U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorcas said the United States is considering adding four countries to its visa waiver program that allows citizens to come to America without a visa for up to 90 days. This was reported by Reuters.
"We have four candidates: Israel, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania. We are very focused on the program," Mallorcas said Tuesday at a travel industry event.
In September, the U.S. added Croatia to the visa-free program. Roger Doe, executive director of the U.S. Travel Association, said Tuesday, adding that Croatia is a $100 million boost to the U.S. economy. "Every time you add one of these countries, travel just booms," Doe said.
Mallorcas spoke with the European Commission Commissioner for Home Affairs in February, and both "expressed their continued interest in supporting the U.S.-EU Passenger Name Registration Agreement and working with Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania to meet the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program".
