An officer from the Transportation Security Administration checks travel documents for passengers traveling through Reagan National Airport November 25, 2015 in Arlington, Virginia.
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — After recent extremist attacks, the United States is to tighten security procedures for its visa waiver program for visitors from friendly countries, the White House said Monday.
Among other measures, travellers who are eligible to come to the United States without a visa will henceforth be screened for prior travel to any country deemed a “terrorist safe haven.”
US federal agents will also work with the authorities in countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free travel to help them collect biometric data.
And US “foreign fighter surge teams” will deploy to areas where there is a concern that jihadists returning from war zones may seek onward travel to the United States.
In a fact sheet announcing the measures, the White House appealed to Congress to help fund further security measures for visitors from the 38 visa-waiver countries.