US Visa Waiver Program 2024: New Requirements and Restrictions for Travelers

Eric Nkom May 18, 2024

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US Visa Waiver Program 2024: New Requirements and Restrictions for Travelers

Most inhabitants or nationals of participating nations are exempt from needing a visa to enter the United States for up to 90 days, whether on vacation or for business. This program is known as the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Recent changes, however, place additional limitations and specifications on certain types of tourists.

Overview of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Citizens or nationals of participating countries can travel more easily and enter the United States for stays of no more than 90 days for business or tourism, thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

People must complete all conditions and have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before they can travel under the VWP. Even with the VWP’s convenience, travelers can still apply for a visiting (B) visa if they would rather have a visa in their passport.

New Restrictions Introduced Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

The 2015 Terrorist Travel Prevention and Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act brings about several important changes that impact VWP eligibility. Upon entering the United States on or after March 1, 2011, nationals of VWP countries who have visited or been present in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen are now required to get a visa. Travel undertaken in support of a VWP nation for diplomatic or military reasons is subject to certain restrictions.

Moreover, citizens of VWP nations who visited or were physically present in Cuba on January 12, 2021, or later, must apply for a visa. Once more, there are exceptions for travel undertaken on behalf of a VWP nation for diplomatic or military missions.

Moreover, citizens of VWP nations who are also citizens of Syria, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are no longer qualified to travel under the VWP and will need to apply for a visa.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Eligibility, Requirements, and Recent Changes

Overview of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

For visits lasting no more than 90 days, individuals or nationals of participating nations are exempt from needing a visa when traveling to or conducting business in the United States, thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). To travel under the VWP, a person must first complete all conditions and obtain a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) permission. Travelers may still apply for a visiting (B) visa if they would rather have a visa stamped in their passport.

Eligibility Criteria for VWP

You must be a citizen or national of one of the following nations to be eligible for the VWP:

Andorra
Israel
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Australia
Austria
Estonia
Finland
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Taiwan
United Kingdom

It should be noted that eligibility is contingent upon British residents’ unlimited right of permanent presence in any of the following: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Before boarding an air or sea carrier headed for the United States, you must obtain authorization through ESTA to travel without a visa under the VWP. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses the web-based ESTA system to assess a person’s eligibility for VWP travel. For additional information, go to the CBP website’s ESTA webpage.

Updating Your ESTA

Normally, an ESTA is good for two years. A fresh ESTA is required if you:

Obtain a fresh passport, which may include a temporary or emergency one.
Modify your name.
Change your gender.
Alter your nationality.
You must modify the “yes” or “no” answers you provided on the ESTA application.

Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

The 2015 Terrorist Travel Prevention and Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act brings about several important changes that impact VWP eligibility. Travelers who fall into the following criteria are no longer eligible for the VWP and must get a visa before entering the United States:

VWP nationals who visited or were physically present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on or after March 1, 2011. Travel undertaken in support of a VWP nation for diplomatic or military reasons is subject to certain restrictions.

Citizens of VWP nations who visited or were physically present in Cuba on January 12, 2021, or later. Travel undertaken in support of a VWP nation for diplomatic or military reasons is subject to certain restrictions. individuals who are citizens of VWP nations but are also citizens of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

These people can apply for visas at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate by making an appointment in a typical manner. U.S. Embassies and Consulates provide accelerated application processes for last-minute travel.

Checking ESTA Status and Applying for a Visa

Travelers may apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate or get in touch with the CBP Information Center if their ESTA is refused as a result of the Act. Before booking a trip or entering the country, travelers are highly encouraged by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to verify their ESTA status. The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) website has more details.

Passport Requirements for VWP Travel

Unless otherwise exempted by accords unique to a particular country, travelers must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months after their intended departure from the United States. All members of the family, even young children, need to have their passports.

For many foreign visitors, the Visa Waiver Program makes travel easier. However, it’s important to comprehend and comply with the program’s rules as well as keep up with any updates, such as those brought about by the 2015 Terrorist Travel Prevention and Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act.

To guarantee a seamless and trouble-free trip to the United States, always verify the status of your ESTA and make sure your passport and travel arrangements adhere to the most recent rules.