Reuters: Starting Sept. 8, travelers flying to the states from certain countries will be required to pay a $14 "operational and travel promotion" fee if they do not possess a U.S. visa.
Dubbed the "tourist tax," the new fee has been criticized by the European Union as "inconsistent with the commitment of the U.S. to facilitate transatlantic mobility." The fee affects air and sea travelers from: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Since January 2009, travelers from these nations have been required to complete an online form and receive prior approval of entry under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program. Run by the Department of Homeland Security, the ESTA program is designed to give U.S. authorities extra time and resources to check a traveler's name against "no fly" lists and other terrorist databases. Until now, that registration process was free. To participate in the program, travelers must also have Internet access and a credit card, The New York Times reported.
Travelers are urged to register at the denied, the traveler must apply for a more expensive nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The reason for the denial will not be provided.
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