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Rome plans to go ahead with an accommodation tax on January 1 next year, it was confirmed this week.

The city council said the ‘Contributo di Soggiorno’ would be introduced despite concerns from the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) about how the money would be collected.

The tax will be €3 per night for guests at four and five star hotels and €2 per night for guests staying in all other accommodation. Children under 2 and youth hostels are the only exemptions from the tax.

source: travelmole.com

The US government is to start charging travellers $14 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 Electronic System for Travel Authorisation form, which takes up to 72 hours to be approved, gives air passengers prior approval for entry to the US.

source: BBC News