3rd June 2008

New regs for kiwi visitors to US 'bureaucracy gone mad'

New travel regulations for Kiwis visiting the United States have been criticised by Green Party Human Rights Spokesperson, Keith Locke, as 'bureaucracy gone mad'.

The new regulations, due to be announced overnight, will require New Zealanders intending to visit the States to register online at least three days beforehand. New Zealanders currently do not require a visa to visit the United States.

"It is another example of bureaucracy gone mad in the name of the so-called 'war on terror'," Mr Locke says.

"It's over-the-top and will cause innumerable problems for business people, Kiwi tourists making last minute travel changes, and anyone rushing off to funeral.

"The Bush administration's anti-terrorist paranoia seems to have no bounds.

"Our Government should not stand by meekly by and allow this to happen without protest. We should join with other affected countries to put an end to this silliness."

Other 'visa-free' countries whose citizens are required to register include those in most of western Europe as well as Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Japan, and Singapore.

ENDS

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