US tightens visa waiver rules in fight against terrorism
British and other European travellers, who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria, or who have visited these countries since March 1 2011, are no longer eligible to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme.
The changes, brought in from Thursday as part of the US Government’s effort to combat terrorism, means these travellers will have to undergo a full vetting before being allowed in, which includes a face-to-face interview at a US embassy or consulate.
The US said its embassies were ready to speed up applications for anyone affected by the changes who needs a US visa for urgent business, medical, or humanitarian travel to the US.
The new rules, which apply to all countries in the waiver programme, don’t apply to those who visited any of the countries for diplomatic or military reasons.
From today (January 21), travellers who currently have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorizations (ESTAs) and who have previously indicated holding dual nationality with one of the four countries on their ESTA applications, will have their current ESTAs revoked.
Under the new law, the Secretary of Homeland Security may waive these restrictions if he determines that such a waiver is in the law enforcement or national security interests of the US.
This might be for individuals who travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria on behalf of an international organisation or a humanitarian NGO on official duty, or as a journalist for reporting purposes.
Travellers who receive notification that they are no longer eligible to travel under the VWP will be required to appear for an interview and obtain a visa in their passports at a US embassy or consulate before traveling to the US.
Current ESTA holders are encouraged to check their ESTA status prior to travel on CBP’s website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
Further information on visa applications can be found at travel.state.gov.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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