It seems that 4 millions Britons that visit the United States every year wil have to pay a £5 tourist tax. Currently citizens from 26 countries are not required a visa when entering the country, but would be asked to pay a $10 fee. The government guarantees that the money coming from taxes will be well spent. The sum will be invested into providing new technology at US airports and raising general awareness for tourists arriving in the US.
photo credit:imfwwdcc
The US government is also considering collecting all fingerprints, rather than the ones for the index fingers, considering the proposal coming from Discover America Partnership – a number of tourist groups. The counsil will also consider including another 10 countries in the “visa waiver” program.
Tom Ridge, a US governor and former secretary of Homeland Security, said: “Securing our nation’s borders and facilitating travel are not mutually exclusive. Our borders are the intersection of security and prosperity. We must have the will to eliminate inefficiencies and build the most secure and traveller friendly entry process possible.”
Further down the line, the US is also considering asking foreign visitors to state their travel plans on-line 48 hours before departure.