Washington -- Travel industry leaders hailed legislation that President Bush signed into law Friday as a major step forward in improving procedures for travelers entering the United States.
"This is the most significant travel reform since 9/11 and sends a clear message to our friends around the world that we want them to visit and they will have a positive experience when they arrive," said Roger Dow, chief executive of the Travel Industry Association.
Jonathan Tisch, chairman of the Travel Business Roundtable and chairman and chief executive of Loews Hotels, said, "This important legislation tightens security while allowing for millions more business and leisure travelers from overseas to come to the U.S."
The law, which adopts recommendations by the 9/11 Commission, contains two provisions designed to smooth entry into the United States without compromising security.
One provision expands the number of countries eligible to apply for participation in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens from countries that are part of the program to enter the United States without first obtaining visas in their home countries.
Under the previous rules, visitors from countries not participating in the program were required to apply in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home countries and pay a $100 application fee. Applicants could wait up to 90 days to obtain visas -- or receive notification that their application had been rejected.
The other provision creates a program at the country's top 20 airports for inbound travelers designed to reduce waiting times for those passing through U.S. Customs checkpoints. The program adds at least 200 additional officers.
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