Written on 7th December 2017

The UK Foreign Travel Office (FCO) has updated the travel advice for the USA

Updated on: 7 December 2017 @ 15:42

On 24 September 2017, the US announced new immigration measures for nationals of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, as well as some Venezuelan government officials and their families. For the latest information check the websites of the US State Department and the Department of Homeland Security. If you’re travelling on a British passport with the correct travel documents, you aren’t affected by these measures.
However, you must apply for a visa to enter the US if you’ve travelled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011 (with some exceptions) or are also a national of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria. All entry requirements can be accessed via this link: Entry Requirements
Please contact your dedicated Travel Executive for any further information regarding this matter.

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From 21st January 2016 most people who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria since March 2011, or are dual nationals of these countries, will no longer qualify for entry under the VWP and existing ESTAs could be revoked. You will instead need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If in doubt please contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

Also, from 1st April 2016, all travellers wishing to enter the US under the VWP will need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport).  Approved ESTAs for entry into to the US for those who have previously travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, and Syria, or for those who hold dual nationality of these countries, could be revoked from 21st January 2016 following a change to the VWP qualifying rules. You are advised to check with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate before travelling to determine if you need to apply for a visa.

The overall level of FCO advice for the USA has not changed and there are no travel restrictions in place.

The full FCO travel advice for USA can be accessed via this link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa

Please contact your dedicated Travel Executive for any further information regarding this matter.

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