The cost of services that expedite passport checks at US borders will increase.
Fares for all three trusted traveler programs (the very popular Global Entry plus Nexus and Sentri) are now $120 as of October 1.
Previously, they all had different rates – which had not increased in 15 years, according to The US Customs and Border Protection agency said.
The most affected is Nexus, the program to speed up travel between the US and Canada. The cost will more than double from $50.
Global Entry, launched in 2008 and with tens of millions of users, will rise from $100. It can be used by Americans and other selected nationalities to avoid queuing at airports.
Global admission will increase from $100 to $120 – a 20 percent increase
Sentri, which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States through southern land border ports, will move from an ‘a la carte’ fee structure to a flat fee of $120.
Children under 18 years of age will not have to pay when one of the parents is already a member or also joins one of the programs.
Meanwhile, Americans traveling to Europe face a new charge.
Last month, it was announced that Americans traveling to the UK will have to pay a fee of $13.05 (£10) to enter the country starting next year.
The new electronic travel authorization (ETA) will be digitally linked to passports.
It will be valid for multiple trips for two years for stays of up to six months in a row, or until the holder’s passport expires.
US citizens can apply for an ETA starting November 27, 2024 and should expect a response within at least three business days.
Each traveler must have their own ETA, including all children.
“Everyone wishing to travel to the UK, except British and Irish citizens, will need a travel permit before coming here,” according to the government.
Seema Malhotra, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said the new changes are part of a “global expansion” of the programme.
The country first introduced ETA last year for visitors from seven Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The United Kingdom also plans to extend ETAs to citizens of other countries and territories, including Canada, Japan, Mexico and Australia.
Americans planning to travel to the UK will have to pay a fee of $13.05 (£10) from January 8, 2025 as part of the new electronic travel authorization (ETA) programme.
The authorization will be valid for multiple triples for two years for stays of up to six months at a time, ‘or until the holder’s passport expires’ (pictured: Newark Liberty Airport file photo)
Seema Malhotra (pictured in 2017), UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said the new changes are part of a “global expansion of ETA”.
Each traveler must have their own ETA to enter the UK, including all children. (Pictured: archive photograph of London City Airport)
In August, the European Union announced that Australian citizens would have to pay a new application fee of $11.50 to travel to the continent in 2025.
Previously, Australians could travel visa-free to this continent rich in history and culture, but that is no longer the case.
The program begins in the first half of 2025.
