The U.S. State Department recently implemented changes to the Visa Waiver Program, which include heightened visa restrictions. As a result, visa waivers will no longer be available to travelers in 38 countries. Some European and Asian countries are among those impacted.

Additionally, this Act also requires that all VWP travellers use an electronic passport for travel to the United States by 1st April 2016.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection have recommended travellers check their visa status before visiting the United States. You can check your visa status at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/.

Under the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, the following categories of travellers will no longer be eligible to travel or be admitted to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

• Nationals of VWP countries who have been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria after March 1, 2011. (There are limited exceptions for diplomatic or military travel purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.
• Travellers who are known to fall into the dual national category noted above will have received notice via email on or around 21st January 2016 that their current ESTA is no longer valid.

More information about changes to the Visa Waiver Program is available on the State Department website.