United States: Restrictions to “Visa Waiver Program”

Some travelers who did not need a visa to enter the United States - beneficiaries of the “Visa Waiver Program” - will henceforth be subject to more restrictions. Beginning 21th January 2016, citizens of the 38, mainly European countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, who were able to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, must now apply for a visa if they have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Syria since March 1, 2011. They must also obtain a visa if they are dual Iranian, Iraqi, Sudanese or Syrian nationals.

From 18th February 2016 the countries mentioned are expanded by Libya, Yemen and Somalia.

For more information, refer to the US foreign representation or see the following website:

US Department of State: travel.state.gov

Auswärtiges Amt: www.auswaertiges-amt.de