From today, September 8 2010, US authorities will enforce a $14.00 (€10.86) charge on passengers applying for the ESTA authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

ESTA is a mandatory online procedure - allowing travelers for business or tourism to stay 90 days or less - for US-bound passengers from 36 Visa Waiver Program countries, which includes most European states, Greece including.

Four of the $14 will cover ESTA operating costs, and $10 will go toward promoting the United States as a tourist destination

The idea has already accepted a lot of criticism from both media and institutions - however its consequences are expected to appear in the medium.

Sources: www.cnn.com, www.wikipedia.org, www.independent.co.uk