On October 29 in Riga, Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff announced that effective November 17, 2008 citizens of Latvia will no longer require visas to enter the United States. In order to travel to the U.S.without a visa, a biometric passport of Latvia is required. Under the program, visitors are allowed to remain in the U.S. for a maximum of 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Prior to departing to the United States, visitors from Latvia will have to complete the electronic travel authorization (ESTA) application. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia has compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding the visa-waiver program (in Latvian). In addition, the U.S. Embassy in Riga has compiled information in English on the entry requirements for travelling to the United States.