Breaking News

The US insists on the introduction of new security features for European passports. They see electronically stored fingerprints and other biometric data in EU passports as an urgent measure for the fight against terrorist threats. A present it looks like fingerprints and face form will be electronically stored. Within two and a half years, the US and the EU want to agree on the regulations for this. Until then, Congress is supposed to extend the visa-free travel option for most EU citizens.

Up to now, the US had made the visa-free option for most EU citizens contingent on the fact that they have such electronic chips on their passports until October 26, 2004. Now the American government is planning to extend this deadline for two more years. Congress has to approve this. However, each country is to evaluated separately. Important for this valuation are the respective country's border controls and the number of rejected visa applications.

The development remains interesting.

Visa Waiver Program and EU accession countries

Over the past days we are receiving questions from nationals of the EU accession countries who want to know whether they will qualify for the Visa Waiver Program once their countries have joined the European Union.

Unfortunately, this will not be the case! Whether or not a country qualifies for participation in the Visa Waiver Program is not contingent on EU membership alone but will be determined case by case by the US government. Especially immigration numbers and the citizens' income plays an important role. Greek citizens, for example, still cannot use visa-free travel for the US until this day.

Please note:

Even spouses of nationals of Visa Waiver countries may need a visa to go to the US.

US Visa: Questions and consulting

Do you have any questions concerning application processes at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services or the US consulates? Or do you need individual consultation? Our experts of our visa and consular service offer fast and comfortable advice via our hotline. Or use our free contact form on our website.