On July 6, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) updated the existing Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application to add questions focusing on an applicant’s travel and connection to Cuba,...more
On June 29, 2021, the U.S. Department of State extended the period of validity for national interest exceptions (NIE) for travelers entering the United States from an area subject to ongoing COVID-related travel bans. ...more
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) now allows travelers admitted under the Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”)/ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (“ESTA”) to make Satisfactory...more
As a result of the March 11 Presidential Proclamation suspending the entry to the United States (U.S.) of immigrants and nonimmigrants (Proclamation), who have been physically present in the Schengen Area during the 14-day...more
As the holiday season approaches, international travelers should expect busy airports, Consulates and U.S. Ports of Entry. We encourage ALL travelers to plan ahead to minimize delays when traveling abroad and entering the...more
On Monday, November 11, Poland became the newest country admitted to the Visa Waiver Program, which was authorized by Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan on November 6. Inclusion in the program...more
Poland will be the 39th country in the Visa Waiver Program, starting November 11, 2019, which allows for visa-free travel to the United States for up to 90 days for business or pleasure. On November 6, 2019, Acting...more
Poland will become the 39th member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) on November 11, 2019. Polish citizens and nationals will be able to apply to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90...more
1. What is the VWP? The VWP is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department. ...more
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) updated the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website on August 5, 2019. According to a notice posted on the ESTA homepage at the time of the update, all ESTA applications...more
The days of spontaneously traveling to Europe on a whim are coming to an end for U.S. citizens. For many years, U.S. citizens have been able to travel to most European countries with only a valid U.S. passport as a travel...more
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) is encouraging international travelers to apply for Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA) as early as possible, but no later than 72 hours before they plan to travel to the United...more
It’s 9:30 pm on a Sunday and you just got a call on your cell from U.S. Customs & Border Protection (“CBP”) at LAX. A Vice President from one of your foreign offices has been spending a lot of time here lately developing...more
Vacation season is just around the corner. Whether you are a visa holder, tourist or U.S. permanent resident, having the proper documentation is essential to your international travel. Discovering an expired document too...more
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen has announced new security measures applicable to all countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP allows citizens or nationals of 38 participating...more
Vacation season is just around the corner. Whether you are a visa holder, tourist or U.S. permanent resident, organizing your travel documents is a critical part of international travel. Discovering an expired document too...more
Travel to the United States, with its new immigration enforcement-minded administration, will require foreign travelers to be even more aware of the rules governing border protection, and take advantage of the travel programs...more
On February 21, 2017, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released two memoranda signed by DHS Secretary Kelly addressing immigration enforcement. While a sitting President cannot independently modify laws or regulations...more
At the end of 2016, the U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) implemented a rule to include questions concerning social media accounts of travelers to the United States during the Visa Waiver Program screening process (VWP)....more
Last month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began implementation of the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. In addition to making several important changes to the Visa...more
Further details have emerged regarding new U.S. rules restricting use of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for dual nationals of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Sudan, as well as individuals who have traveled to these countries within the...more
On January 21, 2016, the United States began implementing changes under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who have traveled to...more
On December 18, 2015, President Obama signed the “Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015” into law. On January 21, 2016, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State...more
VWP nationals who have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria since March 1, 2011, or who hold dual nationality with one of the countries are no longer eligible for the VWP....more
On December 18, 2015, President Obama signed the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016” (H.R. 2029) into law. The law includes several important changes to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that are fundamentally identical to...more