By Emem Nsini-Godwin
The United States government has announced revised eligibility requirements for its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), meaning some travelers who have visited or hold dual nationality with certain countries will no longer qualify for visa-free entry into the US.
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. However, travelers must still receive authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.
According to US authorities, the updated policy implements provisions of the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, requiring some travelers to obtain a standard visitor visa instead of using the visa waiver system.
The new restrictions apply to travelers who have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011. In addition, anyone who has traveled to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, will also lose eligibility for visa-free travel under the program.
The 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 apply for a US visa before traveling, regardless of their eligibility under the program.
US officials noted that limited exemptions remain for individuals who traveled to the affected countries while carrying out official diplomatic or military duties on behalf of a Visa Waiver Program partner nation.
Under the revised rules, affected travelers must apply for a visitor (B) visa through a US embassy or consulate before traveling to the United States. Those who remain eligible for the Visa Waiver Program must continue to obtain ESTA approval and comply with all existing program requirements, including the 90-day limit for tourism or business visits.
