The US administration is looking for ways to address the harsh criticism by business travellers and others of the visa regime introduced after the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks, the US homeland security chief said on Thursday.

Tom Ridge, secretary of the US department of homeland security, told the FT: "We have heard from ambassadors around the world a plea to review what we do and how we do it, so it's easier and more attractive to come to the United States. We want the welcome mat out."