Response to We the People Petition on Ukraine Visas
Thank you for your petition, and for participating in the We the People platform.
The Administration is committed to the expansion of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows nationals of designated member participants to come to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. The requirements for a country's designation as a VWP member are set by U.S. law, which include, but are not limited to, a visitor visa refusal rate of less than three percent for tourist and business travelers (B visas) during the previous fiscal year, issuance of biometric ICAO compliant e-passports, reciprocal visa free travel for U.S. citizens and nationals, and other factors.
We appreciate the fact that U.S. citizens are able to travel visa free to Ukraine for 90 days for business or pleasure. However, countries are required to meet a number of statutory requirements to participate in the VWP. Ukraine does not meet most of the current statutory requirements at this time. The Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of State, continues to have discussions with Ukraine regarding the requirements for entry into the Visa Waiver Program. And on April 25, 2014, in recognition of our close relationship with the people and Government of Ukraine, the Department of State launched issuance of 10-year visas for citizens of Ukraine. Previously, Ukrainians could apply for five-year validity visas. Ukraine joins other European neighbors and partners of the United States -- Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Croatia -- in receiving the longest-validity visa available under U.S. law.
The United States continues to support the Government of Ukraine in its efforts to stabilize its economy, further develop democratic institutions, and strengthen the rule of law. We also will continue to stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's aggressive actions, and support the aspirations of the Ukrainian people for a secure, democratic, prosperous, European future.
