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Plans by the United States to travellers a $14 fee for an electronic visa to enter the country have European countries. American authorities have to start charging for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which had been . Under current rules, American citizens can European Union (EU) countries without charge, although some nations may this. An EU official, Cecilia Malmstrom, said the new is “inconsistent with the commitment of the US to transatlantic ” and will harm America’s tourism industry. Many people feel a $14 charge is compared with the thousands spent on a vacation.

The ESTA system tourists and business people to complete an online application . There are a series of detailed questions about the visitor’s private life and personal history. These include whether the applicant has a communicable , a physical or mental disorder or drugs. People also have to answer questions about whether they have records, or have been involved in spying, terrorism or . The charge becomes effective from September 8th. Travel agencies suggest travelers for a free ESTA now because it lasts 2 years. Martin Lewis from the MoneySavingExpert.com website : "Anyone [thinking of] going to the USA should go and fill in their ESTA right away.”