Public Affairs - Visa Waiver Program

Protecting the Visa Waiver Program is a top priority for TIA. Consequently, TIA is working hard to educate new Members of Congress about the critical role the program plays in promoting international travel to the U.S. We are ensuring that the 109th Congress is hearing your concerns on this pressing Travel Industry issue.

For more information, please visit Visa Waiver Fact Sheet.

TIA Commends State Dept. Initiative
TIA praised the U.S. Department of State for an addition to its new travel Web site that improves service to visa applicants. State recently created a Web page that announces on a city-by-city basis how long it is likely to take for a visa applicant to get an interview. "When fully implemented this will be a tremendous help to international travelers," TIA President & CEO William S. Norman commented. "Accurate information inspires confidence and confidence should make the U.S. a more attractive destination." Click here to view the State Department's new Web page.
 
TIA Announces Worldwide Travel Information Campaign  
During a luncheon briefing on government security deadlines for an influential group of reporters, TIA announced a new worldwide information initiative. With new security requirements pending within weeks, TIA will leverage all of its U.S. and overseas resources to inform travelers about how the new security measures will affect them. "We're pleased that Congress and the Administration are implementing new security rules in ways that improve security while also promoting inbound travel," TIA's Elyse Wander, senior vice president, Public Affairs & Member Programs, told reporters. "TIA's biggest priority now is getting the word out around the globe to make sure travelers understand the changes."

Travel Industry Reaps Another Washington Victory
TIA and its allies in Washington applauded an announcement by the U.S. Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, Robert Bonner, of a new "Pledge to Travelers." Bonner explained it as, "our commitment to the traveling public that they will be treated with courtesy and respect at all our ports of entry." The action is largely the result of the travel industry's ongoing efforts to create a warm welcome for international visitors. Click here to read Commissioner Bonner's statement to the media.

Administration Extends Time Limit for Mexican Travelers 
In early August, the Administration extended the time limit for short-term visitors from Mexico entering the U.S. using a border-crossing card, or BCC. Previously, Mexican visitors crossing the border with a BCC were limited to a stay of no longer than 72 hours. The new interim rule permits these same short-term visitors to remain in the U.S. for up to 30 days without having to complete an I-94 form and pay a small fee. Click here for more information about this decision.

TIA Members Lobby Congress  
Twenty-one TIA members marched to Capitol Hill February 26th to lobby Members of Congress and their staffs on a number of travel industry concerns. TIA set up the Congressional meetings and briefed participants on the issues and on how to effectively lobby Congress. Issues raised with Members of Congress included a new requirement for biometric information on visitors' passports, federal support for marketing the U.S. as an international travel destination and federal highway funding legislation.