Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has announced that the United States of America is contemplating expanding its Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to include four additional countries.

Visa-Free Travel Possibility

If the decision is made, nationals from these countries will have the opportunity to visit the USA without the need for a visa. Instead, they will only be required to register through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) by completing a simple online form.

Potential Candidates

The potential countries for inclusion in the VWP consist of three member states of the European Union (EU) and Israel.

• EU Member States: Most EU countries are already part of America's VWP. Citizens from all countries within the Schengen Area, along with Ireland and Croatia, currently benefit from visa-free travel facilitated by the ESTA.
  
  
• EU Countries under Consideration: However, three EU countries that are not yet included in the VWP are Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania. These countries are currently under consideration for inclusion.
  
  
• Israel: After ongoing negotiations between Israel and the US government, Israel is also being considered for inclusion in the VWP.

Advantages and Impact

Enabling citizens of these countries to enter the US without a visa by using the ESTA system would greatly simplify travel procedures and contribute to a boost in the US tourist industry.

Speaking at a travel industry event, Secretary Mayorkas stated, "We have four candidates in the pipeline: Israel, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania." He emphasized the significant economic and security benefits associated with the expansion of the VWP and reiterated the US government's commitment to the idea, expressing their unwavering focus on the program.

Inclusion of All European Union Countries in the US Visa Waiver Program

The European Union (EU) consists of 27 European countries, with 22 member states also being part of the Schengen Area. These countries have been enjoying the benefits of the United States' Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for some time, except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania.

Current Status

The Schengen countries, including the Republic of Ireland, have long been members of the US VWP, allowing their citizens to travel to the United States without a visa. Croatia became the most recent addition in September 2021, bringing the total number of VWP countries to 40.

Remaining Exclusions

Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania are the only EU member states whose citizens are still required to apply for a US visa to enter the country. This has prompted the European Commission (EC) to advocate for the inclusion of these three countries in the US VWP.

Progress and Discussions

In February 2021, US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and EC's Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson held talks, expressing their interest in maintaining the US-EU Passenger Name Record Agreement and working towards the qualifications for the Visa Waiver Program with Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania.

Economic Benefits

The addition of Croatia to the VWP has already had a positive impact on the US economy, with a $100 million boost, according to Travel Association Chief Executive Roger Dow. The inclusion of more countries in the VWP is expected to further stimulate travel and tourism between the United States and the EU.

Addition of Israel to the US Visa Waiver Program

Israel has been actively advocating for its inclusion in the United States Visa Waiver Program. In August, discussions took place between Alejandro Mayorkas, the US Secretary of Homeland Security, and Israel's US ambassador. Additionally, a meeting between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett addressed the matter.

Biden's Commitment to Bilateral Cooperation

During the meeting, President Biden expressed his administration's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Israel for the mutual benefit of both US and Israeli citizens. One of the areas highlighted was working collaboratively to facilitate Israel's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program.

The US Visa Waiver Program

The United States Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to enter the US for tourism, business, or transit purposes without obtaining a traditional visa. Instead, they are granted authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This streamlines travel procedures, promoting easier and more efficient entry into the United States.

Potential Benefits of Israel's Inclusion

Israel's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program would bring significant advantages to both Israeli and US citizens.

• Streamlined travel: Israeli citizens would be able to visit the US for tourism, business, or transit purposes without obtaining a traditional visa, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
  
  
• Enhanced bilateral relations: Inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program would facilitate greater cooperation between the US and Israel, fostering stronger economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties.
  
  
• Boost to tourism and business: Simplified travel arrangements would likely lead to an increase in tourism and business activities between the two countries, benefiting both economies.
  
  
• Facilitated exchanges: Easier entry into the US would encourage academic, scientific, and cultural exchanges between Israeli and American institutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing..

Understanding the Benefits of Membership in the US Visa Waiver Program

The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) offers a convenient and hassle-free way for eligible travelers to visit the United States of America without the need for a traditional visa. Currently, the program includes 40 countries whose citizens can enjoy visa-free travel for tourism or business purposes. Moreover, individuals can transit through the USA without a visa.

Visa-Free Travel and ESTA Registration

Passport holders from participating countries can enter the US and stay for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. To take advantage of this opportunity, visitors must register their details online to obtain the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waiver. The registration process is quick and simple, usually taking just a few minutes. Once registered, the individual can enjoy visa-free travel to the US for the next 2 years.

Requirements for Joining the VWP

For a country to join the Visa Waiver Program, it must meet specific criteria and standards set by the United States. These requirements primarily focus on the following areas:

1. Counterterrorism
2. Law enforcement
3. Immigration enforcement
4. Document security
5. Border management

Department of Homeland Security's Criteria

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the requirements include maintaining a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate below 3%, issuing secure travel documents, and actively collaborating with US law enforcement and counterterrorism authorities. These measures ensure the safety and security of both the participating countries and the United States.

By adhering to these standards and guidelines, countries can strengthen their relationship with the United States and provide their citizens with the valuable opportunity of visa-free travel to America.