After Paris attacks, US tightens visa norms for visitors from friendly countries
Washington announced that anyone coming in from countries for which visas are waived will have to declare if they have previously travelled to places such as Syria, where terror groups have a large presence.
The United States has decided to tighten security procedures for those coming in from ‘friendly countries’ that do not require a visa, officials told Agence France-Presse on Monday. Washington said it would ask more questions to those coming in from friendly countries, in addition to the already stringent procedure it follows for those from war-torn areas. Officials said there would be special efforts by the intelligence wings from both the US and its allies to provide more information on “foreign fighters” coming in from places like Syria.
The US’ decision is a direct consequence of the Paris attacks on November 13, in which several of the gunmen and suicide bombers were French and Belgian citizens. People from these two countries, as well as several other allies, are allowed to visit the US without a visa. Travellers will now be required to declare if they have visited any countries that the US believes harbours terrorists. The US also plans to step up security at its borders and airports.
