DOS Cable on Extension of VWPP
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS IMMEDIATE
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
POUCH BUJUMBURA
Unclas State 076596
Visas, Inform Consuls
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT
Subject: Congress Extends Visa Waiver Pilot Program
Ref: (A) 97 State 185725 (B) State 24984
1. Congress has extended the Visa Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP) through April 30, 2000. President Clinton signed the legislation on April 27, 1998. Posts may inform inquirers that qualified travelers from the 26 participating countries listed in Para 5 may continue to enter the U.S. visa free.
2. Please note there may be legitimate reasons why travelers may seek visas rather than enter the U.S. under the VWPP. For example, they may wish to remain in the U.S. more than ninety days, enter via a non-VWPP carrier or enter frequently for business or medical treatment. The mere fact that a visa applicant could enter the U.S. visa free should not be considered a negative or positive factor. Each application should be adjudicated based upon its individual merits as would any case.
3. Posts are reminded that only citizens of Great Britain (with a British passport indicating UK citizenship) may enter the U.S. on VWPP.
4. VWPP travelers must meet the following conditions:
- They are traveling for business or pleasure (B-1/B-2 status)
- They will stay in the U.S. for ninety days or less (no extensions or changes/adjustments of status are allowed)
- They enter the U.S. via a land border or aboard a participating carrier (for a current list, see Reftel B)
- They have an onward or return ticket if traveling by air or sea
- They have no visa ineligibilities
5. The Department requests that posts in countries which participate in VWPP remind host governments that diplomats being assigned to the U.S. need a diplomatic visa (A) and may not/not enter on VWPP to begin their official duties.
6. The 26 countries participating in the VWPP are:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunel, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
Talbott