Visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. For many applicants, a personal appearance interview is required as a standard part of visa processing. Additionally, applicants affected by these procedures are informed of the need for additional screening at the time they submit their applications and are being advised to expect delays. The time needed for adjudication of individual cases will continue to be difficult to predict. For travelers, the need for an interview will mean additional coordination with the embassy or consulate is needed to schedule an interview appointment. We recommend that individuals build in ample time before their planned travel date when seeking to obtain a visa.

"We recognize that these delays are having an impact on visa applicants, and we have already had success streamlining the process, consistent with our security and legal responsibilities. The State Department is working hard with other government agencies to rationalize clearance procedures in ways that continue to protect US borders, our first priority, while facilitating legitimate travel.

We trust that affected applicants will understand that this waiting period is necessary as we strive to make every effort to ensure the safety and security of the United States for all who are here, including foreign visitors."

April, 2007

Please refer to the link below for the most updated information:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1300.html

Section 306 of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002 (EBSVRA) pertains to the issuance of visas to aliens from state sponsors of terrorism.

Five countries are now designated as Section 306. They are North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan and Iran.

All applicants from state sponsors of terrorism age 16 and over, irrespective of gender, must without exception complete form DS-157, in addition to form DS-156, and must appear for an interview with a consular officer.

An exception to the requirement for an interview may be made at the discretion of the consular officer in cases of A and G visa applicants (except for A-3 and G-5 applicants, who must be interviewed).

The language for Section 306 of the EBSVRA in pertinent part follows:

No nonimmigrant visa under Section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)) shall be issued to any alien from a country that is a state sponsor of international terrorism unless the Secretary of State determines, in consultation with the Attorney General and the heads of other appropriate United States agencies, that such alien does not pose a threat to the safety or national security of the United States. In making a determination under this sub-section, the Secretary of State shall apply standards developed by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General and the heads of other appropriate United States agencies, that are applicable to the nationals of such states

Visa Waiver Program

Please refer to the link below for the most updated information:

 

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html

Important Notice:

International travelers, who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, seeking to travel to the United States without a visa, should review this important information on passport requirements for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). All VWP travelers, regardless of age or type of passport used, must present individual machine -readable passports.  In addition, depending on when VWP travelers’ passports were issued, other passport requirements apply:

• Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after 10/26/06 – requires integrated chip with information from the data page ( e-Passport ).
• Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended between 10/26/05 and 10/25/06 – requires digital photograph printed on the data page or integrated chip with information from the data page.
• Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended before 10/26/05 – no further requirements.
• Temporary, emergency, official and diplomatic passports are exempted from biometric digital photo and chip requirements, but must be machine-readable. Note that German temporary or emergency passports are not included in this biometric e-passport exemption. Therefore, holders of German temporary or emergency passports must either obtain a valid, machine-readable regular German passport for VWP travel or apply for a U.S. visa to travel to or through the United States.If a traveler cannot meet all of the requirements, he/she must obtain a visa for entry to the United States, and cannot travel without a visa on VWP. See Visa Waiver Program on the DHS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website for additional information.
     

 

Overview – what is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. VWP eligible travelers may apply for a visa, if they prefer to do so. Not all countries participate in the VWP, and not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to use the program. VWP travelers are screened prior to admission into the United States, and they are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT   program

 

Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, as shown below:

Visa Waiver Program - Participating Countries

Andorra	Iceland	Norway
Australia	Ireland	Portugal
Austria	Italy	San Marino
Belgium	Japan	Singapore
Brunei	Liechtenstein	Slovenia
Denmark	Luxembourg	Spain
Finland	Monaco	Sweden
France	the Netherlands	Switzerland
Germany	New Zealand	United Kingdom

Visa Waiver Program Memoranda of Understanding were signed with Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, and Slovakia; so, do travelers need a U.S. visa?

The Department of Homeland Security recently signed the Visa Waiver  Program (VWP) Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Czech Republic, Malta, and Korea government representatives.

These MOU's do not admit these countries into the Visa Waiver Program; they are agreements for further cooperation on the security provisions that are required under the new VWP law. They are only a first step in working out details for the entire array of security and information sharing commitments found in VWP law.  For more information please go to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website. 
Important Note: At the present time, citizens of the above countries continue to require a U.S. Visa for travel to the United States.

How Does a Country Qualify for Visa Waiver?

Select Visa Waiver Program - How a Country Qualifies  to learn more.

 

Nationals of the 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may use VWP if:

• The purpose of their stay in the United States is 90 days or less for tourism or business (if in doubt, travelers should check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate to verify that what they plan to do is considered tourism or business. Transit through the United States is generally permitted. Note that foreign media representatives planning to engage in that vocation in the United States are not eligible, as the purpose of their stay does not qualify as “business”. These professionals must obtain a nonimmigrant media (I) visa. See  media visa   for more information. Also see  Visitor Visas   – Business and Pleasure;
• They present a machine-readable passport (MRP) valid for six months past their expected stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements  provide exemptions). This includes all categories of passports -- regular, diplomatic, and official, when the traveler is seeking to enter the United States for business or tourist purposes, for a maximum of 90 days
• Depending on when VWP travelers’ passports were issued, other passport requirements will apply. Please refer to the   Visa Waiver Program Traveler Guide   on the United States CBP website for additional details on this program.

Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after 10/26/06 – integrated   chip with information from the data page (e-Passport). Requires digital photograph printed on data page or integrated chip with information from the data page - Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended before 10/26/05 –

• They have complied with the conditions of previous admissions under the Visa Waiver Program, and have not been found ineligible for a U.S. visa; and
• If arriving by air or sea, they are traveling on an approved carrier (almost all major airlines and cruise ship companies are currently approved carriers - copies of carrier lists may be requested from the Department of Homeland Security’s National Fines Office at 1525 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA. 22209), and have a return trip ticket to any foreign destination.*; or
• They can demonstrate the intent to stay 90 days or less in the United States and demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves while in the United States.  Learn more  on the CBP website.

* VWP travelers who have been admitted under the Visa Waiver Program and who make a short trip to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island generally can be readmitted to the United States under the VWP for the original admission period. See the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website for additional details. Also VWP nationals resident in Mexico, Canada or adjacent islands are generally exempted from requirements to show onward travel to other foreign destinations.  Learn more  at the CBP website.

When does a national of a VWP country need to apply for a visa instead of using the VWP?

Nationals of VWP countries must meet the conditions noted in the section above (Which travelers may use the Visa Waiver Program to enter the United States?) in order to seek admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers who do not meet these conditions must apply for a visa. In particular, a visa must be requested if the traveler:

• Wants to remain in the United States for longer than 90 days, or envisions that they may wish to change their status (from tourism to student, etc.) once in the United States;
• Wants to work or study in the United States, wants to come to the United States for other purposes not allowed on a visitor visa, or intends to immigrate to the United States;
• Does not have a machine-readable passport (MRP) issued or renewed/extended before 10/26/05, or is unable to meet other requirements outlined above for passports issued on or after October 26, 2005 or October 26, 2006.
• Intends to travel by private aircraft or other non-signatory air or sea carriers to the United States;
• Has been refused a visa or admission to the United States before, or did not comply with the conditions of previous VWP admissions (90 days or less stay for tourism or business, etc.); or
• Has a criminal record or other condition making them ineligible for a visa (see Classes of Aliens Ineligible for Visas ).

What do I need to enter the United States under the VWP?

To request entry into the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, travelers must meet the requirements listed in Which travelers may use the Visa Waiver Program to enter the United States? Each VWP traveler must present his/her own valid machine-readable passport. See What do I need to know about VWP machine-readable passport (MRP) and e-Passport? and What is a machine-readable passport (MRP)? What is an e-Passport? for additional details. In addition to their passport, VWP travelers must also present a completed and signed I-94W Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival-Departure Record to U.S. officials at the port of entry. I-94W forms are free and often provided by travel agents, airlines or cruise ships prior to arrival, but may be picked up and completed on arrival at the U.S. port of entry. Travelers may also be asked to provide evidence of onward travel or other documentation on the purpose of their stay in the United States. Travelers entering through land ports of entry must pay a small land border fee as prescribed in 8 CFR 103.7(b)(1).

What do I need to know about VWP machine-readable passport (MRP) and e-Passport requirements?
You need to know about important changes in passport and e-Passport requirements for travelers who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries applying for admission to the United States. Depending on when VWP travelers' passports were issued, the following passport requirements apply:

• Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended between 10/26/05 and 10/25/06  requires digital photograph printed on the data page or integrated chip with information from the data page.
• Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended before 10/26/05 – no further requirements.

Please refer to the   Visa Waiver Program Traveler Guide   on the U.S. CBP website for additional details on this program. If you are a traveler from a VWP country and your passport does not meet these requirements, you may want to consider obtaining a new VWP-compliant passport from the passport issuing authority in your country of citizenship. Otherwise you cannot travel on VWP and you must obtain a visa in your valid passport for entry into the United States.

What is a machine-readable passport? What is an   e-Passport   (or biometric passport)?
A machine-readable passport has certain biographical data entered on the data page in accordance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Doc 9303, Part 1 Machine-Readable Passports. These standards address issues like the size of the passport and photograph, arrangement of data fields, and the two lines of printed machine-readable data that appear at the bottom of the page. Machine-readable passports can be read by scanning the two lines of printed data through special readers. Below is an example of how the biographical data page in a machine-readable passport might look:

Travelers should contact their country’s passport issuing agency or authority if they have any doubts related to whether their passport is machine-readable.
An e-Passport incorporates data related to an individual’s identity; current ICAO guidelines call for e-Passports to include facial recognition data. The contours of individuals’ faces are digitally mapped and stored on the chip so that a comparison of facial data for the bearer of the passport and the facial data of the person to whom the passport was issued can be made. You can readily identify an e-Passport, because it has a unique international symbol on the cover.

What should I know about machine-readable passports and family travel?
Families seeking to enter the United States under the VWP need to obtain an individual machine-readable passport for each traveler, including infants. Machine-readable passports typically have biographic data for only one traveler in the machine-readable zone. Because of the October 26, 2004 requirement that passport data be presented in machine-readable format, children included in family or parents’ passports may be denied visa-free entry into the United States since only the primary traveler’s biographic data is included in the machine-readable zone of the passport.

Entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) – what happens at the port of entry?
Detailed information about admissions and entry to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program can be found on the DHS Customs & Border Protection website at  Visa Waiver Program  and  Admission to the United States  . Since September 30, 2004 VWP travelers have been enrolled in the  DHS US-VISIT   program when they arrive at U.S. ports of entry. Travelers should be aware that by requesting admission under the Visa Waiver Program, they are generally waiving their right to review or appeal a CBP officer’s decision as to their application for admission at the port of entry. Likewise, if the traveler is later found to have violated the conditions of admission under the Visa Waiver Program, they do not have the right to contest a removal order (See  CBP website  for additional details.)

Is there a fee to use the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
There is a small land border fee for VWP travelers arriving at land ports of entry, per 8 CFR § 103.7(b)(1).

What about Canadian, Mexican or Bermudan citizens and VWP?
Canada, Mexico and Bermuda are not participants in the Visa Waiver Program. The Immigration and Nationality Act includes other provisions for visa-free travel for nationals of Canada and Bermuda under certain circumstances. See Citizens of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda  . Since they are not part of the Visa Waiver Program, VWP requirements for machine-readable or biometric passports do not apply to nationals of Canada, Mexico or Bermuda. Also, it should be noted that some nationals of Canada and Bermuda traveling to the United States require nonimmigrant visas. Visit Entry from Canada  on the CBP website for more information.

Is there a reference under U.S. law for the recent VWP passport requirement changes?
Yes. The USA-PATRIOT Act legislated that each Visa Waiver Program traveler must have a machine-readable passport. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began full enforcement of this policy on June 26, 2005. Additionally, the 2002 Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act created a requirement that VWP travelers present machine-readable passports (MRP) which are tamper-resistant and incorporate biometric identifiers in compliance with guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

How can I get additional information?
Additional information on the Visa Waiver Program is available from the Department of Homeland Security   Customs & Border Protection   website.

A step-by-step outline of today's U.S. visa application procedures

1.    If you have access to the Internet, visit www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov. This Web site has been created to help you find the information about current visa policy and procedures quickly and easily, based on your own situation and circumstance. Whether you are a student, a sponsor, a tourist, or a business traveler, this Web site can serve as a useful first stop on your journey.  

There are many different types of visas, and this site can help you determine which kind you need and how to obtain it. If you do not have access to the Internet, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for further information.

2.      Make an appointment to visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.   Visa application procedures vary somewhat among Embassies and Consulates, depending on local needs. In most countries, you will need to make an appointment. This can be done by telephone, mail, over the Internet, or in person, depending on circumstances in your country.   Wait times for appointments may be longer than in the past.   Schedule your appointment as soon as you know you need to travel to the U.S.

 

Be sure to ask what fees are required and how they can be paid. Application fees are non-refundable and must be paid before your appointment.

3.      Get all your documentation ready. You will need:

•  A valid passport

•  Appropriate applications . These can be obtained through an Embassy or Consulate or at www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov.

•  Documents to support the application detailing employment, reason for travel and financial status

•  Proof of payment of fees

 

Remember, as in the past, the consular officer may require additional information or application forms.

 

If you are a student applying for a visa to study in the U.S., talk to the U.S. academic institution or exchange program sponsoring you to obtain all the forms you will need to present with your application.  

 

•  Submit your application, passport, and supporting documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  

Your application will then be reviewed by the consular officer and, in many cases, by officials in Washington, D.C. For most applicants, the visa is issued within a few weeks. There is no guarantee of obtaining a visa.

 

•  In some cases, additional reviews will be required. Your information is submitted and checked in the world's foremost security database, which includes comprehensive information drawn from both U.S. and foreign law enforcement agencies worldwide. If your name or a close variation indicates security concerns, the process will be delayed. Additional steps will vary from requests for additional interviews and information to official registration and fingerprinting.   This may add at least 4–6 weeks to the processing time.  

Registration upon arrival in the United States is mandatory in many cases but registration can be required in any case regardless of country of origin. See www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov for the most current information about who is affected by this requirement.  

6. A visa allows you to travel from your country to a port of entry in the U.S. In many cases, that port of entry will be the airport where you land.   On the airplane you will be asked to complete a short arrival/departure form.  

When you deplane, follow directions for non-citizen entry.   At the airport, a U.S. official will interview you and verify all of your paperwork.

Once admitted, you will receive an immigration stamp and proceed to baggage claim and U.S. Customs.

 

You may be informed by the consular office before leaving your country if you will be subject to special clearance procedures.  

Some travelers may be directed to private workstations in the arrivals hall, where special registration, photos and electronic (ink-less) fingerprints will be taken. Additional interviews and verification processes will also be conducted.

 

We want to ensure that the visa application process is straightforward for people who want to come to the U.S. to study, visit, and conduct business.

 

It is true that some things have changes.   Recent events have required the U.S. to modify and   intensify some of its policies to ensure safety and security.   As a nation, the U.S. is working harder than ever to identify and deny entry to those who mean harm to our country.

Many things have not changed.   The United States of America is still a nation where diversity is celebrated and people from all over the world are welcome.   Today, we-like most other countries-are working to keep our borders secure while we maintain the freedom to exchange ideas, enrich lives and keep businesses thriving.

 

We hope you enjoy your visit to the U.S.   We look forward to having you here.

*

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

It is important to remember that visa processing and operations can vary depending on local circumstances.  

 

• Some consulates require that personal interviews and appointments be scheduled in advance, and some interview applicants on a walk-in basis at specific, posted times.  
• The time it takes to process your visa also can vary significantly depending on type of visa and circumstances in the country or region.   Therefore it is important that you contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as you know you need to travel to the U.S.
• Policies and regulations worldwide will continue to change as new security measures are put into place. Visit www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov on a regular basis for updates and changes that could affect your travel plans.

 

For a list of Web sites of U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, and for comprehensive information about U.S. visa policies and procedures, please visit www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov.

 

Entering the United States

US-VISIT is a top priority for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security because it enhances security for our citizens and visitors while facilitating legitimate travel and trade across our borders.  US-VISIT helps to secure our borders, facilitate the entry and exit process, and enhance the integrity of the immigration system while respecting the privacy of our visitors.  

US-VISIT is part of a continuum of security measures that begins overseas and continues through a visitor's arrival to and departure from the United States.  It incorporates eligibility determinations made by both the Departments of Homeland Security and State.  

In those cases where a visa is issued by the Department of State, biometrics such as digital, inkless fingerscans and digital photographs allow the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether the person applying for entry to the United States is the same person who was issued the visa by the Department of State.  Additionally, the biometric and biographic data are checked against watchlists, improving the Department of Homeland Security's ability to make admissibility decisions as well as the Department of State's ability to make visa determinations.

US-VISIT currently applies to all visitors (with limited exemptions) holding non-immigrant visas, regardless of country of origin.  

By September 30, 2004, US-VISIT procedures will be expanded to include visitors traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) arriving at air and sea ports of entry.

An extension is being sought to an October 26, 2004 deadline set in the Enhanced Border Security Act of 2002 for countries in the VWP to certify that they have programs in place to issue their nationals machine-readable passports that incorporate biometric identifiers that comply with standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). According to the mandate, any passport issued on or after October 26, 2004, must be an ICAO-compliant travel document that uses biometrics, if the bearer applies for admission into the United States under the VWP.   Due to technical challenges, few countries will be able to meet that October 26, 2004 deadline. Therefore, a two-year extension is being requested to make it possible for countries to comply with this mandate.    

On August 9, 2004 President Bush signed H.R. 4417, which extends the deadline by which new passports issued must be biometrically enabled for one year, to October 26, 2005.

Entry Procedures

• Many of the entry procedures in place today at air and seaports remain unchanged and are familiar to international visitors.  When a visitor arrives through an air or seaport, they are enrolled in US-VISIT as part of the primary inspection process.  Once land border processing is operational, if the visitor arrives with a visa through a land border they will be enrolled in US-VISIT at the secondary inspection area. (This does not initially apply to those Mexicans who use their Border Crossing Cards for trips under 72 hours and within the 25-mile border zone.)
• The new, inkless digital "fingerscanner" is easy to use.  Visitors first put the left index finger, then the right index finger on a glass plate that electronically captures their fingerscans.
• Visitors will also look into a camera and their digital picture will be taken.  
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers will review travel documents and ask questions about the visitor's stay in the United States.
• The biometric enhancements to the entry procedures add minimal time to the process -- an average of 15 seconds in most cases.
• Biometric identifiers also protect our visitors by making it virtually impossible for anyone else to claim their identity should their biometrically-enhanced travel documents (such as a visa) be stolen or duplicated.

For more information go to http://www.dhs.gov/ and
http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_novisa_waiver.html

Revised 4/9/07