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#260761 by markyl
26 Sep 2009, 20:24
The U.S. Senate has voted overwhelmingly in favour of new legislation to charge tourists from visa-waiver countries a minimum fee of $10 to enter the United States.

Read more:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1214093/U-S-set-charge-10-ESTA-fee-visa-waiver-UK-tourists.html#comments

Edited for fair use - Decker.
#726388 by Darren Wheeler
26 Sep 2009, 20:30
Nice to see the Daily Heil readers being models of literacy.
#726398 by Scrooge
26 Sep 2009, 22:42
Maybe it should be raised to the same level that the UK ADT is going to, seriously, I am getting a little tired of people pointing fingers at the US government putting a $10 charge on to arriving pax when the UK government is hitting the people leaving the country for many many many times that.
#726405 by easygoingeezer
27 Sep 2009, 02:22
quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
Maybe it should be raised to the same level that the UK ADT is going to, seriously, I am getting a little tired of people pointing fingers at the US government putting a $10 charge on to arriving pax when the UK government is hitting the people leaving the country for many many many times that.


Thats a fair point to make that I had not thought of previously.

Frankly if they want $10 they can have it.....just as long as they
are friendly at immigration[;)]
#726407 by n/a
27 Sep 2009, 03:25
quote:Originally posted by easygoingeezer
quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
Maybe it should be raised to the same level that the UK ADT is going to, seriously, I am getting a little tired of people pointing fingers at the US government putting a $10 charge on to arriving pax when the UK government is hitting the people leaving the country for many many many times that.


Thats a fair point to make that I had not thought of previously.

Frankly if they want $10 they can have it.....just as long as they
are friendly at immigration[;)]


I agree with Scrooge and applaud EGG's broad-mindedness. I was all set to find this thread nothing more than shrieks of infamy from Centurion holders at the mere thought that the US could dare charge the budget-busting sum of $10. It's a bloody FIVER, people!!!

Clearly, cooler heads have prevailed, led by our long-suffering Tottenham fan and our very own oospore.

Thank you.

GJ
#726410 by slinky09
27 Sep 2009, 08:47
quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
Maybe it should be raised to the same level that the UK ADT is going to, seriously, I am getting a little tired of people pointing fingers at the US government putting a $10 charge on to arriving pax when the UK government is hitting the people leaving the country for many many many times that.


Indeed.

Interesting how many people travel to Aus and yet never is it mentioned or complained about that you have to pay for your visa, I just renewed my India business visa and it was a whopping 170 quid!

On the one hand, why should any country's citizens fund the checks of visitors. On the other hand, there's a fair case to be made that tourism is a considerable economic activity, supports millions of jobs etc. so isn't it in the interests of any country to lower barriers to increased visitation?

Since ESTA, immigration and customs are a service now likely to be paid for by the visitor, at least we now really do have a right to expect better service.
#726411 by slinky09
27 Sep 2009, 08:51
quote:Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes
It's a bloody FIVER, people!!!


Oh, GJ dude, not any more with the pound at less that 1.6 ... [:#]
#726412 by buns
27 Sep 2009, 08:59
quote:Originally posted by easygoingeezer


Thats a fair point to make that I had not thought of previously.

Frankly if they want $10 they can have it.....just as long as they
are friendly at immigration[;)]


I'll Second that and if the Visa is valid for two years, as is currently the case, then the fee becomes next to nothing

(well if you use it frequently that is)[:w][:I] [:w]

buns
#726421 by ClaireAW
27 Sep 2009, 10:47
Don't forget folks, you have to pay to leave the Caribbean, I think it is about $20.00 for most islands.
#726422 by mike-smashing
27 Sep 2009, 10:52
quote:Originally posted by slinky09
...at least we now really do have a right to expect better service.


ROFL. Yeah, right...

Mike
#726424 by Darren Wheeler
27 Sep 2009, 11:06
Currently works out about 6.25. I wonder who will be the first to say 'I pay your wages..' THEDIBB seems rather quiet at the moment on this subject.
#726428 by Scrooge
27 Sep 2009, 12:06
quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
Currently works out about 6.25. I wonder who will be the first to say 'I pay your wages..' THEDIBB seems rather quiet at the moment on this subject.


That would be something I would like to witness, it would be rather amusing to say the least.
#726440 by stevebrass
27 Sep 2009, 13:56
Not much to fret about is it $10?

Think how much you can get through tipping; parking; resort fees etc.

I'd rather pay $10 getting in than ***sing around trying to pay airport fees to get out.
#726445 by n/a
27 Sep 2009, 15:06
quote:Originally posted by slinky09
[quote]Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes
It's a bloody FIVER, people!!!


Oh, GJ dude, not any more with the pound at less that 1.6 ... [:#]


Point taken.

GJ
#726448 by Decker
27 Sep 2009, 15:47
Well as I primarily visit the US for business this would seem to be a trade tariff...
#726455 by easygoingeezer
27 Sep 2009, 18:32
quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
Currently works out about 6.25. I wonder who will be the first to say 'I pay your wages..' THEDIBB seems rather quiet at the moment on this subject.


TheDibb is more engrossed in baggage allowances and the fact BA are charging to book, erm I should say request seats even though for operational reasons etc etc etc lol it will still cost you.
#726471 by Treelo
27 Sep 2009, 22:18
IMHO this is just a sign of the times and one I have been expecting ever since the advent of ESTA. At least it has been pitched at a reasonable level - unlike the UK government's APD [:(!] Any idea how it will be collected?
#726472 by Darren Wheeler
27 Sep 2009, 22:45
One would guess, and it is only a guess, credit card payment on application.
#726475 by mitchja
27 Sep 2009, 23:04
ETA is done via a credit card online at the time of application so I would think ESTA will be the same.

Regards
#726477 by Scrooge
28 Sep 2009, 00:12
quote:Originally posted by Decker
Well as I primarily visit the US for business this would seem to be a trade tariff...


Well in that case wouldn't all the fee's that the various governments levy against passengers be trade tariffs ?
#726481 by Decker
28 Sep 2009, 02:50
Well I USED to have a B1/B2 visa (followed by an L1). They cancelled the B1/B2... suppose I could reapply rather than rely on ESTA...Bottom line is we need to distinnguish between business and tourist....
#726494 by David_C_H_1
28 Sep 2009, 11:48
The application fee for a B1/B2 is USD 130, plus all the costs arising from visiting a US embassy for the required interview. 10 bucks seems like a bargain.
#726501 by Decker
28 Sep 2009, 12:35
fair point :)
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