The Biden administration is reportedly charging U.S. citizens thousands of dollars for evacuation flights out of Afghanistan.
“Even though U.S. officials tell NatSec Daily and others that evacuation flights from Kabul will be free, people trying to catch a plane in the Afghan capital say differently,” Politico reported. “One person said State Department staff were seeking large payments — up to $2,000 — from American passengers and even more from non-U.S. citizens.”
“When we relayed what this person told us to the State Department, a spokesperson didn’t deny that this is happening,” Politico added.
“U.S. law requires that evacuation assistance to private U.S. citizens or third country nationals be provided ‘on a reimbursable basis to the maximum extent practicable.’ The situation is extremely fluid, and we are working to overcome obstacles as they arise,” the spokesperson told Politico.
“In other words, the Biden administration may request payments for evacuation flights,” Politico explained.
Biden’s State Department Spokesman Ned Price told the Daily Caller that the administration has “no intention of seeking any reimbursement from those fleeing Afghanistan,” which contradicts what the State Department told Americans stranded in Afghanistan through a security alert on Saturday.
“Repatriation flights are not free, and passengers will be required to sign a promissory loan agreement and may not be eligible to renew their U.S. passports until the loan is repaid,” the State Department said. “The cost may be $2,000USD or more per person.”
The repatriation flight request form on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul further contradicts Price’s claims. The form stated, “All passengers will need to reimburse the U.S. Government for the flight. A promissory note for the full cost of the flight, which may exceed $2000 per person, must be signed by each adult passenger before boarding.”
