The United States has begun implementing changes under the
Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015,
passed December in the wake of the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris that left 130 dead.
Under the act, nationals of VWP countries who have traveled
to or were in Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria on or after March 2011 are no longer
eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver
Program, with limited exceptions for diplomatic or military travel in the
service of a VWP country. In addition, nationals of VWP countries who are also
nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria are excluded from VWP.
These individuals can apply for a U.S. visa using the
regular immigration process at their embassies or consulates. U.S. embassies
and consulates will expedite processing for urgent business, medical and
humanitarian travel.
The new law also revokes Electronic System for Travel
Authorizations from travelers who have previously indicated holding dual
nationality with Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria on their ESTA applications.
The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive any of the
above restrictions for certain
categories of travelers if such a waiver is in the law enforcement or
national security interest of the United States. ESTA waivers will be
determined on a case-by-case basis.
The Department of Homeland Security announcement underscored,
“The new law does not ban travel to the United States or admission into the
United States, and the great majority of VWP travelers will not be affected by
the legislation.”
The U.S. Travel Association, which backed the VWP measures
passed by Congress late last year, reiterated USTA president Roger Dow’s prior call
for a steady hand as DHS implements changes. “When it comes to national
security policy, there is no such thing as a perfect, finished product that
stands for all time,” said USTA vice president of public affairs Jonathan
Grella. “The VWP has always been a shining example of the fact that the balance
between security and freedom is not a zero-sum choice, and we welcome an
informed and clear-eyed congressional discussion about the next logical steps
for growing the program.”