Compliance initiatives launched for travelers on Visa Waiver Program

Two new digital features introduced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection are intended to encourage compliance by foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program and prevent them from overstaying.

Key points:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection will now send email reminders to travelers in the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program 10 days before expiration of their period of lawful admission (I-94). The email will be sent from the email address: Staycompliance-donotreply@cbp.dhs.gov.
• Additionally, travelers may check the number of their remaining days on the I-94 website under the “View Compliance” tab by entering their name and passport information.

Background: The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals of 38 participating countries to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days for business or tourism without needing to obtain a visa at a U.S. Consulate before travel. Travelers must register and obtain an Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a flight.

BAL Analysis: Individuals traveling to the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program may use the date-calculation tool on the I-94 website and should expect to receive a reminder email 10 days before their lawful stay will expire. U.S. CBP is also warning travelers to watch out for phishing or other email scams from senders other than the official email address.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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