Here’s an interesting article from Travel and Leisure Magazine with important information for world travelers from this site:
“Here’s When the UK Will Implement Its Entry Fee for U.S. Travelers
The electronic travel authorization (ETA) fee will be implemented next year. By Alison Fox
Next year, travelers heading to the United Kingdom will have to pay a fee to enter as the country prepares to implement its long-anticipated electronic travel authorization (ETA) fee.
According to the UK government, the ETA will go into effect for visitors from most countries, including the United States, on Jan. 8, 2025. Eligible non-European travelers can apply for the authorization starting Nov. 27. Once secured, the ETA will be digitally linked to a traveler’s passport. The authorization will cost £10 ($13.05) and be valid for multiple trips over two years (or until the traveler’s passport expires) for stays of up to 6 months at a time.
“The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhancing security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system,” Seema Malhotra, the UK’s minister for migration and citizenship, said in a statement.
The UK introduced the ETA last year, rolling out the new system for visitors from several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Travelers from those countries can apply using the UK ETA app or online. Each traveler must have their own ETA, including children of any age. Applicants should typically expect a response within at least three business days.
In addition to the U.S., the UK will expand the ETA to dozens of other countries and territories on Jan. 8, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, and more. Then, on April 2, 2025, the ETA will be extended to travelers from other European countries. The decision to roll out an online ETA is part of the U.K.’s effort to fully digitize its borders by 2025.
Beyond the UK, Europe plans to implement a similar pre-authorization system next year called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The travel authorization fee is expected to go into effect before mid-2025. It will cost €7 ($7.71) and require travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., to enter 30 different European countries.
Several countries require travelers to pay a fee or obtain a visa before entering. These fees may include visas, tourist cards, entry taxes, or environmental fees. Here’s a breakdown of some common examples:
1. United States (ESTA/EVUS)
- Citizens from certain countries under the Visa Waiver Program must pay a fee for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
- Chinese nationals are required to enroll in the EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System), which also carries a fee.
2. Australia (ETA)
- Travelers from many countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa, which involves a processing fee.
3. Mexico (Tourist Card – FMM)
- Mexico requires tourists to fill out a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) and pay a fee unless visiting border regions for a limited time.
4. New Zealand (NZeTA)
- Some visitors must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and pay an associated fee, along with an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
5. Bhutan (Daily Tourist Fee)
- Bhutan has a unique policy of requiring travelers to pay a daily fee, which includes accommodation, meals, and a guide. The fee supports sustainable tourism.
6. Argentina (Reciprocity Fee)
- Argentina used to charge a reciprocity fee for citizens of certain countries (like the U.S.), though this has been suspended or eliminated for some nationalities.
7. Chile (Reciprocity Fee)
- Depending on their nationality, some travelers must pay a reciprocity fee before entering Chile.
8. Turkey (eVisa)
- Many tourists must apply for an eVisa and pay the associated fee before traveling to Turkey.
9. Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam (Visa on Arrival)
- These countries offer a visa on arrival, but travelers must pay a fee at the border or airport.
10. Indonesia (Bali) (Visa on Arrival)
- Indonesia, specifically Bali, requires a visa-on-arrival fee for many nationalities.
11. The Maldives (Green Tax)
- The Maldives charges a Green Tax to tourists, usually included in accommodation costs.
12. Thailand (Tourism Fee)
- Thailand plans to implement a tourism fee for travelers in the future, which would cover insurance and contribute to tourism development.
13. Madagascar (Visa Fee)
- Visitors to Madagascar must obtain a visa on arrival, which includes a fee.
14. Sri Lanka (ETA)
- Sri Lanka requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is charged, even for short-term visits.
15. Jordan (Jordan Pass)
- Travelers can buy a Jordan Pass, which covers the visa fee and entry to major tourist sites, making it a good deal for longer stays.
These fees and requirements are constantly changing, so it’s always wise to check the latest regulations from the embassy or consulate of your destination before traveling. Many of these fees are meant to support tourism infrastructure and environmental protection or are reciprocal arrangements based on the travel policies of other countries.
This list is changing rapidly. It is imperative to check the requirements of each country you plan to visit well in advance since some visas may take weeks to obtain once the application process begins.
Photo from ten years ago today, September 17, 2014:
