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07/09/2010 -
While tourists visiting the U.S. may be paying more often at credit card machines, a new fee could have them swiping before they even enter the country.Air and sea travelers from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and numerous others will soon be required to pay a $14 "operational and travel promotion" fee if they do not have a U.S. visa.
The new rule - which goes into effect on September 8 - has been widely criticized by foreign leaders. According to Yahoo News, the European Union called the "tourist tax," as it has been dubbed, "inconsistent with the commitment of the U.S. to facilitate transatlantic mobility."
Travelers have been required to complete an online form and receive approval for entry under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization program, run by the Department of Homeland Security, since the beginning of 2009. Previously, the process was free.
How this will affect tourism is still unknown. Last week, Visa found that spending by international tourists on the company's branded credit cards had increased by a whopping 20 percent over the previous year.
