What’s New on Visa & Travel
2010
- As of January 4, 2010, HIV infection will no longer be an ineligibility when foreign citizens apply for a visa to travel to the United States. Additionally, HIV testing will no longer be required for medical examinations for visa purposes. Further, applicants who are HIV-positive will no longer require waiver processing by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Review the travel.state.gov HIV Questions & Answers to learn more.
2009
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On December 14, 2009, the Department of State published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to increase the nonimmigrant visa application processing fees, also called the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee, and Border Crossing Card (BCC) fees. The proposed rule also establishes a tiered structure with separate fees for different visa categories. [read full proposal]
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On October 30, 2009, President Obama announced the government’s intention to remove HIV from the list of diseases that automatically trigger a visa refusal.
“Twenty-two years ago, in a decision rooted in fear rather than fact, the United States instituted a travel ban on entry into the country for people living with HIV/AIDS. Now, we talk about reducing the stigma of this disease — yet we've treated a visitor living with it as a threat [...] And that’s why, on Monday my administration will publish a final rule that eliminates the travel ban effective just after the New Year." remarks in full | Video - As of January 12, 2009, all nationals or citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure will require an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP. The online approval is based on the traveler’s passport number and is valid for up to two years unless the passport expires earlier.
2008
- As of December 30, 2008, eight new countries have been added to the list of countries that can travel under the Visa Waiver Program. More
2007
- New Online Visa Appointment System (May 11, 2007)
- DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) launched on February 20, 2007
- Important Notice for Greek Passport Holders (February 2, 2007)
2006
- New EU Security Regulations for Carry-on Baggage, October 26, 2006.
- Kinderreisepässe issued on or after October 26, 2006 NOT valid for visa-free travel
- New Security Measures for Travels to the U.S. | Prohibited Items
- Munich’s Non-Immigrant Visa Section to Open July 5, 2006
- FAQ: Visa Waiver Program Travel – Machine-Readable and Biometric Passports, Extended Validity and Emergency and Temporary Passports (April 4, 2006) | pdf version
- As of May 1 German temporary/emergency passports will no longer be valid for travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). (March 21, 2006)
2005
- The Visa Information Service is offering a new Credit Card payment service. In addition, the 0190 – Service number will changed to 0900 on January 2, 2006. (December 21, 2005)
- Changes to U.S. Visa Application Procedures Starting August 1, 2005
- TSA Adds Lighters to List of Items Prohibited Beyond Airport Checkpoints (February 28, 2005)
2003
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Suspension of Transit without Visa Program (August 2, 2003)
