US to charge £ 9 for Esta compulsary travel entry form

Around 4 million Britain's visit the US each year, from 9 September 2010 UK travellers visiting the US will have to pay £9.00
to apply for permission to enter the US.
The compulsory Electronic System for travel authorisation(ESTA) was introduced in January 2009 but was made mandatory from January 2010.
It applies to all 35 countries with the US visa waiver status.It lasts for two years, but if you already have a valid form you will not have to pay until the current one expires.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation form can take up to 72 hours to be approved, and gives air passengers prior approval for entry to the US.
It has replaced the "green card", which passengers previously filled in before entering the US, This should only take a few minutes for approval ,however British Airways and American Airlines are advising travellers to apply at least 72 hours in advance.Both airlines have stated people will not be allowed to board flights to the US if they do not have a valid Esta form.
The fee has been introduced in an attempt to promote tourism in the US and attract foreign spending.

listed below are the 35 countries who participate in the Visa waiver programme.
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
The Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
south Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
and from 5 April 2010 - Greece

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