TRAVEL NEWS
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Aussie tourists to register for US entry
The US Government is imposing tougher restrictions on Australians wanting to visit America.
Australia is currently one of more than two dozen countries that enjoy visa waiver rights for short-term travel to the US.
But from the beginning of next year Australians wanting to travel to America will have to register with the US Government at least three days in advance.
US Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff says the move will help identify potential terrorists.
"It's very important to us to remain a welcoming country to visitors and business travellers and students from around the world, at the same time, recognise the importance of maintaining vigorous security standards," he said.
"Recent intelligence has underscored the fact that Al Qaeda and similar extremists are attempting to recruit operatives who blend in to western society."
Travellers will not be allowed on planes or cruise ships unless they produce this new US Government authorisation.
Source: au.news.yahoo.com
Australia is currently one of more than two dozen countries that enjoy visa waiver rights for short-term travel to the US.
But from the beginning of next year Australians wanting to travel to America will have to register with the US Government at least three days in advance.
US Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff says the move will help identify potential terrorists.
"It's very important to us to remain a welcoming country to visitors and business travellers and students from around the world, at the same time, recognise the importance of maintaining vigorous security standards," he said.
"Recent intelligence has underscored the fact that Al Qaeda and similar extremists are attempting to recruit operatives who blend in to western society."
Travellers will not be allowed on planes or cruise ships unless they produce this new US Government authorisation.
Source: au.news.yahoo.com
