sponsored Ads
However, travellers who qualify under the programme must still obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before travelling.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
The U.S. government said the changes are based on the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. Under the law, some travellers who would normally qualify for visa-free entry are now required to apply for a U.S. visa before travelling.
The countries affected by the updated rules are North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Cuba for travellers who visited the country on or after January 12, 2021.
The restrictions apply to citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program who travelled to or were present in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
RELATED STORIES
Related Posts
The U.S. government said there are limited exemptions for people who travelled to those countries while carrying out diplomatic or military duties on behalf of a Visa Waiver Program country.
It also stated that nationals of participating countries who visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, are no longer eligible for visa-free entry under the programme, except in limited diplomatic or military circumstances.
The revised policy also affects people who hold dual citizenship.
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who also have citizenship of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria must obtain a U.S. visa before travelling.
Under the updated guidance, affected travellers cannot rely on the Visa Waiver Program even if they are citizens of participating countries. Instead, they must apply for a visitor (B) visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate before entering the United States.
The U.S. government added that travellers who remain eligible for the Visa Waiver Program must obtain a valid ESTA approval before departure and satisfy all other programme requirements, including limiting their visit to no more than 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Comments are closed.