In response to terror attacks in Paris in November 2015, the United States (US) has adopted security focused reforms to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows nationals of 38 mostly developed countries—such as France, the United Kingdom, and Japan—to temporarily visit the country without a visa.  According to new rules, the VWP will not be applicable to  individuals who since January 2011 have traveled to Syria, Iraq, Iran, or Sudan (and other countries to be designated in the future). Visa waiver is also abolished for individuals possessing dual citizenship of a country included in VWP and of Syria, Iraq, Iran, or Sudan.

Further information on the United States Department of State webpage, the analysis of Migration Policy Institute, and news in the Wall Street Journal and The Guardian.

For more information on the current and past citizenship legislation in the US, check out our country profile page.