U.S. considers new visa vetting requirements; Public invited to comment

The U.S. government is accepting public comments on a proposed plan that would require all U.S. visa applicants to submit a five-year history of social media usernames, email addresses and phone numbers along with international travel and deportation status and a statement as to whether any family members have been involved in terrorist activities. Currently this information is only sought from applicants identified for extra scrutiny.

The new requirements could affect nearly 15 million applicants each year including travelers from Brazil, China, India and Mexico. Citizens from the 40 countries that are part of the visa waiver program would not be affected.

The public comment period is set to expire May 29, 2018. For more information please see http://web.archive.org/web/20180405182915/https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-03-30/pdf/2018-06490.pdf and

 http://web.archive.org/web/20180405184416/https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-03-30/pdf/2018-06496.pdf.

Avis to add 10,000 Toyota Connected vehicles to its fleet

Under a new partnership with Toyota Connected North America, Avis Budget Group will add 10,000 cars to its fleet of connected vehicles.  According to company officials, “The Toyota vehicles will deliver increased benefits to Avis customers by tapping into Toyota’s proprietary MSPF (Mobility Services Platform) suite of software and connected services.” For example, customers can receive real-time rental information and vehicle data such as virtual odometer and fuel level readings via the Avis mobile app.  The system can help customers locate the vehicle. It will also create shorter processing times when picking up and returning the rental.  

Japan to add “Sayonara Tax”

Starting January 7, 2019, all travelers leaving Japan will be required to pay a departure fee of 1,000 yen (about $10 USD). The so called “Sayonara Tax” applies to foreign travelers and Japanese citizens alike. The tax will be added to the fares for travelers departing by air or sea. Travelers staying in Japan for less than 24 hours and children under two years of age will be exempt.