US releases list of countries no longer eligible for visa waiver

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The United States, US has updated its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), confirming that travelers who have visited or hold dual nationality with certain countries are no longer eligible to enter the country under the visa-free scheme.

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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 travelers must, however, obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.

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

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The affected countries are:

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• North Korea
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• Iran
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• Iraq
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• Libya
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• Somalia
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• Sudan
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• Syria
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• Yemen
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• Cuba (for travelers who visited on or after January 12, 2021)
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The restrictions apply to nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who have traveled 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 traveled for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a Visa Waiver Program country.

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Similarly, nationals of participating countries who have traveled 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.

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The US also said that nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who are also citizens of the following countries must obtain a visa before traveling:

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• Cuba
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• North Korea
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• Iran
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• Iraq
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• Sudan
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• Syria
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The updated guidance means affected travelers, 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.

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The US government added that travelers 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.

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