Security cooperation and expectations of Uruguay with the Visa Waiver program
Over the past few months, the cooperation between the United States and Uruguay in the field of security, an effort that brings the South American country closer to its insertion into the Visa Waiver program. This program would allow Uruguayan citizens travel to the United States without obtaining a visa. Although there is still no precise date for its definitive implementation, the US embassy considers that “the country is on the right track«, in the words of Ambassador Heide Fulton.
Advances in agreements and data sharing
Uruguay’s incorporation into the Visa Waiver program is subject to multiple factors, including the effective implementation of the bilateral agreements signed throughout 2023 and progress in the information exchange required by the United States government. In November, the United States Department of State reported that the visa rejection rate for non-immigrants from Uruguay stood at 2.63%figure lower than the required threshold of 3%.
Ambassador Fulton highlighted the importance of this figure, but emphasized that “There are other aspects of implementation focused on information sharing and other arrangements that we have to continue advancing to achieve the achievement«. According to the diplomat, Uruguay has made investments and has signed agreements aimed at exchanging information that will prevent the crossing of borders by individuals with international alerts.
Improvements in border control and benefits for Uruguay
Fulton stressed that The rejection rate achieved is «just one aspect» of the entry requirements for the Visa Waiver program. The purpose of the program is facilitate visa-free travel to the United States once Uruguay meets all the requirements, which include the control over population movement, passport and visa surveillanceand a effective border monitoring.
The ambassador expressed confidence that these steps “will benefit Uruguay in terms of border security» as well as in the «control of the flow of people«. Furthermore, the implementation of these controls could «prevent criminals from entering or being in Uruguay without the knowledge of the authorities«, offering a «double benefit» to the country. However, an exact date for Uruguay’s formal entry into the program has not yet been established.
Political perspectives and continuities in relationships
Regarding the change of presidential administration in the United States, Fulton expressed his hope that the management of Donald Trump maintains focus on the issues previously worked on with Uruguay. Although it is in a period of transition, the ambassador believes that «We will continue to focus on these issues because they are important for both countries«.
Simultaneously, Uruguay is also experiencing a government transition. On March 1, Yamandú Orsi will assume the presidencysucceeding Luis Lacalle Pou. Fulton met with the president-elect recentlyhighlighting the importance of continuing to strengthen bilateral relations on key issues such as democracy, security and trade. In a message on social network X, Orsi thanked the meeting and stated that they will continue working together.
This strengthening of relations through cooperation in security and other areas reflects a mutual commitment of both countries to achieve common objectives that benefit its citizenswhile awaiting a positive conclusion of Uruguay’s entry process into the Visa Waiver program.
