US, World Prepare for Travel Regulations
Technologies that scan faces and fingerprints will become a standard part of travel for foreign visitors to the United States next year, and eventually for all travelers in the country. The change is mandated by border security legislation passed by Congress last May. The government has started issuing border-crossing cards for Mexican citizens and green cards for permanent residency that display fingerprints and photographs. By next October, the 27 countries whose citizens can travel to the United States without visas must begin issuing passports with computer chips containing facial recognition data or lose their special status. Given the complexity of the technology, many countries are struggling to meet the deadline, and some people in the industry say the deadline may have to be extended.
High-tech scrutiny set for U.S. travelers The International Herald Tribune, August 25, 2003
