DHS Tightens Visa Waiver Program Rules

passportVisitors to the United States from countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will be required to provide additional data fields of information in the travel application submitted via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), the Department of Homeland Security reports. The move was effective November 3.

DHS Secretary Johnson said the new information sought includes additional passport data, contact information, and other potential names or aliases.

"We are taking this step to enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program, to learn more about travelers from countries from whom we do not require a visa," Johnson said. "We are also confident these changes will not hinder lawful trade and travel between our nation and our trusted foreign allies in the Visa Waiver Program."

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is administered by DHS and enables eligible citizens or nationals of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.

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