Looks like ESTA will soon carry a fee

[Katys Grandad]

Although it is yet to be ratified by the House of Representatives, it looks highly likely that there will soon be a $10 fee for an ESTA application. The registration will last for 2 years before the need for renewal but the fee will be charged again if there is an essential change to the information during the period. Might be in place by the end of this year.

Personally, I'd happily pay $10 if the move is accompanied by an end to the need to fill in the Waiver form as well.

[Jill]

What amuses me is this is to cover the costs of promoting tourism to the States and to inform us of immigration procedures. The money might be better spent on teaching immigration officers how to be more welcoming.

I heard someone comment why should we pay to bring tourists here - I would have liked to have been able to point out to them so visitors can come and spend money and boost your economy.

They are against the EU making a reciprocal charge for Americans to visit the EU (can't think why!)

[SteveandJan]

What with all the increased air passenger duty, I don't think it is a good idea

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Jill
What amuses me is this is to cover the costs of promoting tourism to the States and to inform us of immigration procedures. The money might be better spent on teaching immigration officers how to be more welcoming.

I heard someone comment why should we pay to bring tourists here - I would have liked to have been able to point out to them so visitors can come and spend money and boost your economy.

They are against the EU making a reciprocal charge for Americans to visit the EU (can't think why!)
[/quote]

I agree Jill but, to be fair, we do levy Airport Departure Tax on everybody (including US citizens) departing by air from the UK and that's a lot more than what's proposed here.

[Jill]

I agree Jill but, to be fair, we do levy Airport Departure Tax on everybody (including US citizens) departing by air from the UK and that's a lot more than what's proposed here.

I know we put the same levy on everyone with APD even though some countries have stopped charging this in the current economic climate. I think APD is only a green tax if you believe it to be. Personally to me tax is tax no matter what you try and dress it up as.

You would have thought America would want tourists to spend money in their country and I am not sure this is the correct way to go about it. In the end families will look at the overall cost and then decide if they can afford it or not. It could backfire both for us as and America. If less people fly here the government will be losing tax receipts and there will be less vitistors spending money because of our APD charges and America could have less visitors boosting their economy.