WASHINGTON -- New rules related to U.S. visitor visas go into
effect today.
The Travel Industry Association and other industry entities were
unsuccessful in stalling the new State Dept. regulations that
require U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to conduct
-- with few exceptions -- in-person interviews with potential
visitors applying for U.S. visitor visas.
The government, citing security issues, wanted to get a better
handle on visitors entering the country.
However, the TIA and others expressed concerns that the new
mandate would overwhelm staff at under-funded U.S. consulate
offices and adversely impact inbound tourism.
To contact reporter Michael Milligan, send e-mail to [email protected].