Senator Barnes hopes that China and Russia will soon be included in the ESTA program.
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25 March 2011
Senator Barnes lobbies for China, Russia inclusion to ESTA program
Senator Tina Rose Muña Barnes, who chairs the Guam Legislature's Committee on Tourism, urged Governor Calvo and Congresswoman Bordallo to continue to pursue the addition of China and Russia in the US Visa Waiver program for Guam.
The US Visa Waiver program allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the US with only an online ESTA, rather than the more lengthy and costly process of applying for a US Travel Visa which requires a visit to the US Embassy.
The addition of China and Russia to the ESTA program would increase tourism and revenue in a time when Guam’s economy is increasingly being squeezed.
Senator Barnes said: “Gas prices are rising, tourism numbers are falling and everyday, people are working harder, earning less, and paying more. With a nearly 30 per cent drop in visitor arrivals from Japan expected in the short-term, our economy may soon force people out of work and into welfare.
"A China Russia Visa Waiver Program is critical to our economy and it is the surest way to keep our economy strong."
The American Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with their US Visa to the US Embassy.
