Visa Services
U.S. Announces New Procedures and Entry and Exit Points
Starting January 5, 2004 all visitors traveling on visas to the United States will be required to have two fingers scanned by an inkless device and a digital photograph taken by immigration officials upon entry at U.S. air and seaports. The new automated entry and exit procedures will apply equally to all visa holders entering the United States, regardless of nationality. The computerized entry and exit system will be in place at 115 airports and 14 major seaports in early 2004 and be phased in at U. S. land borders throughout 2005 and 2006. Many of the procedures upon entry and exit to the U. S. will remain unchanged. Upon entry, the U. S. Customs and Border Protection Officers will continue to review travel documents, such as a visa and passport, and ask questions about the visitor's stay in the United States. Upon leaving the U. S., travelers will be required to scan their travel documents electronically and repeat the fingerprinting process at automated, self-service kiosks at the international departure areas. This process will verify the visitor's identity and departure and will confirm compliance with U.S. immigration policy. The exit confirmation will be added to the visitor's travel records to demonstrate compliance and record