Higher U.S. passport fees could put a damper on local tourism

From the Toronto Star:

Tourism industry officials in Toronto and Niagara Falls say they are shocked to learn the U.S. State Department plans to raise passport fees by as much as 35 per cent.

A new adult passport would cost $135, up from $100. Since last summer, passports have been mandatory to cross the Canada-U.S. border. The new fees, which could come into effect in mid-March, mean U.S. passports for a family of four would cost $480.

“It’s a total surprise, and under the circumstances, I’m rather shocked,” said Niagara Falls Tourism chair Wayne Thomson.

“It’s very difficult to get our American visitors across the border for so many reasons right now. This is certainly not good news for people in the U.S. who may not be able to afford a passport and it’s certainly not good news for tourism destinations,” he said.

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