Americans are getting used to airlines charging a la carte for every item they can think of.  There are many countries in the world that currently do not require American passport holders to secure a visa in advance of arrival into their country. However, arriving and not having to pay an entry fee is increasingly becoming a thing of the past.   Lots of countries want to create a revenue stream and two of the latest additions are Argentina and Chile.

As of December 2009, all American Citizens visiting Argentina for business or tourism will be charged an entry fee of $131 U.S. dollars.  The Government of Argentina will be collecting the fee at the Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport.  Once paid, the fee permits multiple entries into Argentina for ten years in accordance with United States visa reciprocity.  Americans may pay in dollars, by credit card, or with travelers checks.

Argentina is not the only country to charge an entrance fee for Americans.  U.S. visitors to Chili will be charged a fee at the port of entry of $130 U.S. dollars, and a small receipt for the fee will be stapled in the last page of the passport.  This visa is valid for multiple entries and remains valid until the expiration of the passport.  In addition, visitors will be issued a tourist visa consisting of a single sheet of paper placed in the passport.