Changes to the Visa Waiver Program Will Protect Travelers

The United States began implementing changes under the "Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015" (the Act)

This act prohibits the following customer from travelling under Visa Waiver Program, and needs to apply for non-immigrant Visa.

Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen on and after March 1, 2011
Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria

However, for those who have traveled to the area as official duty of an International organization,regional organizations and sub-national governments, Journalist for reporting purpose, legitimate business-related purpose to Iran and Iraq, may receive a waiver determined case by case. Any traveler that matches the above condition, please contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

The U.S. Department of State designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) on January 12, 2021

With limited exceptions, a traveler who is found to have visited Cuba on or after this date is not eligible for travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and must apply for a visa to travel to the United States. Additionally, a traveler who at the time of application for an ESTA holds dual nationality with both a VWP country and Cuba is not eligible for travel under the VWP using an ESTA and must apply for a visa to travel to the United States.