Embassy Officers Engage with Slovak Students on Visa Waiver, U.S. Elections

October 8, 2008

With many of the requirements for Slovakia's entry into the Visa Waiver Program met -- and the U.S. Presidential elections just four weeks away -- eleven embassy officers traveled to 21 high schools throughout Slovakia on October 7 to explain both issues to students and local media. While unable to confirm an exact date when Slovaks may begin to travel to the U.S. without a visa, the officers were able to clarify that Slovakia is very likely to qualify and visa-free travel could begin as early as January. Altogether the American officers spoke to over 1,000 students during the day. Several of the officers gave interviews to local television stations after speaking to students, explaining the requirements for traveling on the Visa Waiver Program: a biometric passport and an electronic travel authorization (ESTA) obtained beforehand on-line. Students and media also asked about the important issues facing the United States in the upcoming elections and how U.S.-Slovak relations might change.