US charging Brits $14 to enter Country...

So not sure if any of you have seen this but wanted to get your views on it.

<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10899968">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10899968</a>

I think it's a little silly if they want to promote tourism yet charge us to enter the country...

Discuss.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
12 replies since 7th August 2010 • Last reply 7th August 2010

Reply #1:

Ahhh, the ESTA form...

Currently free, and very very easy to apply for. One application is tied to your passport number and lasts for 2 years. When they scan the number/chevron pattern on the bottom of your photo page it brings up your ESTA clearance number.

The ESTA has supposedly replaced the landing card that all passengers were obliged to fill in to go through US immigration - it actually didn't as people are still asked to fill in the card even if they have an ESTA.

Also, the ESTA is required even for transit purposes - for example, London to Houston then Houston to Latin America. You must have an ESTA to LAND in the US, not just to enter the country as a tourist.

If charging the small 'admin' fee for entering America means their system becomes far more streamlined then I think it can only be a good thing, provided the ESTA still lasts two years.

(All this comes from my personal experience as a PA at an international engineering firm)

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #2:

I don't see what the fuss is about really, it's hardly a bankrupting sum of money is it?=)

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #3:

Didn't say it was, just wanted peoples opinions on it...

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #4:

And that was mine=)

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #5:

wow, never knew that. AS a canadian we don't need any of it, a few years ago we didn't even need a passport to go to the states, we do now

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #6:

LOL.
I guess in the end it all boils down to stopping terrorists and preventing any attacks.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #7:

you know the form you fill in for this?

You have to declare that you're not a terrorist or involved in terror activity, and that you're not a nazi or involed in nazi activity. There is no interview or anything!

People can lie on forms Happy

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #8:

Yeah we had to fill it in when we got married, bit of a balls ache but not as bad as the Bahamas where you have to pay to leave...

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #9:

We had to fill in a form on the plane on our way through (stopped over in L.A.) to New Zealand. Which is why I think it would be a nuisance if you're only stopping in the US for a 1 hour stop-over. They're also a little confusing, even the air hostess(es) recommend filling it out from the bottom to the top haha.

@Bryony ~ Pay to leave? That's a new one lol Happy

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #10:

The thing is, if someone's gonna go to the risk of being a terrorist or international diamond theif etc'... are they gonna be put off by a $14 charge?

The form does make me laugh though, I wonder if anyone has every ticked the 'yes' box to the criminal/nazi/terrorist questions.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #11:

I'm glad you pointed this out, Ruby. I didn't know about it, and my daughter is going to Las Vegas with her friend and her Mum next month...I must go now and find out what to do!!! Do you do it on the plane, or do you need it before you go?

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #12:

I THINK this is what you have to fill out, it's the ESTA website
<a href="https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_cC65D7764-E239-ED54-44D1-22C19908FBAC_kE97E8FA6-486F-B98B-477F-6E44AA446CE5">https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_cC65D7764-E239-ED54-44D1-22C19908FBAC_kE97E8FA6-486F-B98B-477F-6E44AA446CE5</a>
I would recommend checking with the travel agent though (or someone who knows more than me! lol), but I remember filling this out before going and filling out a form whilst on the plane. Hope this kinda helps! x

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam


Reply