Latin American travellers will bear the brunt of a sudden decision by officials in Washington to require some foreign passengers to hold a visa when connecting or transiting through US hubs.
Citing "credible security threats", the Department of Homeland Security and State Department suspended a programme begun in 1952 that waived visas for those foreigners who would otherwise need them when they connect through the USA to another country.
In early August, the USA suspended this waiver until early October, but said it could extend or make the suspension permanent.
US carriers will be most seriously affected by this change, since they offer through-fares from Latin America over their US hubs to other destinations. An estimated 200,000 Latin Americans transit through Miami each year en route to Canada or Europe. As many as 40% of these travellers are Mexican. Many more connect at other US hubs, including Houston, where Continental Airlines expressed concern about the impact of the rule.
Latin Americans are now seeking other routes to reach their overseas destinations. This could be a boon for local South American or European carriers that can fly over or bypass the USA, as well as Air Canada.
The suspension does not apply to passengers from 27 "visa-waiver" countries, mostly in Europe and the Far East, who may still enter the USA on a passport only. Passengers most affected are those from Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, the Philippines and Peru. Brazil's foreign affairs ministry, irritated at Washington's unilateral move, is threatening to charge US visa applicants the $100 fee now being charged by the USA.
DAVID KNIBB SEATTLE AND DAVID FIELD WASHINGTON
Source: Airline Business
