AMERICA is getting more difficult to visit as the US government implements new non-immigrant visa application procedures worldwide. In the UK these procedures only affect those British citizens who always required visas to travel to the USA (typically students studying in the US, temporary workers, journalists, aircrew). The vast majority of British travellers and citizens of 26 other countries will continue to be able to utilize the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for tourist or business visits of 90 days or less. Effective 1 August almost all non-immigrant visa applicants are required to schedule a personal interview with a consular officer at the Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Belfast. There are exceptions and these include people applying to renew the same category of visa that has expired within the last 12 months. http://www.usembassy.org.uk