Taiwan Designated for Participation in the Visa Waiver Program

On October 2, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, designated Taiwan for participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This designation will enable eligible citizens, nationals and passport holders from Taiwan to apply for admission to the United States at a U.S. port of entry as a nonimmigrant alien. Individuals participating in VWP, who are otherwise eligible for admission, will be able to enter the U.S. for a period of ninety days or less for business or pleasure without having to first obtain a nonimmigrant visa.

The addition of Taiwan to the Visa Waiver Program will take effect on November 1, 2012, when a rule is published in the Federal Register updating the list of countries designated for participation in the program.