The US government is to start charging UK travellers $14 (£9) to apply for permission to enter the country.

The compulsory Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta) is free at present, but from 9 September visitors to the US will have to pay for it.

It lasts for two years; people who already have a valid form will not have to pay until their current one expires.

The scheme was introduced in January 2009 but was made mandatory from January 2010.

It applies to all 35 countries with US "visa waiver" status.

The fee has been introduced to fund a programme which aims to promote tourism in the US and attract foreign spending.

I would apply, but then I don't want my fingerprints held by the US government, so I'll just not go to the USA.

You don't submit fingerprints to complete an ESTA form, or even to enter the country as a tourist. I complete several of these a year for my people travelling to the US, it's going to be a PITA to pay them £9 for the priveledge each time

I would apply, but then I don't want my fingerprints held by the US government, so I'll just not go to the USA.