61 STAT.] NETHERLANDS-PASSPORT VISAS-July 230,1947 3839 Aug. 20. 1947 3 The American Embassy to the Xetherlands Ministry of ForeignAffairs No. 101 The Embassy of the United States of America presents its compli- ments to the Royal Netherlands Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and has the honor to acknowledge with pleasure the Ministry's Note No. 63638 of July 30, 1947, regarding the decision of the Netherlands Government to waive from the 15th of August, 1947, all visa require- ments for American citizens who are the rightful bearers of valid American passports and who wish to proceed to the Netherlands either for a short stay or for transit. It is understood that the waiver does not apply to the Netherlands overseas territories and that Netherlands legislation concerning so- journ, establishment and employment of foreigners remains applicable to American citizens as before. Pursuant to instructions from the Department of State, the Embassy may now inform the Ministry that American Consular Officers are being instructed, effective September 1, 1947, to grant non-immigrant visas valid for twenty-four months to Netherlands subjects as long as visa requirements are waived for American citizens proceeding to the Netherlands for a visit or in transit. Visas issued to government officials and members of international organizations under Sections 3(1) and 3(7) of the United States immigration laws will continue to be issued valid for twelve months. The waiver of passport visa fees for non-immigrant temporary visitors is continued. In considering the period of validity for two years it should be understood that the visas granted would be valid for presentation at a port of entry at any time, or any number of times, during the two year period. It would have no relation to the period of stay in the country which may be granted to the bearer of such a visa if he is admitted into the country after inspection at the port of entry. In accordance with existing procedure, the immigration officials at the port of entry would continue to specify the authorized length of stay of an alien for each visit. In general the passport of an alien must be valid for a period of at least 60 days beyond the period of the alien's contemplated stay in the United States. No visa granted for a period of two years would be valid for such period unless the passport or other acceptable travel document of the bearer is valid for such period. However, if the passport or travel document is not valid for the full period of two years at the time the visa is granted the passport or travel document may be extended by the issuing authority for the full period of two years or more, in which event the visa would be considered as valid for the full period of two years. W.D.F. THE HAGUE, August 20, 1947.
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