DHS, CPB Announce Interim Final Rule For ESTA Fee

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced on August 6 an interim final rule that amends DHS regulations to require travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to pay operational and travel promotion fees when applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) beginning September 8, 2010. A fee of $4.00 will recover the costs incurred by CBP of providing and administering the ESTA system and is in addition to the mandatory $10 travel promotion fee established by the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, enacted as Section 9 of Public Law 111-145, the United States Capitol Police Administrative Technical Corrections Act of 2009. The total fee for a new or renewed ESTA will be $14.00. All payments for electronic travel authorization applications must be made by credit card or debit card when applying for or renewing an ESTA | ESTA News Release (August 2010) (pdf 128 KB) | Read frequently asked questions FAQ (pdf 278 KB) | Fact Sheet (August 2010) (pdf 274 KB).

• Speech by Acting Commissioner Aguilar at the World Customs Organization Council Sessions (PDF - 32kb) (2012-08-21)
• Global Economic Statecraft: International Travel and Tourism (2012-06-13)
• CBP, EU Sign C-TPAT Mutual Recognition Decision (2012-05-04)
• Statement by U.S. Ambassador to the EU William E. Kennard following the European Parliament’s vote on the U.S.-EU Passenger Name Record agreement (2012-04-19) | Statement By Secretary Napolitano On The European Parliament's Vote On The Passenger Name Record (PNR) Agreement (2012-04-19)
• Visa Processing Fees to Change on April 13, 2012
• President Obama and U.S. Congress are both committed to expanding Visa Waiver Program

U.S.-EU Highlights

U.S. Ambassador to the EU William E. Kennard. Photo: State Dept.

European Parliament’s endorsement of the U.S.-EU PNR Agreement

"The United States applauds the European Parliament’s endorsement of the U.S.-EU Passenger Name Record (PNR) Agreement.  Today’s vote reaffirms the shared commitment of the United States and the European Union to the security of the traveling public. This PNR Agreement will also provide legal certainty for airlines and assure travelers that their privacy will be respected." said U.S. Ambassador to the EU William E. Kennard in a statement released on April 19 following the European Parliament’s vote today on the U.S.-EU Passenger Name Record agreement. "The European Parliament’s endorsement of the PNR agreement is a testament to the strong transatlantic relationship and our joint commitment to protecting our citizens." Read the full statement | see the video | Statement By Secretary Napolitano On The European Parliament's Vote On The Passenger Name Record (PNR) Agreement (2012-04-19)

• DHS, CPB Announce Interim Final Rule For ESTA Fee (2010-08-06)
• Secretary Napolitano Announces Elimination of Paper Arrival/Departure Form to Streamline Secure Visa Waiver Program Travel (2010-05-20)
• DHS Secretary Napolitano: Greece Designated a Visa Waiver Program Member (2010-03-09) (More information about Visa Waiver Program)
• President Obama Signs Travel Promotion Act (2010-03-04)