More changes to Visa Waiver Program are now in effect

Last month we informed you of changes to the Visa Waiver Program, including the prohibition of certain individuals from using Visa Waiver if they had traveled to Iran, Iraq, Syria or the Sudan in the past five years, or if they are dual nationals of those countries. On February 18, 2016, DHS announced that it was adding Libya, Somalia, and Yemen as three countries of concern, and limiting the Visa Waiver Program travel for certain individuals who have traveled to these countries. DHS did not make any additional changes regarding dual nationals of Libya, Somalia and Yemen and left open the possibility of adding more countries of concern in the future.

The Visa Waiver Program is administered through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization ("ESTA"), which has made changes to its online application in response to the changes in the Visa Waiver Program. Customs and Border Patrol ("CBP") announced on February 23, 2016 the revised online application contains additional questions to address the travel eligibility requirements discussed above. CBP also noted that an updated ESTA application with additional questions on travel to Libya, Somalia and Yemen will be released in the spring and will also address exceptions for diplomatic and military-related travel.

You can read last month's update on the Visa Waiver Program here.  If you have questions about the changes to the Visa Waiver Program, please contact the attorneys at Iandoli Desai & Cronin P.C. at info@iandoli.com.