The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits nationals from designated countries to apply for admission to the United States for ninety (90) days or less as visitors for business or pleasure without first obtaining a nonimmigrant visa. This interim rule summarizes the evaluations of the Attorney General related to the participation of Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and Uruguay in the VWP. The Department of Justice, in consultation with the Department of State, has determined that: (1) Belgium will be allowed to continue participating in the VWP on a provisional basis for one year, with another evaluation to be conducted at that time to determine whether Belgium's continued participation in the VWP is in the law enforcement and security interests of the United States. In addition, after May 15, 2003, citizens of Belgium who wish to travel to the United States under the VWP must present a machine-readable passport issued by the Government of Belgium. (2) Italy will continue to be designated as a VWP country without change. (3) Portugal will continue to be designated as a VWP country, with the Department of State taking appropriate action. (4) Uruguay will be be terminated from the VWP because Uruguay's participation in the VWP is inconsistent with U.S. interest in enforcing the immigration laws of the United States because there are high intercept and overstay rates for Uruguayans. Nationals of Uruguay who intend to travel to the United States after April 15, 2003, for legitimate business or pleasure must acquire a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy prior to their arrival in the United States.
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