While protesters continue to gather at American airports across the nation following the Trump administration visa ban, airlines scramble to comply with the order, with some carriers’ airline crew even affected.
With the new executive order stopping immigration to the USA from blacklisted countries of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, DFAT has also issued advice to Australians who have travelled to those nations in the past six years.
Under the Trump travel ban, those who have visited the seven countries since 2011 would no longer be allowed to apply for an ESTA to enter the US under the the Visa Waiver Program.
In addition, Australians who are dual citizens of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria are no longer eligible to apply for an ESTA to enter the United States under the VWP. Any of these Australians who have previously been issued an ESTA are likely to have the ESTA revoked, as stated on DFAT’s Smarttraveller website. All those affected will have to apply for a non-immigrant visa at a US embassy or consulate.
“The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive these travel restrictions on a case by case basis for travellers,” the website states.
The controversial rules to be enforced for the next 90-days has also left airlines scrambling to ensure no passengers on board would be affected by refusal of entry once landing in the US.
Qantas said it will offer refunds to any passengers caught up in the immigration freeze and would change its processes and booking systems to suit new requirements, the Australian reports.
“Passengers booked on Qantas for travel to the United States who use a passport from Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Libya have a number of options, including a change to their destination or a refund,” Qantas said in a statement, the paper reports.
A spokeswoman for Virgin Australia told the ABC the airline always advised international travellers to ensure they had the documentation required to enter their chosen destination.
Meanwhile, Emirates has been forced to amend pilot and cabin crew rosters for services to the US, and Etihad are also offering refunds or re-bookings to affected travellers.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told the Australian officials are in talks with US counterparts to get clarity on how the order may affect Australians.
“The Australian embassy in Washington is engaging with US officials on the potential implications of the suspension for Australian travellers, including dual nationals,” a spokeswoman said in a statement, per the paper.
“Travellers should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the United States for the most current information,” the spokeswoman added.
On a brighter note, Airbnb are offering free accommodation to refugees and travellers banned from the US. Co-founder Brian Chesky tweeted saying the ban on people from seven Muslim majority countries is “not right”.
“We must stand with all those who are affected,” Mr Chesky said.
Airbnb is providing free housing to refugees and anyone not allowed in the US. Stayed tuned for more, contact me if urgent need for housing
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) January 29, 2017
Not allowing countries or refugees into America is not right, and we must stand with those who are affected.
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) January 29, 2017
