This was published 8 years ago
US visa rule changes for Australians: Certain Aussies no longer eligible for US visa waiver program
The US is tightening its Visa Waiver Program to make it harder for citizens of some countries to visit.Credit: AP
Australians who have recently visited parts of the Middle East and Africa will now need a visa to enter the US.
From today, Australians who have been to Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan since March 2011, as well as dual citizens of those countries, will no longer be eligible to enter under the visa waiver program.
The Smartraveller website has been updated with the changes.
The latest advice updated on 21 Jan 2016 states:
"Australians who are dual citizens of Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan, or any Australians who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan since 1 March 2011 will no longer be eligible to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) travel authorisations under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa (see Entry and exit. The overall level of this advice has not changed. We continue to advise Australians to exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America, including Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands."
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The changes mean Australians who are dual citizens the above countries, or have travelled to to these countries since 1 March 2011, will no longer be eligible to apply for an ESTA to enter the US under the waiver program. Those who have previously been issued an ESTA are likely to have it revoked.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of member countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. VWP travellers are required to apply for authorisation though the ESTA before arriving on US soil. Australia is a member country under the VWP.
Australians who are affected by the change will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.
The changes were included in a bill passed by the US Congress last month amid concerns terrorists could take advantage of the program.
The US on Thursday began implementing restrictions to its waiver program under a law passed after last year's Paris attacks that makes it harder for citizens of some countries to visit. Several of the Islamic State attackers who killed 130 people in France held European passports that would have allowed them to easily enter the US under the former system.
AAP, Reuters with Traveller.com.au
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