Commencing September 8 onwards, visitors intending to travel to US would have to pay $19 fee which would go towards covering the costs of other assets linked with human resources and computers.

Similar is the story Kao Zi Chong, who is an undergraduate and intending to enroll in an American University on September 16. Under the rules of the newly launched fee structure, he would have to pay US$14 (S$19) before gaining entry in the country.

The US Embassy has confirmed that the fee structure would come into action from September 8 onwards. Also, the fee has been collected as a part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). When it comes to Singapore, applicants going to the US from this country for the purpose of work or vacation have been on the VWP since the year 1999.

The fee would be taken from the visitors when they will get the clearance from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta). The same is a system which takes care of the people who are eligible to visit the country without having visa with them.

Kao Zi Chong also stated that the amount is not that big but it has been hoped that it would fasten up the Immigration process even further.

Those who have applied for the US visa before the mentioned date don’t have to pay this additional amount of money. Also, visitors from nations (under the VWP) who are intending to visit US for work or vacation, for as long as 90 days, are not required to have a visa either.