The United States has updated its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), making travellers who have visited certain countries or hold dual nationality with them ineligible for visa-free entry into the country.

The revised policy affects citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows eligible travellers to visit the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

Under the programme, travellers are still required to secure approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.

Miyetti Allah Leader Docked Over Alleged $2.63 Million Laundering

According to the US government, the changes were introduced under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, which requires certain travellers who would ordinarily qualify for visa-free entry to instead apply for a US visitor visa.

The updated restrictions apply to individuals who have travelled to or been present in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.

The policy also covers travellers who have visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, making them ineligible for visa-free travel under the programme.

However, the US government noted that limited exemptions are available for individuals who travelled to those countries while carrying out official diplomatic or military duties on behalf of a Visa Waiver Program member state.

In addition, citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who also hold citizenship of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria are no longer eligible to travel to the United States under the visa waiver arrangement.

Affected travellers must instead apply for a B-category visitor visa through a US embassy or consulate before travelling.

The US government advised eligible travellers who remain qualified under the Visa Waiver Program to obtain a valid ESTA approval before departure and ensure they comply with all programme conditions, including the maximum stay of 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

The latest update forms part of ongoing efforts by US authorities to strengthen border security and tighten travel screening procedures for individuals considered to pose potential security concerns.