NBTA Applauds Visa Waiver Program Expansion
ALEXANDRIA, VA, November 17, 2008. The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) today praised the expansion of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to include seven new countries: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia. NBTA has been a long-time supporter of the VWP, which enables travelers from those countries to travel to the United States for 90 days or less for business or pleasure without obtaining a formal visa.
NBTA Executive Director & COO Bill Connors, CTC, commented, "The expansion of the Visa Waiver Program marks a victory for NBTA and the global business travel community. The visa-free travel made possible by the VWP enables the free flow of commerce between the United States and its most important business and trade partners around the world, while at the same time strengthening security measures to protect our nation."
NBTA - with members in more than 30 nations, regional affiliates based in Australia and Brazil, and partner organizations throughout Europe - has been a leading advocate of strengthening the VWP. Last month, NBTA's efforts were recognized with an invitation to represent the corporate travel industry at a White House Rose Garden event to acknowledge the advancement of the VWP. (See https://www.nbta.org/About/News/Releases2008/rls101708.htm.)
Beginning January 12, 2009, eligible citizens from all VWP countries must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States. ESTA is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States within 72 hours under the VWP. NBTA is currently working closely with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure solutions for last-minute travelers and those who arrive at the airport unaware of the new program are considered.
Other nations that participate in the WVP include: Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
For more information about the VWP and ESTA, visit http:/www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html.
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