U.S. Embassy Denies 'Fake News' on Visa Rule Changes

Reports of new countries being added to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), including Lebanon, are “false,” the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon said on Friday.

“No new countries have been added, and Lebanon is not currently part of the Visa Waiver Program,” the Embassy said in a statement.

It warned against “opening any emails, opening links or emails, or responding to any email or announcement purporting to have information about changes or additions.”

“The full list of countries whose citizens or nationals are currently eligible for the VWP is available at travel.state.gov (full link: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visa-waiver-program.html),” the Embassy added.

It also reminded that the U.S. Department of State is “committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States for qualified individuals, through a transparent and efficient visa application process,” encouraging visa applicants to “visit travel.state.gov for more information about U.S. visas.”

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries who meet certain requirements to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.