March 7, 2003 - As of April 15, 2003, the Department of Homeland Security will remove Uruguay from the list of countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program ("VWP"). Citizens of countries participating in the VWP are eligible to apply for temporary visitor entry to the United States for periods of up to 90 days, without having to first obtain a "B-1" or "B-2" visitor's visa from a U.S. Consulate abroad.

The reason cited is the high incidence of Uruguay nationals attempting to overstay their 90-day period of admission under the VWP. As a result of Uruguay 's de-listing, all Uruguay nationals must now apply for a "B-1" or "B-2" visa from a U.S. Consulate abroad before making any U.S. visit, regardless of how short the duration. This is true even for Uruguay nationals who have made prior successful U.S. visits under the VWP. Uruguay nationals currently present in the United States under the VWP may remain in the United States until the time already accorded to them upon entry (indicated on the green "I-94W" cards placed in their passports).

The decision on Uruguay coincides with a decision to continue the VWP Program for Belgium, Portugal and Italy. However, Belgium's renewal comes with one limitation: after May 15, 2003 only Belgium nationals with machine-readable passports will be allowed to avail themselves of VWP travel.

Source: Federal Register, Volume 68, No 45, March 7, 2003.