Friday, October 31, 2008

America quietly changes entry rules

America has quietly changed its entry requirements and global airlines fear there will be ugly scenes at airports in the new year if travellers heading to the US do not get the message about the new rules. While holidaymakers can currently fly to the US and get a visa waiver allowing them to stay for up to 90 days, from January 12 passengers will have to apply in advance for "electronic travel authorisation". Those who fail to get pre-authorisation via a US Government website will not be allowed to board their flight (or cruise ship) . It seems a crazy time to start making it harder to visit a country about to enter a full blown recession. The domestic market will be in negative territory...surely the tourist dollar should be chased not discouraged. Unfortunately the U.S. government has retreated into an isolated island of fear. So much for the success of George's.."Let's make the United States a safer place!!"

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