Travelling to the USA on holiday

[scoobydooby]

I've just been reading through some old entries and I'm surprised to read that some people have had their photos and fingerprints taken when entering the USA. Is this correct? I travelled with my family in 2000 and again in 2002 and we're going again soon. We've never had to have our photo or prints taken. I should imagine this takes ages. If this is so, does it apply to everyone? Will my children have to participate and what's the reason behind this?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

yes,everybody who enters the usa now has to have their photo and fingerprints taken,no exception.they say it is to help them combat terroism,it does not take that long,by the time its done your bags are ready to collect,just means you wait a little to have them done instead of waiting at the carosel for your bags.if you refuse they dont let you in.

[Pinotage]

It takes place at the immigraton office desk. You look at a digital 'webcam' and put your fingers on a pad - no ink.

Everyone has it done to them. The only exception are the thousands of illegal immigrants pouring daily over the Mexican border. But Al Quaeda would be too stupid to think of entering that way, wouldn't they?

It is all part of the US's "War on Terror".

[jno]

it only takes a minute or so. You may have to go through the procedure again when you leave, and get a receipt - otherwise they'll have no record of your departure and will think you're still there somewhere, making bombs. Check-in staff at the departure airport will advise.

[mightyWBA]

Would the Queen have to have her photo took,or would she just hand over a 5,10,20,or 50 pound note,or maybe a stamp?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

it does not happen on your way home,all you do is hand in the part of the grrn visa waiver form,that lets them know you have left the country

[lou 26]

my daughter was 2 when we went last year and they didnt fingerprint her or take her photo. Im not sure what age the children have to be before they have to have theirs done

[dzug]

I believe that under 14s and over 79s are exempt from the requirement

[jno]

well, it happened to me on the way out (from Atlanta) last year; and I still have my receipt. But maybe not all airports do it.

[lou 26]

ive only ever flown into and out of Florida jno and ive never known them do it on the way out, yet alone give out receipts for it, lol, so like you say it maybe that policy changes from airport to airport or state to state even, its a new one on me

[theo_wyvern]

went to NY last year and had to go through this - only takes a minute or two longer than normal - not an issue !

[Bohne]

Don't worry, they are fairly quick with it (its all digital and electronic) and in any case, there is nothing you can do about it...