Soon, most foreign visitors traveling on a visa to the United States will experience some changes during the entry and exit procedures at U.S. airports and seaports.
The new program, called US-VISIT, is scheduled to go into effect on January
5, 2004 US-VISIT reflects unprecedented collaboration among several federal
government agencies to enhance national security while facilitating legitimate
travel and trade. Led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, this interagency
effort will meet the mandates set by Congress for an automated entry and exit
system at our ports of entry.
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The technology-based entry/exit procedures to be added to the current system
also are designed to enhance the integrity of our immigration system while
respecting the privacy of U. S. visitors. The name US-VISIT was selected by
Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge to reflect the United States' continued
desire to be viewed as a welcoming nation
US-VISIT begins overseas, at the visa-issuing post, where consulate officials capture digital fingerprint scans, digital photographs and biographic data from visa applicants.
Upon arrival, the same biometric data is captured at the U.S. port of entry to verify the identity of the visitor and help Customs and Border Protection Officers make decisions regarding admission to the U.S. US-VISIT procedures are fast and simple for both the visitor and the officer. The inkless fingerprint scans and digital photograph add minimal time to current entry procedures - only seconds in most cases.
When leaving the United States, most visitors will need to verify their departure. Early in 2004, US-VISIT will pilot a departure system that involves automated, self-service kiosks where visitors will be asked to scan their travel documents and repeat the digital fingerprint scanning process on the inkless device. Attendants will be available to assist with the process. The exit confirmation will be added to the visitor's travel records to demonstrate compliance and record the individual's status for future visits to the United States. Visitors who depart from airports or seaports with the kiosks in place will be expected to confirm their departure. The US-VISIT Program will test other exit processes to make sure we put in place the most effective departure program.
These entry and exit procedures address the nation's critical need for tighter security and its ongoing commitment to facilitate travel for the millions of legitimate visitors the U.S. welcomes each year to conduct business, study, or vacation.
The US-VISIT entry capability will be in place at 115 airports and 14 major seaports by early 2004. Exit procedures will be phased in at air and seaports in 2004. Enhancements to both exist and entry procedures will be phased in throughout 2004 and 2005.
For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov/us-visit.
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