29 September 2008

Canadians exempt from paying $10 U.S. border fee

In a statement sent to SooToday.com over the weekend, the U.S. Government announced new legislation that exempts Canadians from paying the USD$10 border fee when entering America.

The Travel Promotion Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on 26 September 2008, which ensures Canadians who are crossing the border to America do not have to pay the border fee that all other nationals who do not need an American visa are required to pay.

The Travel Promotion Act establishes an independent, non-profit corporation governed by a 15-member board of directors appointed by the U.S. secretary of commerce.  Its purpose is to promote tourism to the United States and spreading information in foreign countries about U.S. entry requirements.  According to the Government, the fees are necessary to raise funds for the corporation as they lose out from the many foreign travellers not having to pay a US visa fee to enter the country. 

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The American Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in America visa and immigration services.

Article by Jessica Bird, American Visa Bureau.