Press Releases 2004

Fingerprints in U.S. Visas from July 2004

May 17, 2004

NEW DELHI -- The United States Embassy today announced a new program to include fingerprints in U.S. visas, which will begin in July 2004. At a press conference here today, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Maura Harty introduced the new program, designed to increase the security of the U.S. and the traveling public.

Beginning July 2004, U.S. consular sections in India will collect two electronic fingerprints from most visa applicants. Visas issued after fingerprinting are referred to as "BioVisas". The fingerprints will be collected at the time of visa application through an inkless process that takes only about 30 seconds to complete.

Consular sections in India will be among the last to introduce this new requirement, and by October 26, 2004 all U.S. consular sections worldwide will be collecting fingerprints. However, visas issued prior to the introduction of the fingerprint requirement will continue to be valid through their expiration date.

Assistant Secretary Harty and the U.S. Consul General William Bartlett gave a demonstration of the fingerprinting process and provided an overview of how the program will further safeguard the traveling public. Harty stressed that including biometrics in visas is a worldwide policy and not India specific.

Changes in visa processing procedures are designed to make both America's borders and visitors to the U.S. more secure, and are central to the U.S. Government's ongoing commitment to "Secure Borders, Open Doors." Harty also announced that the Embassy will be opening up some additional appointments each month reserved especially for student visa applications.

Since January 5, 2004 almost all visitors arriving at U.S. sea- and airports have had their fingerprints taken as part of the US-VISIT program in a procedure similar to the process being introduced in India in July. Fingerprints will continue to be collected at Ports of Entry from visitors, including those who do not require a visa and those that have been issued a new "BioVisa."

At the U.S. port of entry, the fingerprints of the traveler will be scanned and compared to the fingerprint contained in the "BioVisa." As part of the US-VISIT program, visitors will also have a digital photo taken and an inkless fingerprint scan of both index fingers. On exit, there will be a departure confirmation system, where visitors will electronically scan their visas and repeat the digital fingerprint scanning process.

Diplomatic, official and international organization employees are exempt from this process, as are travelers under age 14 and over age 79. All other visa applicants, including government officials applying for tourist visas and domestic servants of diplomats and official travelers, must have biometric information collected at a visa interview. Fingerprints from visa applicants will be kept confidential, and will not be shared with anyone.