US-bound migration: Travellers from India will now have to pay $1,000 fee; check details
PTC Web Desk: El Salvador has recently introduced a $1,000 fee for travellers coming from Africa or India in an apparent effort to mitigate migration to the United States through Central America. This fee was officially announced by the country's port authority in a statement dated October 20.
The revenue generated from this fee will be earmarked for the enhancement of El Salvador's primary international airport, as stated by the port authority.
President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador recently held discussions with Brian Nichols, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. Their talks covered various subjects, including strategies to address irregular migration. The United States Customs and Border Patrol reported a record encounter with 3.2 million migrants throughout the country in the fiscal year 2023, which concluded in September.
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Central America frequently serves as a route for migrants from Africa and other regions to make their way to the United States. The total cost, inclusive of VAT, for travellers originating from the affected countries amounts to $1,130. This newly introduced fee became effective on October 23 and was implemented due to the increased usage of El Salvador's primary international airport, as outlined in the statement.
Airlines are now obligated to inform the Salvadoran authorities on a daily basis regarding passengers originating from a list of 57 countries in Africa and India.
Colombian airline Avianca, one of the airport's primary carriers, has commenced the practice of notifying passengers from these countries about the obligatory fee before allowing them to board flights to El Salvador.
- With inputs from agencies
