| Press Statement Sean McCormack Washington, DC June 3, 2008 Question Taken At June 3, 2008 Daily Press Briefing European Reaction to Changes in the Visa Waiver Program (Taken Question)QUESTION: Have European officials told the Department they will consider reciprocal action for Americans traveling without visas in response to new Visa Waiver Program traveler requirements, announced by the Department of Homeland Security? If so, would the United States oppose such a policy imposed on American citizens traveling to Europe? ANSWER: The Department of Homeland Security is the lead U.S. agency on revisions to the Visa Waiver Program, including establishing an Electronic System for Travel Authorization. We would refer general questions about the program to that agency. We note that the European Commission has discussed publicly creating its own electronic travel authorization system and we would not oppose the creation of such a system. In addition, the Visa Waiver Program is an agreement the United States enters into bilaterally with each respective member country. 2008/453 |
 | |||
|
