US Immigration to start charging for the ESTA form!

[Goliath]

A heads up for those of you traveling to the U.S. this year, from the 9th of September you will have to pay £9 pounds per person for the privilege of telling Homeland Security that you are coming

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10899968


Get them filled in now chaps!!!!

 

[meghatronic]

Just been to the US, so will be 'approved' for 2yrs.

Absolutely disgusting money making scam.

 

[Castiel]

I have dual nationality....

 

[Efour]

jeez £9 hmm im not gonna go now, thats just way out of my price range.

 

[PeterNem]

Absolutely disgusting money making scam.

Calm down, it's < £10, hardly a big deal.

Just makes sense to do it before that date so you're good for 2 years.

 

[Tefal]

Absolutely disgusting money making scam.

because it costs no money at all to process these forms?

 

[Cosimo]

jeez £9 hmm im not gonna go now, thats just way out of my price range.

I'll lend you a tenner and you can keep the change.

 

[PapaLazaru]

Went to L.A for 10 hours once. Left, and not planning on returning.

 

[meghatronic]

because it costs no money at all to process these forms?

Are we going to introduce a similarly pointless & costing form (even if just for Americans)?

They're useless.

Are you a terrorist? no [ ] please torture me and my family [ ✓ ]

 

[Destination]

because it costs no money at all to process these forms?

I think it cost them more money when they had more people checking people on the way into the country. Now they repalced the greencard entry scheme with this, it makes them feel more secure.
I'd assume we'd start charging folks to come here, only I figure a charge on arrival like many countries have, or worse a pay in advance over a computer system would be so badly constructed and so poorly introduced it would cost us money to run.

Well it would have under New Labour supermegaadminscheme, maybe the conservatives could do better (doubt it).

 

[Destination]

because it costs no money at all to process these forms?

I should also clarify, the cost is $14, of which $4 covers the admin cost, the remaining $10 will be spent promoting America for tourist purposes. So people going will pay to enourage more to go.

 

[apeZ]

I should also clarify, the cost is $14, of which $4 covers the admin cost, the remaining $10 will be spent promoting America for tourist purposes. So people going will pay to enourage more to go.

Something about that doens't seem right though. I'd rather just pay the $4 or not have to pay at all...

 

[[TW]Fox]

OH NO £9

Given that the average trip for two to America costs what, £2-4k, who really cares?

 

[PeterNem]

Something about that doens't seem right though. I'd rather just pay the $4 or not have to pay at all...

I'm sure they'd rather you didn't visit, so that's just fine. Stay home, save money. Everyone wins.

 

[Firestar_3x]

Well this changes everything, i'm never going back to America again, £9 is simply too much money to enjoy a fantastic holiday, so i'm going to book 2 weeks in Blackpool instead.........

 

[apeZ]

I'm sure they'd rather you didn't visit, so that's just fine. Stay home, save money. Everyone wins.

Oh, I've been before, 3 times. I just don't understand the sudden change now. And as for promoting tourism, we've convinced 3 other families to go out there based on our experiences, so I really don't see their point.

 

[Rotty]

mine have about a year left but will do new ones

 

[Rids]

I think its a bit of a mickey take, but then again its the same as having to pay 'departure tax' to get out of places like Antigua and Mexico.

 

[meghatronic]

I think its a bit of a mickey take, but then again its the same as having to pay 'departure tax' to get out of places like Antigua and Mexico.

That was kind of my point, it's not something you expect from the richest country in the world.

 

[antran]

If you've a large family then that will start to add up. I don't need to pay the fee but will need to pay for my wifre and 2 daughters