The Memorandum of Understanding signed today by Ambassador Ferenc Somogyi and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff signals the first important stage of the process whereby the United States is to qualify Hungary to participate in the Visa Waiver Program, while further administrative steps are needed for the emergence of a final agreement. These are the meeting the criteria of a very low non-immigrant refusal rate (below ten percent of the applicants), the conclusion of the protocols on practical co-operation and the necessary legislation by the U.S. Congress, etc.
On this basis, it is most likely that Hungarian citizens will be able to enjoy the benefits of the Visa Waiver Program by the end of the year or by the start of 2009.
It is important to note that the simplified entry procedure – which the Visa Waiver Program means - will only apply to tourists. In the future tourists should send their personal data via internet to the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the U.S. Embassy and receive Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) via the same route. These travellers will not be required to attend an interview at the United States Embassy and neither will it be necessary to present documents hitherto required: birth certificate, bank statement, etc. At the same time immigration officials at American airports are still authorised to question passengers, take their fingerprints on arrival as well as requesting that a disembarkation form is filled out. Besides this, immigration officials are authorised, in accordance with every state’s unwritten but rightful law, to turn away anyone without providing a reason if they see fit to do so.
If someone wishes to enter the territory of the United States for the purposes of a family reunion, diplomatic service or official meetings, etc. then it will be necessary to request the relevant visa at the United States Embassy in Budapest.
The Foreign Ministry judges that the hereby signed Memorandum of Understanding takes into account in its entirety the visa policy recommendations of the European Union. Hungary has continuously consulted the European Commission and has done everything to ensure that common practices are not abused. Nevertheless it is regrettable that a common EU position has not emerged as yet in respect of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
The Foreign Ministry underlines that free travel is a fundamental right of every citizen and for this purpose it is advisable to meet the security criteria of the United States, such as reporting the theft or loss of passports, the introduction of more secure travel documents, air marshals on transatlantic flights and the enhanced security at airports.
(March 17th, 2008)