US releases list of countries no longer eligible for visa waiver

The United States has updated statutory guidelines for its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), confirming that travelers who have visited or hold dual nationality with specific countries are no longer eligible to enter the country under the visa-free scheme.
The Visa Waiver Program typically allows citizens of participating nations to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa. Eligible travelers must, however, secure approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.
Under structural changes maintained via the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, certain travelers who would otherwise qualify for visa-free entry must instead apply for a standard visitor visa.
The restrictions target specific countries based on travel history or dual citizenship status.
The restrictions apply to nationals of participating Visa Waiver Program countries who have traveled to or been physically present in the following nations on or after March 1, 2011:
 

Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen
 

Additionally, individuals who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, are similarly excluded from visa-free entry.
Limited exceptions exist for individuals who traveled to these regions strictly for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP-member government.
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program nations who also hold valid citizenship or dual nationality with any of the following countries are completely ineligible for an ESTA waiver:
 

Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria.
 

The updated guidance means that any affected traveler—even when holding a passport from a primary Visa Waiver Program country like the United Kingdom, Japan, or an EU member state—must apply for a standard Visitor (B) Visa through a US embassy or consulate before booking transit.
Travelers who remain fully eligible for the program face no changes but must maintain a valid ESTA approval, hold a biometric e-passport, and limit their stay to a maximum of 90 days.