News: Could the US visa waiver programme be facing the axe?

Flights > News > # 934 (30/08/2006)

The Sun has reported today that the visa waiver programme (VWP) for British tourists visiting the United States could be scrapped following the alleged plot to bomb transatlantic flights.

The newspaper claims that the US government fears the programme, which enable UK passport holders to visit the US for 90 days without needing a visa, makes it too easy for British terrorists to launch attacks on US-bound planes.

A Washington source told The Sun: “Everything is now under consideration in terms of tightening security. One of the easiest ways to get into America — or board a flight to the States — is by having a UK passport. Protecting America, Americans and American interests is the No1 priority.”

Any change to the VWP would have a hugely damaging effect on the US tourism industry - over six million Brits travel to the US every year, but many would think twice if they had to go through the hassle and cost of obtaining a visa first.

Fifteen people have been charged in connection with the alleged suicide bomb plot to blow up airliners. Five others are still in custody. After the plot was uncovered on August 10, the US raised its terror threat level to red — meaning severe risk of attack — for flights from the UK. It has now been lowered to orange — high.

The story goes on to report that many US security experts believe Britain now presents a greater security threat than Afghanistan, Iran or Iraq due to the number of “home grown” extremists who can dodge background checks due to the VWP.

The Foreign Office issued a statement saying: “We work closely with the US to ensure that new measures are introduced with a minimum of disruption and maximum of safety.”