Visa Reciprocity fee to start December 20, 2009
#556
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Now China has a vastly higher number of international transits than Argentina so it's a much bigger deal to them. But China also has a much tighter visa policy (yes this is about visas) so the fact that the compliance of their model actually works is critical.
#557
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From the US State Dept website...
The fee applies only to bearers of tourist passports. Travelers bearing diplomatic or official passports are required to get visas prior to arrival in Argentina but are not charged the reciprocity fee, nor are travelers transiting and not entering Argentina.
In my case I am transiting and entering Argentina due to the fact that my transit airport is actually two airports separated by many kilometers.
#558
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#559
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
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However as I stated before because you are transiting between the two airports which involves having to enter the country you will still have to pay.
Why didn't you pick a GRU-EZE flight instead? You may be able to change it for a small fee.
#560
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Transiting at EZE can all be done airside so there is no problem there.
However as I stated before because you are transiting between the two airports which involves having to enter the country you will still have to pay.
Why didn't you pick a GRU-EZE flight instead? You may be able to change it for a small fee.
However as I stated before because you are transiting between the two airports which involves having to enter the country you will still have to pay.
Why didn't you pick a GRU-EZE flight instead? You may be able to change it for a small fee.
As for a GRU-EZE flight, the cost was significantly higher. This is near the end of the WC FYI. Also I thought it a great idea to take a long layover and have a nice dinner in town. It seemed a great idea until I found out about this new fee. So dinner is going to cost me $160 extra!
#561
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Your statement is incorrect. A handful of cities in China allow a 72 hour TWOV. Many more international airports in china only allow a 24 hour TWOV, and I recall seeing one or two that don't allow it at all.
#562
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How can you say it's "simply wrong" when you have no credible evidence to back it up. Is Argentina's government known for publishing credible economic data? What's the "official" inflation rate they're reporting?
It seems you're only saying that no "real" tourists are driven away by the fees? This type of elitist attitude does not help you bring more tourists to the country.
#563
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#564
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#565
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You asserted that it hasn't hurt Argentina. As a resident of Argentina, I'd think you'd have some facts to back up your assertions. How many foreign tourists per year, etc. I have no idea if they publish it or not, but most countries do.
#566
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The trend apart from the odd blip seems to be of steadily rising tourist numbers over the last few years and one which is set to continue.
It wouldn't surprise me if the reciprocity fee is actually having a positive effect on the number of returning tourists.
It wouldn't surprise me if the reciprocity fee is actually having a positive effect on the number of returning tourists.
#567
#568
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#569
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 797
Yes, there must be a number of tourists who upon learning that there is a reciprocity fee must think that surely, if this place requires an extra charge, it must be so attractive, therefore I must make sure I visit it.
#570
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No, you've missed the point. If a tourist or business traveler paid the reciprocity fee the first time, and that purchase is good for 10 more years of visits, then that person may feel inclined to return again and again to get their money's worth. Or at least not fret about returning because they won't have to pay the fee again.