US Identifies Countries No Longer Eligible For Visa Waiver

The United States (US) has updated its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), stating that travellers who have visited certain countries or hold dual nationality with them are no longer eligible for visa-free entry.

Naija News reports that the Visa Waiver Program allows most citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visa.

Eligible travellers must, however, obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before departure.

According to the US government, changes introduced under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 require some travellers who would normally qualify for visa-free entry to instead apply for a US visa.

The affected countries are:

• North Korea
• Iran
• Iraq
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Yemen

Cuba (for travellers who visited on or after January 12, 2021)

The restrictions apply to nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who have travelled 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 travelled for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a Visa Waiver Program country.

Similarly, nationals of participating countries who have travelled 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 US also said that nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who are also citizens of the following countries must obtain a visa before travelling:

1. Cuba
2. North Korea
3. Iran
4. Iraq
5. Sudan
6. Syria

The updated guidance means affected travellers, 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 US government added that travellers 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.