- November 2008
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International
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United States extends Visa Waiver Program for 7 countries
On October 17, 2008, President Bush announced that seven allied countries—Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and South Korea—would be added to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Beginning as early as mid-November, citizens from those nations can travel to the United States without obtaining a visa, provided they register online in advance and possess a biometric passport.
The Bush administration has sought to reward U.S. allies through its visa-free travel program, but has faced opposition from some U.S. lawmakers who believe the visa waiver program could make it easier for terrorists to enter the country.
Before last month’s announcement, the VWP included 27 countries, including most of Western Europe.
Sources: Associated Press, travel.state.gov, Washington Post
Argentina to charge entry fee to visitors
While official details had not yet been released at the time of this writing, news sources have reported that beginning January 1, the Argentine government plans to begin charging an entry fee to visitors arriving from countries that charge Argentines a similar fee.
This new fee will apply to visitors from the United States, Canada, and 20 other countries. U.S. citizens are expected to be charged USD $131, which is the equivalent of what the United States charges Argentine visitors. The fee will cover re-entry for a 10-year period.
Officials estimate that Argentina will collect roughly USD $40 million annually, with those funds being used to modernize immigration services.
Sources: www.argentinepost.com, www.news.yahoo.com
