The United States has updated its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), announcing that travelers who have visited certain countries or hold dual nationality with specific nations will no longer qualify for visa-free entry into the country.
The revised policy affects citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program and requires some travelers who were previously eligible for visa-free travel to instead obtain a US visa before entering the country.
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of designated participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. However, eligible travelers must first secure approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.
According to the US government, the latest changes are based on the provisions of the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, which introduced additional security measures for travelers.
Under the updated rules, nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who have travelled to or stayed in any of the following countries on or after March 1, 2011, are no longer eligible to use the visa-free scheme:
- North Korea
- Iran
- Iraq
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
The restriction also applies to individuals who visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.
The US authorities noted that only limited exemptions are available for travelers who visited these countries while carrying out official diplomatic assignments or military duties on behalf of a Visa Waiver Program country.
In addition to travel history restrictions, the updated guidance also affects dual nationals.
According to the US government, citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who also possess citizenship of any of the following nations are no longer eligible for visa-free travel:
- Cuba
- North Korea
- Iran
- Iraq
- Sudan
- Syria
Such individuals must now obtain a valid US visa before travelling, regardless of their citizenship in a participating Visa Waiver country.
The revised policy means that affected travelers must apply for a visitor (B) visa through a United States embassy or consulate before entering the country.
The US government stressed that only travelers who continue to meet all Visa Waiver Program requirements will remain eligible for visa-free entry.
Eligible travelers must obtain a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before departure and ensure that their stay in the United States does not exceed 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
The authorities said the updated rules are part of broader efforts to strengthen border security and enhance screening procedures for individuals seeking entry into the United States.
