March 17, 2008

United States and Hungary Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Hungarian Participation in the Visa Waiver Program

On March 17, 2008, in Washington DC, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and  Ambassador of Hungary Ferenc Somogyi signed the Memorandum of Understanding outlining the principles of Hungary's inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

 

Statement by the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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.
 

Hungarian Ambassador Ferenc Somogyi and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff signing the Memorandum of Understanding

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.
 

Handshake after sealing the agreement: Ambassador Somogyi and Secretary Chertoff

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 travelers will not be required to attend an interview at the United States Embassy.  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.
 

Ambassador Somogyi delivers his remarks after the signing

Students, temporary workers, diplomats and journalists wishing to enter the territory of the United States still need to request the relevant visa at the United States Embassy in Budapest.
 

Secretary Chertoff and Ambassador Somogyi answering the questions of the press

Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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.
 

Secretary Chertoff, Ambassador Somogyi, Assistant Secretary for Policy Stuart Baker, Lithuanian Ambassador Audrius Bruzga

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.