Visitors to the United States and its territories will be required to undergo finger scans and have digital photos taken from January the 5th.
The US-VISIT or United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology system will be in place at 115 airports and 14 major seaports in early 2004, and phased in at American borders in 2005 and 2006.
US law requires that by next October, biometric identifiers will be collected from all visa applicants.
The process upon entry and exit, will verify the visitor's identity and departure, and compliance with US immigration policy.
