Business/Tourist Visa Waiver for Belgians Available Only With Machine-readable Passport

Effective May 15, 2003, only those citizens of Belgium who possess a machine-readable passport may travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”). The new machine-readable passports being issued by the Belgian government contain embedded security features that allow for more effective screening.

The VWP permits nationals from specific countries to apply for admission to the United States for up to 90 days, for business or pleasure, without first obtaining a nonimmigrant visa at a United States Consulate of Embassy. The Departments of Justice and State have determined that Belgium will be allowed to continue participating in the VWP on this provisional basis for one year. At the end of that year, Belgium will be evaluated in order to determine if its continued participation in the program altogether meets the security interests of the United States.