US to charge £9 for compulsory entry form

[DanielT]

Here's a link to the story. BBC News - US to charge £9 for Esta compulsory travel entry form

The important bit is Martin Lewis' advice, which I've pasted below, but in a nutshell: if you think you may go to the US within the next 2 years, apply for the form now to avoid paying for it.



The compulsory Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta) is free at present, but from 9 September visitors to the US will have to pay for it.

It lasts for two years; people who already have a valid form will not have to pay until their current one expires.

Martin Lewis, creator of MoneySavingExpert.com, has urged people even considering a trip to the US to apply for a form now to beat the charge.

He said: "The security authorisation lasts for two years, so do it now and it'll be free if you travel in that time. Yet leave it for a month and you'll have to pay for it.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

It's bit sad when there is a journalistic uproar over paying £9. I'm pretty sure I paid more for that going to Cuba and it was a far greater experience than my US visit.

 

[k2bluesky]

Considering how much the UK government rips us off in taxes when we fly, under the pretense of 'global warming', nine quid is a mere fleabite.

 

[desprateseagull]

dont you need a specific date of entry, for the form?

scrap that- dates/destinations optional.. though my app is 'pending' -

expect to see men in black storming the door any moment.. lol

 

[Kalimantan Gull]

As long as its reciprocal, i.e. we charge americans £9 to enter the UK, then I don't mind

 

[desprateseagull]

afterthought- could be a cunning way to get everyone on an ID database..

 

[itszamora]

It may only be £9, but I may as well do it now as I'll be going there next summer for a wedding.

 

[Acker79]

It doesn't guarantee you entry into the states, it just means you're ok to travel their. Entry is still decided by the border control people when you land.

 

[itszamora]

It doesn't guarantee you entry into the states, it just means you're ok to travel their. Entry is still decided by the border control people when you land.

Indeed, but if you don't do it you have no chance of being allowed in.

 

[Robbie G]

Well I paid a tenner to get into Turkey on holiday so its not a big deal really is it.

 

[Scotty Mac]

£50 to get into russia - still, any excuse to have a go at america

 

[DanielT]

Well I paid a tenner to get into Turkey on holiday so its not a big deal really is it.

Well there's 4 my family, so every extra expense is x4. I am happy to save £36 on every ripoff charge i can!

 

[Acker79]

£50 to get into russia - still, any excuse to have a go at america

In fairness to the OP, it doesn't seem like he is having a go at america, simply giving a heads up.

 

[Scotty Mac]

afterthought- could be a cunning way to get everyone on an ID database..

surely they can do that anyway - they collect everyones information as it is with the free forms. the only difference now is that you have to pay to get one

 

[Scotty Mac]

In fairness to the OP, it doesn't seem like he is having a go at america, simply giving a heads up.

fair point - i was just stating it early doors before all the anti-american cretins start going off on one