VISA-free travel to the US may become a reality for Malaysian citizens in 18 months’ time or less.
Malaysian daily The Star today reported home minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi saying he was confident that the immigration department will be able to meet the conditions necessary for Malaysia to qualify for the US visa waiver programme (VWP) “sooner than expected”.
Travellers from countries under the VWP can enter and remain in the US for up to 90 days for tours or business.
Desmond Lee, group managing director of Apple Vacations & Conventions, said: “Getting a US visa currently takes four to five working days. But waiting for one’s turn at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to get called for a face-to-face interview can take between two to three hours. This part is a hassle for many.”
He added that applicants have to pay close to RM580 (US$180) for a visa, which is non-refundable even for a rejected application.
Anticipating stronger interest among Malaysians for holidays in the US once visa-free travel is introduced, Lee said his company will create more awareness of destinations on US coast at the upcoming MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur this September.
This is a new destination for the company, which has always promoted west coast cities s such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Separately, Brand USA is gearing up to launch an all-new culinary campaign in Asia. The NTO will bank on the US’ gastronomic offerings to entice Asian travellers to visit (TTG Asia e-Daily, June 5, 2014).
