DHS Limits Visa Waiver Program for Three More Countries
In its continued implementation of the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it has identified three more countries of concern: Libya, Somalia, and Yemen, with particular concern regarding anyone who has traveled to these three countries since March 1, 2011. The three new countries, in addition to the previously designated countries, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, and Syria, are subject to restrictions for Visa Waiver Program travel.
Under the new law, the Secretary of Homeland Security may choose to waive these restrictions for any individual if he determines that it is in the best interests of the U.S. Such waivers may only be given on a case-by-case basis.
Travelers who may be eligible for a waiver include individuals who traveled to designated areas of concern for the following reasons:
- on behalf of international organizations, regional organizations, and sub-national governments on official duty
- on behalf of a humanitarian NGO on official duty
- journalism and reporting purposes
DHS’s has indicated that its actions reflect its continued focus on foreign terrorist fighters. Restricting the Visa Waiver Program in Libya, Somalia, and Yemen is the latest step in a series of measures taken over the past 15 months to strengthen the security of the Visa Waiver Program in light of the growing threat of terrorism.
The new law does not ban admission to the U.S. for travelers from countries flagged for concern. Individuals impacted will still be able to apply for a visa using the regular immigration process at our embassies and consulates.
An updated Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application with additional questions on travel to Libya, Somalia, and Yemen will be released this spring 2016 to address exceptions for diplomatic- and military-related travel.
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2016/02/18/dhs-announces-further-travel-restrictions-visa-waiver-program
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