Yes folks you read that correctly! The United States Senate last month voted overwhelmingly 79-19 to impose a $10 fee for all visa-free visitors coming to the US. This would apply to countries such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand and most of Western Europe. Amazingly, the House of Representatives has ratified the bill.

The money raised will then be used to fund a non-profit organisation that will promote the USA to tourists, business travellers and students alike. One of the main goals will be to ensure there is clarity around entry requirements for all visitors.

The irony is that if you don’t need a visa to visit the USA, you must pay $10. Some of this money will then be used to keep you informed of the fact that when visiting the US you must pay $10.

Lawmakers in Washington believe that keeping potential visitors informed about the requirements to visit the US will promote tourism. In reality, it is unlikely anyone is going to stop their trip to the US due to this new “tax”, regardless of how crazy it seems.

It is likely the fee will be paid at the same time as the online Electronic Visa-Waiver form is submitted, meaning that it will only be applicable once every two years.

The EU and Australia have reacted both with disbelief and are now threatening retaliatory measures. This is becoming close to a sort of Visa without being a Visa situation and that goes against previous agreements.

The European Commision’s ambassador to the US, John Bruton, has been one of the most outspoken critics of the new bill. He has warned that the EU may impose something similar on US travellers arriving in the continent.

Bruton didn’t hold back his fury against Washington when he said in a statement: “Only in Alice in Wonderland could a penalty be seen as promoting the activity, on which it is imposed”.