BUSINESS

INSIGHTS ON U . S . LEGISLATIVE ISSUES AND INDUSTRY TOPICS

THE NATIONAL TOUR ASSOCIATION has long been a strong supporter of the Visa Waiver Program , a traveler-screening system administered by the U . S . Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the U . S . Department of State .

The program allows for reciprocal visa-free travel for up to 90 days between participating partner countries . It is only applicable to specific countries where the United States has indepth security and information-sharing agreements , and a coordination of law enforcement .

The VWP is funded through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization program , which was congressionally mandated by the 9 / 11 Commission Act of 2007 . ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of international travelers wishing to enter the U . S . and charges successful applicants a $ 10 fee .

The VWP provides great value to the United States ’ long-standing goals of attracting both business and leisure travelers , while also prioritizing national security . Through this program , the United States benefits from better information-sharing systems among participating countries ’ intelligence and law enforcement agencies .

This includes screening all travelers against INTERPOL databases and an increased utilization of fraud-resistant e-passports containing biometric information . These facets of the VWP make the country safer while also keeping its doors open to international visitors .

When President Donald Trump released his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2019 in mid-February , it included a travel-related provision that would divert some funds from ESTA . Currently , funding flows from ESTA to the Visa Waiver Program , the Corporation for Travel Promotion ( known as Brand USA ) and other recipient programs .

The Trump budget proposal would reallocate some funds from Brand USA and use them to support U . S . Customs and Border Protection passenger inspection activities . Last year , when the administration proposed a similar diversion of ESTA funds , the travel and tourism industry strongly opposed this . NTA and other tourism leaders are already deeply engaged with legislative allies and friends of the industry on this issue .

NTA aims to ensure that all federally funded facets of travel and tourism have sufficient resources to be able to fully function . NTA will continue to support the Visa Waiver Program and believes it will not only bolster tourism , but also strengthen the nation ’ s security .

Furthermore , as information is shared between the U . S . and the VWP ’ s partnering countries , the relationship between the countries is strengthened .

NTA understands that President Trump and the administration place the highest priority on maintaining secure travel systems , and the association remains poised to work with the administration and Congress to maintain the highest levels of safety .

But NTA believes Congress should ensure that any reforms to the Visa Waiver Program be crafted carefully and with the numerous security advantages in mind . NTA continues to engage with lawmakers and to monitor movement on this issue .

Signal Group is a Washington , D . C ., lobbying firm retained by NTA to advise members about travel-related issues and legislation .

VWP partner countries

Citizens or nationals of the following countries are currently eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program :

For more information , visit the U . S . Customs and Border Protection website : cbp . gov / travel / international-visitors / visa-waiverprogram .

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