Press Releases
DECLARATION MARKS ENHANCED COOPERATION
BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND CROATIA
ON SECURITY MEASURES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
January 23, 2009
Zagreb, January 16, 2009 -- On January 16, 2009, Croatia’s Ambassador to the United States Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Policy Stewart Baker signed a Declaration regarding cooperation on enhanced security measures for international travel. These measures, which include issuance of electronic passports and sharing information to improve border security and border screening, represent progress toward meeting the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The U.S. and Croatian governments will continue to work to build on this progress.
The United States applauds Croatia for its commitment to improving travel security. In addition to serving Croatia’s own security interests, implementation of the travel security measures in the Declaration and a low visa refusal rate are among the prerequisites for participation in the VWP, which allows citizens of VWP participant countries to travel to the United States for tourist or business trips of 90 days or less without a visa.
The assessment as to whether Croatia or any country may be admitted to the Visa Waiver Program encompasses careful analysis of a number of factors, including security and policy considerations. Meeting statutory requirements for membership in the VWP, such as a low visa refusal rate, does not guarantee a successful candidacy for VWP membership.