The United States has updated its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), making travelers who have visited or hold dual nationality with certain countries ineligible for visa-free entry into the country.
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa, provided they secure approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Under changes introduced through the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, some travelers who would normally qualify for the scheme must now apply for a US visa before travelling.
The affected countries include North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Cuba for travelers who visited the country on or after January 12, 2021.
The restrictions apply to nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who travelled to or were present in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, with limited exemptions for diplomatic and military travel.
The updated rules also require dual nationals of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Syria, even if they are citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, to obtain a US visa before travelling.
The US government said affected travelers must apply for a visitor (B) visa through a US embassy or consulate, while those who remain eligible for the program must obtain a valid ESTA approval before departure.
Eligible travelers must also continue to meet all Visa Waiver Program requirements, including limiting their stay in the United States to no more than 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
