U.S. Lifts Ban on Visas for AIDS/HIV-Positive Visitors

President Barack Obama has started the process to lift the ban on the issuance of visas to visitors and immigrants with AIDS or diagnosed as HIV-positive. 

The ban has been in force since 1987, when HIV/AIDS was added to the list of diseases which meant that those affected were excluded from entering the U.S.  

According to the latest reports it will take another month or two before it is all finalised, so the New Year looks set to bring good news to the many who will, at last, be able to enter the U.S.

Those travelling from the UK under the Visa-Waiver Programme should start reading up on the visa requirements under the new Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) rules.  The Foreign and Commonwealth office website provides excellent information and links.