| ||||||
| ||||||
|
DHS Authorizes New Countries for Visa Waiver Program and Reminds Visa Waiver Travelers of Preclearance Registration Requirements November 17, 2008 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today published official authorization, effective immediately, allowing foreign nationals of several countries to enter the United States on the Visa Waiver Program. According to DHS, “"Citizens and eligible nationals of participating Visa Waiver Program countries may apply for admission to the United States at a U.S. port of entry as nonimmigrant aliens for a period of ninety days or less for business or pleasure without first obtaining a nonimmigrant visa, provided that they are otherwise eligible for admission under applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. This rule adds the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, the Republic of Korea, and the Slovak Republic to the list of countries authorized to participate in the Visa Waiver Program.” For the complete announcement, go to http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-27062.pdf. On November 13, 2008, DHS announced that “beginning Jan. 12, 2009, eligible citizens or nationals from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States under the VWP.” [For a copy of the complete DHS announcement, click here.] |
