United States has updated its Visa Waiver Program (VWP) guidelines, restricting visa-free entry for certain travellers based on their travel history or dual nationality.
The revised rules mean that some individuals who previously qualified to enter the U.S. without a traditional visa will now be required to obtain a standard visitor visa before travelling.
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to visit the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without securing a conventional visa.
However, eligible travellers must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.
The latest restrictions are implemented under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which introduced additional screening requirements for certain categories of travellers.
Under the updated guidelines, citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who have travelled to or been physically present in designated countries on or after March 1, 2011, may no longer qualify for visa-free entry.
The restriction also applies to individuals who travelled to or were present in Cuba on or after Jan. 12, 2021.
However, limited exemptions exist for travellers who visited the affected countries solely for official diplomatic or military purposes while serving a VWP-member government.
The updated rules also affect citizens of VWP countries who hold dual nationality with certain designated countries.
Affected travellers, including those holding passports from countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan and European Union member states, must apply for a standard Visitor (B) Visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate before travelling.
The U.S. authorities advised travellers to confirm their eligibility before making travel arrangements.
Those who remain eligible for the Visa Waiver Program must continue to have a valid ESTA approval, possess a biometric e-passport and restrict their stay in the United States to a maximum of 90 days.
The U.S. government said the measures are aimed at strengthening security screening while maintaining legitimate travel under the visa-free programme.
