Strict security checks for anyone arriving in United States on a visa
Plans have been announced for new security checks for passengers arriving in the United States.
From 1 January, anyone arriving in the country on a visa will be photographed and have their fingerprints taken, and their details will be checked against a national database of criminal suspects before the traveller is allowed to enter the country. And, according to the Daily Telegraph, British travellers heading for the United States will have to give more details about their travel plans while in the country.
As reported by News From Abroad, fingerprinting was introduced by the United States last year, though passengers appeared to be targeted mainly according to where they had flown in.
Industry figures are already criticising the move; a spokesman for Virgin Holidays told the Telegraph: “Anything that tightens security is a good idea but if it increases the queuing time for customers on arrival it could put people off.” And Alan Flook, of the Federation of Tour Operators, added: “It will cause hassle, but the reality is that it becoming more of a palaver to travel anywhere.”
