As of April 1, indefinite visas will cease to exist.

Visas are not required for Bermudians entering the United States from the Western Hemisphere (for example, flying to New York direct from Bermuda).

And until now it was possible for Bermudians to obtain a visa without an expiration date if they planned to enter the United States from the Eastern Hemisphere or if they were entering the country at an airport where immigration inspectors did not know of the no-visa policy for Bermudians.

Over the next few years the United States State Department will be changing its policy of issuing visas. Technology is being upgraded so that all visas will become machine-readable. And since the new visas will carry a photograph of the holder, they will be valid only for 10 years.

One reason for the photograph is to control the number of illegal aliens entering the United States. According to United States Consulate official Mr.

Steven Kish: "This practice will make the visa more secure. It will become more difficult for illegal aliens to get in. It will be harder for them to manipulate, forge or transfer (the visa) to another passport.'' American embassies and consulates that issue the old-style, non-machine-readable visas will stop issuing indefinite visas on April 1.

Beginning in January, 1995, any indefinite visa that has been issued before will expire when it becomes 10 years old.

Indefinite visas issued on or before January 2, 1995 will cease to be valid, and holders of such visas will need to reapply.

Anyone with questions regarding the new visa policy can call the United States Consul General's office at Crown Hill, Devonshire on 295-1342.