The Department of State (DOS) has just posted a cable providing
clarification on the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 (TPA), a new rule
that would require travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to pay
operational and travel promotion fees when applying for the Electronic
System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The interim final rule, which
goes into effect September 8, 2010, will include these fees in the ESTA
program, which total $14. The fees, matched by private sector
contributions, will be used to fund the Corporation for Travel
Promotion.
Payment of the new $14 fee is required through credit or debit card
payments. The ESTA form that is currently in use provides detailed
information to aid in the payment process.
The goal of the TPA is to attract international visitors to the United
States. DOS will work with the Corporation for Travel Promotion to
provide comprehensive and up-to-date information to international
visitors about travel documents and various requirements for entry into
the United States.
