US Congress limits visa-free travel as part of 2016 spending bill

The US Congress has struck a massive spending deal for 2016 including a measure that will tighten travel restrictions for foreign citizens entering the United States without a visa.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers included the measure in a $1.149 billion spending package agreed to late Tuesday that will cover federal expenditures through September 30, 2016, the end of the fiscal year.

The text includes legislation approved by the House of Representatives last week which requires visitors from the 38 “visa waiver” countries to obtain a visa to travel to the US if they are also dual nationals from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Sudan. A final vote is slated for Thursday.

It would also exclude anyone from the “visa waiver” nations -- including much of Western Europe -- who has traveled to those four countries in the past five years.

The House version also would require countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which include much of Western Europe, to share information with Washington about terror suspects.

Such foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa prior to their visit to the US through standard measures, including face-to-face interview at a US consulate.

About 20 million people visit the United States each year without a visa for stays of less than 90 days, including about 13 million Europeans.

Some members of Congress voiced opposition to the bill, warning that European countries would take reciprocal measures against US travelers.

However, supporters of the measure in Congress argued it is vital for the national security of the United States in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris.

Last week, the US State Department lent support to congressional efforts to restrict visa-free travel to the United States.

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