New Visa Waiver Program Changes Go into Effect
The changes to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) have officially gone into effect, making it more difficult for certain travelers to enter the United States.
Citizens from the 38 countries that participate in the program will now be required to obtain a visa before coming into the United States if they have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria since March 1, 2011, or hold citizenship in one of those four countries.
To obtain a visa, they must file an electronic form with Homeland Security, including personal and past travel information.
Before the changes were made, some 20 million people traveled to the United States each year under the VWP, which allowed them entry for 90 days or less.