In news that will likely be met with groans from travellers, the United States is introducing a new fee for international visitors that could make that trip across the pond a little more costly. A new “visa integrity fee” of at least £200 is being added to existing visa costs for many business travellers, students, and other temporary visitors. It seems the price of a US holiday is no longer just about the flights and hotels.
The fee is being called a “refundable security deposit,” which sounds rather friendly until you realise that the mechanism for actually getting your money back hasn’t been announced. It’s a bit like a hotel promising to refund your deposit but not telling you where the reception desk is.
For those travelling from the UK and other countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), there’s a separate, but no less painful, piece of news. While you can still visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa, the fees for the required Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) are expected to nearly double to at least £32.
To apply for an ESTA, which is valid for multiple entries over a two-year period, all you need to do is head to the official website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Just remember that this programme is strictly for tourism or business trips and doesn’t cover studying or employment.
This news, which comes at a time when the US is already seeing a dip in visitor numbers, has left many wondering if it’s all a bit of a welcome mat with a hidden price tag.
Key points about the US Visa Waiver Program and UK citizens:
- ESTA Requirement: All travellers using the VWP, including those from the UK, need to obtain an approved ESTA before travelling to the US by air or sea.
- Eligibility: To be eligible for the VWP, British citizens must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
- Purpose of Travel: The VWP is for tourism or business trips (including certain types of transit) for less than 90 days. It cannot be used for study, employment, or permanent residence.
- ESTA Validity: An approved ESTA is generally valid for multiple entries over a two-year period, or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Application: ESTA applications are submitted online through the CBP website.
- Border Decisions: While an ESTA approves travel authorisation, the final decision on admission to the US is made by a US Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry.
