U.S. to Drop Visa Rule for British Visitors

British travelers will no longer need a visa to visit the United States next year, officials of both countries said today.

The decision soothes a long-standing British irritation, inasmuch as Britain does not require U.S. visitors to have similar visas.

Officials said the change is part of a pilot program to drop visa requirements for eight countries, beginning with Britain and Japan. They would not identify the other six.

“There are a number of technical issues to be settled but we hope the new arrangement can come into force at the turn of the year,” said a spokesman for Britain’s Foreign Office.

A U.S. Embassy official said less than 2% of British and Japanese visitors cause problems on U.S. visits, such as abusing the length of stay.

When the program is implemented, British travelers will be required to have only a valid passport and a return ticket. They may stay in the United States for a maximum of 90 days. A visa will still be required for those proposing to work or live in the United States.

The U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that last year the embassy issued 690,000 non-immigrant visas to Britons.