President George W Bush has demanded the new US visa requirements for nations of US visa -waiver countries be easy and comfortable for travelers. According to the new regulations, tourists from France, Germany, Switzerland, Britain, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Singapore, New Zealand, Japan and Australia are required a three day’s advance online registration.

The government will ask for the same information that travelers usually fill out on the I-94 card, which includes questions about passport number, country of residence, disclosure of communicable diseases or involvement in terror activities to be filled out online before their flight.

SBS World New Australia reports that according to the State Department website, the visa waiver program was created in 1986 “with the objective of eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry,” and allowing the government to “focus consular resources in other areas.”

The new rules, to take effect in January, will require three days’ advance registration and aim to make it more difficult for potential terrorists to enter the United States from various countries, including France, Germany, Switzerland, Britain, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Singapore, New Zealand, Japan and Australia.

The President is quoted commenting on these new regulations.

“But look, I am concerned that people say, well, America no longer wants us to come, when it’s the exact opposite of my personal point of view and the view of my government,” Bush said.

Photo:© Rubin421

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