US Charge Travellers to Enter Country
Since 8th September the US has begun charging travellers for permission to enter the country by imposing a $14 charge on the ESTA form, a requirement of the visa waiver programme.
The US has started charging travellers to apply for permission to enter the country.
The charge applies for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, which tourists, from 35 countries, have been required to complete online since January 2009 before being granted entry into the US. The 35 countries are part of a Visa Waiver program which requires completion of the ESTA.
The compulsory ESTA has previously been free but since 8th September travellers from 35 nations have had to pay $14 to use the service.
Of the fee $10 will go to promote US tourism with the remaining $4 covering administration costs.
The form takes up to 72 hours to be approved and gives air passengers prior approval for entry to the US.
Travellers should be aware of this fee when applying for the ESTA.
Published on Oct 26, 2010
