March 10, 2003

Uruguay Terminated from the Visa Waiver Program as of April 15, 2003; Additional Determinations Made by the Attorney General on Belgium, Italy, and Portugal

The Visa Waiver program permits nationals from designated countries to apply for admission to the Untied States for ninety (90) days or less as visitors for business or pleasure without first obtaining a nonimmigrant visa. The Attorney General conducted evaluations of the designations of Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and Uruguay as participants in the Visa Waiver program, and determined that Uruguay’s status in the program will be terminated. After April 15, 2003, Uruguayans traveling to the United States for legitimate business or pleasure must obtain a non-immigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy prior to arrival in the United States. The Attorney General terminated Uruguay’s participation in the program because it “is inconsistent with U.S. interest in enforcing the immigration laws of the United States because there are high intercept and overstay rates for Uruguayans.”

Belgium will be permitted to continue in the program for an additional year, with another evaluation to be conducted at that time to determine whether Belgium’s participation is in the U.S. interest.

Italy will continue to be designated as a program participant, without change.

Portugal will continue to be designated as a program participant, with certain Department of State action regarding the timeliness of reporting lost or stolen passports by the Government of Portugal.

  Federal Register (PDF/52 kb, 4 pages)