The United States has expanded its counter-terrorism travel restrictions and is now excluding foreign visitors who have recently traveled to Libya, Somalia or Yemen from the visa waiver program. Such travelers will be required to apply for and obtain regular visas.
Libya, Somalia and Yemen join Iran, Iraq, Syria and Sudan on a list of nations that have such deep connections with terrorist activities that travelers require full scrutiny, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Thursday.
"The addition of these countries is indicative of the Department’s continued focus on the threat of foreign fighters," DHS said.
Exemptions to the travel restrictions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
As a general matter, categories of people who may be eligible for a waiver include those who travel on behalf of international organizations or humanitarian NGOs, journalists, and those have urgent business or medical reasons for visiting the United States.
