arrival duty free

Proposed New Security Checks on Passengers by the U.S. (even though you are not going there!!!!)

On first going to University in the USA in the early 1980s it was relatively straight forward - I filled out my H1B visa application form to study there, I bought a round trip ticket and flew to Philadelphia.

But as everyone is quite aware now it is not as easy even going on vacation there - pre-authorisation is required via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a programme and this is a requirement for everyone!. The simple task of buying duty free goods is no longer a formality with complicated rules on liquids, tamper proof bags and also forward journeys when you arrive in the USA.

Now, there are plans afoot at the insistence of the US Department of Homeland Security which require British Airways and other airlines flying to certain airports outside America to submit passengers' personal data to US authorities. The information is checked against a "No Fly" list containing tens of thousands of names. Even if the flight plan steers well clear of US territory, travellers whom the Americans regard as suspicious will be denied boarding.

The scheme due to start in April covers flights to Canada, Cuba, Mexico and the Caribbean.

So who will be affected by the new rule?

725,000: Number of British visitors to Canada each year. Airports affected: Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax
300,000: Number of British visitors to Mexico each year. Airports affected: Mexico City and Cancun
160,000: Number of British visitors to Cuba each year. Airports affected: Havana, Varadero and Holguin.

plus the traffic to the other Caribbean countries.

Looking after our security or draconian measures? It has certainly taken a chunk of money out of our duty free money as there certainly will be a cost attached to this!