DOS Cable on Expiration of "Indefinite" Burroughs Visas

UNCLASSIFIED STATE 153916
R 192222Z AUG 05
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE
SUBJECT: BURROUGHS VISAS INVALID AS OF APRIL 1, 2004
REF: 9 FAM 41.112 Note 2.7

1. Consular officers are reminded that all Burroughs visas with indefinite validity had their validity limited to 10 years by regulation, 22 CFR 21.112(b)(2). Therefore, no Burroughs visas have been valid since April 1, 2004. Posts should reach out to local airlines, immigration authorities, and other relevant agencies to remind them of this fact.

2. The last indefinite-validity Burroughs visa was issued on March 31, 1994. In order not to inconvenience travelers, it was decided at that time to allow persons with valid Burroughs visas to continue to use them for 10 years from date of issuance, and a regulation was promulgated to this effect. During this 10-year period, immigration inspectors were able to admit persons carrying Burroughs visas one last time, but were to instruct travelers to obtain a new visa for any subsequent trips to the United States. All indefinite-validity Burroughs visas became invalid after March 31, 2004. All other Burroughs visas should also have expired by that time.

3. The Department has received reports of travelers still attempting to enter the United States using Burroughs visas, often fraudulently. Posts should remind local airlines, travel agents, immigration authorities, and others that Burroughs visas are no longer valid for entry into the United States, and any traveler attempting to enter with a Burroughs visa will be denied admission at a port-of-entry.

RICE