Sticking it to European Tourists in the U.S. – is This Right?

September 8, 2009 | Posted in: Europe,Travel Tips

The European Union is all bent out of shape over a U.S. Congressional proposal that would charge tourists to this country an extra $10 fee – and I don’t blame them.

It’s tough enough to get visitors here, thanks to the economic mess that’s keeping so many travelers home – and now we want to pile on more fees? Plus, if this fee becomes a reality, the EU has suggested Americans could be charged for entering European nations.

Sigh. Hate this tit for tat. So is the EU getting too worked up over what one sponsor called “a nominal fee.” Well, if it’s that nominal, why charge it at all?

Here’s the head scratching part: the fees would go to a travel promotion campaign – you know, designed to get more visitors here. I say, back to the ol’ drawing board.

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3 Responses to “Sticking it to European Tourists in the U.S. – is This Right?”

1. Flingo says:

   September 9, 2009 at 4:29 pm

   They should be charged. Why is the US the only country where wait times for non-citizens at immigration are longer than those for citizens. If you don’t believe me, you haven’t flown into EWR from overseas.
2. Rick Seaney says:

   September 9, 2009 at 7:24 pm

   Flingo, I’ll have to agree to disagree with you.

   We (yes everyone) are charged now upon international arrival to the U.S.:
   $5.50 U.S. Customs Fee
   $7.00 Immigration Fee
   $5.00 Agriculture Fee

   Do we really want to tack on even more for EU Citizens?

   EU citizens already have the hassle of the Visa Waiver Program (EU doesn’t require the same of visiting of U.S. citizens) and this new fee just adds to the hassle of coming to the U.S.

   I can’t believe the millions of employees in the hospitality and tourism industry want fewer EU citizens to visit and spend their hard earned Euros and Pounds.

   I have also been stuck many times in long lines at inbound immigration, but that hardly has to do with a EU tourist who is visiting …
3. Flingo says:

   September 10, 2009 at 9:05 am

   I was just venting. Except for the US, I have never entered a country where it was not substantially faster for citizens to get through immigration than non-citizens. If that’s the way the world works, I don’t see why Americans are stuck waiting in long lines both coming and going overseas. I am just asking for parity.