Homeland Security Department
This rule updates the DHS practice for notifying the public of countries designated for participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It amends the definition of "designated country" by referring to countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) has designated for VWP participation and noting that a list of such countries is available on the public-facing DHS VWP website. This rule does not alter which countries have been designated for the VWP or the criteria for initial and continued designation as a program country. This update refers the public to the applicable website www.dhs.gov/ visa-waiver-program and will allow DHS to update designations more efficiently and expeditiously.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Homeland Security 8 CFR Part 217 AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ACTION: Final rule; technical amendment. SUMMARY: This rule updates the DHS practice for notifying the public of countries designated for participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It amends the definition of “designated country” by referring to countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) has designated for VWP participation and noting that a list of such countries is available on the public-facing DHS VWP website. This rule does not alter which countries have been designated for the VWP or the criteria for initial and continued designation as a program country. This update refers the public to the applicable website www.dhs.gov/​visa-waiver-program and will allow DHS to update designations more efficiently and expeditiously. DATES: This final rule is effective on December 23, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anjum Agarwala, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans; VWP Office (202) 790-5207. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Pursuant to section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1187 , the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may designate certain countries as VWP countries if certain requirements are met. [ 1 ] Once a country has met the requirements and been designated by the Secretary as a program country, eligible citizens a…
Citation: 89 FR 105391
