US Makes Major Visa Decision, Reveals Nations That Have Lost Waiver Eligibility

The United States has revised its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), announcing that travellers who have visited certain countries or hold dual citizenship with them will no longer qualify for visa-free entry into the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Under the Visa Waiver Program, citizens of participating countries are permitted to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa, provided they first receive approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

However, the US government said changes introduced under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 have placed additional restrictions on some travellers who would otherwise have been eligible for visa-free travel.

According to the updated guidelines, nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who have travelled to or been present in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, are no longer eligible to use the programme. The same restriction applies to travellers who have visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.

The US noted that limited exemptions may apply to individuals who travelled to the affected countries while carrying out official diplomatic or military duties on behalf of a Visa Waiver Program member country.

The updated policy also affects dual nationals. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who also hold citizenship of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria must now obtain a US visa before travelling.

As a result of the changes, affected travellers must apply for a visitor (B) visa through a US embassy or consulate instead of relying on the Visa Waiver Program to enter the United States.

Meanwhile, travellers who remain eligible for the programme are still required to secure a valid ESTA authorisation before departure and comply with all existing conditions, including the 90-day limit for business or tourism visits.