You Might Not Need A Visa To Travel To US Soon

In 18 months, Malaysians may not need a visa to visit the US.

themalaymailonline.com

The Home Ministry is confident that Malaysia will fulfil the requirements of the United States' visa waiver programme (VWP) sooner than predicted.

During his visit to Malaysia in April, US President Barack Obama said his government was prepared to work with Putrajaya to included Malaysia in the VWP, which allows citizens of participating countries visa-free travel to the US for stays of 90 days or less, for the purpose of tourism or business.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries* to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements explained below. Travelers must be eligible to use the VWP and have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel.

state.gov

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries* to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements explained below. Travelers must be eligible to use the VWP and have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel.

state.gov

If you are eligible to travel on the VWP, but prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

state.gov

Even though citizens of VWP nations may be granted visa exemption, these travellers are still subjected to certain requirements before boarding a US-bound air or sea carrier, including having first received approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta).

The Immigration Department is working to upgrade its systems to comply with US guidelines and the programme is expected to be completed by end of next year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced today.

themalaymailonline.com

Dr Ahmad Zahid said among the improvements to be undertaken by Malaysia was implementation of the Advanced Passengers Screening System (APSS), which is expected to be rolled out by the middle of this month.

It is learned that the APSS is one of several new security protocols being put in place at the entry points of the country following the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. The APSS is said to enable the authorities to quickly check the background of people at the entry points.

“During President Obama’s visit recently, he estimated that the process would take a year-and-a-half but we are confident with the current system at the Immigration Department here, we will only need to upgrade a couple of things and we are confident we can implement it within a shorter amount of time,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters after the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly here.

themalaymailonline.com

He said some of the areas to be improved in the Advanced Passengers Screening System (APSS), and to have a scanner for all documents.

themalaymailonline.com

"It (the visa waiver programme) may be implemented in phases, starting with business visitors and followed by tourists," Dr Ahmad Zahid said.