The United States (U.S) Department of State has issued updated guidance under its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), clarifying strict exclusions that strip certain passport holders of their visa-free travel privileges.
While the U.S visa waiver program continues to allow citizens of 42 designated countries to travel to the U.S for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a traditional visa, specific security protocols mean that a growing list of individuals must now go through the standard consular visa process instead.
According to the U.S government, changes introduced under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 require some travelers who would normally qualify for visa-free entry to instead apply for a U.S visa.
The affected countries are:
- North Korea
- Iran
- Iraq
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
- Cuba (for travelers who visited on or after January 12, 2021)
The restrictions apply to nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who have traveled to or been present in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011. Limited exceptions are available for those who traveled for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a Visa Waiver Program country.
Similarly, nationals of participating countries who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, are no longer eligible for visa-free travel under the program, except in limited diplomatic or military cases.
The U.S also said that nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who are also citizens of the following countries must obtain a visa before traveling:
- Cuba
- North Korea
- Iran
- Iraq
- Sudan
- Syria
The updated guidance means affected travelers, even if they are citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, must apply for a visitor (B) visa through a US embassy or consulate before entering the United States.
The U.S government added that travelers who remain eligible for the Visa Waiver Program must obtain a valid ESTA approval before departure and meet all other program requirements, including limiting their stay to no more than 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
