FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DAG FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1995 (202) 616-2777 TDD (202) 514-1888 VISA WAIVER PROGRAM EXTENDED TO IRELAND WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Beginning April 1, most visitors from Ireland will be able to visit the United States without a visa, the Department of Justice's Immigration and Naturalization Service announced today. The Administration designated Ireland for inclusion in the nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP) for an initial period of up to three years. At the end of the three years, the arrangement can be made permanent, although the legislation which authorized the waiver program must be renewed next year. The program permits nationals of the designated countries to apply for admission to the United States as visitors for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without having to obtain nonimmigrant visitor visas from U.S. embassies and consulates. Since its inception in 1988, permanent waivers have been granted for 22 nations: all of the countries of Western Europe except Portugal, plus Japan, New Zealand and Brunei. Applicants must not be persons who are prohibited by U.S. law from entering the United States. The programs are reciprocal, meaning most U.S. citizens will not need visas now to visit Ireland. Nations are chosen to participate in the program on the basis of a low visa refusal rate and a determination that nationals of those countries generally pose no threat to the health, safety, welfare, or security of the United States. ##### 95-147