US Unveils List Of Countries Removed From Visa Waiver Eligibility

The United States government has updated its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), announcing that travellers who have visited certain countries or possess dual nationality with specific nations will no longer qualify for visa-free entry into the country.

According to Ireporter Online, the Visa Waiver Program permits eligible citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. However, all eligible travellers are still required to secure approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.

The latest changes are based on provisions of the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, which mandates that some travellers who would ordinarily qualify for visa-free entry must instead apply for a US visa before travelling.

Under the revised policy, nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who have travelled to or stayed in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, are no longer eligible to use the visa waiver scheme. The same restriction also applies to travellers who have visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.

The US government noted that limited exemptions remain available for individuals who travelled to the affected countries for official diplomatic or military assignments on behalf of a Visa Waiver Program member nation.

In addition, citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who also hold citizenship of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria must obtain a US visa before travelling, regardless of their eligibility under the program.

As a result of the updated guidelines, affected travellers must apply for a visitor (B) visa through a US embassy or consulate before entering the United States.

Meanwhile, travellers who remain eligible under the Visa Waiver Program are required to obtain valid ESTA authorization before departure and comply with all program conditions, including limiting their stay in the United States to no more than 90 days for tourism or business purposes.