Press Releases
U.S. President George Bush Announces Expansion of the Visa Waiver Program
On October 17, 2008 U.S. President George Bush announced expansion of the VWP to include 7 new countries – including Latvia. For years the President has regularly articulated his desire to extend the privilege of visa-free short term tourist and business travel to the United States to the citizens of our closest friends and allies.
During a visit to Estonia in November 2006, he announced a legislative initiative to meet this goal. Many of the changes the Administration sought were enacted as part of the “Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007,’ which the President signed into law in August 2007. Information on the actual timetable for the start of visa free travel to the United States will be released soon.
U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Charles Larson said, “We are pleased that President Bush has announced the expansion of the Visa Waiver Program to include Latvia. Latvia has been a consistent friend and partner of the United States standing shoulder to shoulder with us in Iraq and now in Afghanistan. This is another great step in the already strong relations between our two nations.”
For more information on the Visa Waiver Program visit:
- President Bush discusses the visa waiver program
- U.S. Department of State
- US Department of Homeland Security
- Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
U.S. Embassy, Riga, Public Affairs Section
Smilšu iela 7
Rīga, LV 1050
Phone: 371 6750-9022
Internet: riga.usembassy.gov
Media specialist's e-mail: dilanes@state.gov, kreilek@state.gov