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Save/ShareOn Wednesday, the European Commission proposed mandatory fingerprinting for all foreign visitors to most states in the European Union. Americans and other visitors who don't need visas may have to touch fingerprint scanners on their way through immigration, says the Wall Street Journal.
What's more, even though we still will not need to apply for visas, Americans may have to fill out an online form with their name, destinations, and how their travel ticket was paid for, before departing for a E.U. country, says the International Herald Tribune. The info would be checked against EU visitor blacklists.
Eventually, the EU may require digitalized facial images, too.
The plan is expected to be approved this year. But it will not go into effect until 2015—if approved as expected, says Reuters.
Here's a map of participating E.U. countries. Britain, Ireland, Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria might opt out of the plan.
The U.S. already requires Europeans to submit fingerprints (for all 10 fingers) when crossing our borders. Japan already requires fingerprints and photos of visitors, says The Washington Post.
Data systems in the U.S. and Europe will store passenger data for 13 years, including e-mail addresses, phone numbers, and the credit card info you used to purchase of flight tickets, says Time.
EARLIER
Air France experiments with replacing e-tickets with fingerprints.
Heathrow airport begins using iris scans for some travelers.
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Since we do the same to them, and other countries do it as well, we can't be too surprised. Though it may be a little extra hassle, it all is for safety in the end.
Great information and post, i look forward to future posts.
Posted By Annette on February 13, 2008, 2:15 PM
I think this is an excellent plan and I won't mind the small amount of additional time that it will take.
Posted By LuAnnette on February 14, 2008, 1:00 PM
I certainly don't have a problem with any type of ID verification...we can't be too safe. However, what type of security will be insured by providing a credit card number?
Posted By colleen on February 14, 2008, 1:30 PM
I personally think this absurd. Our countries have let a few radicals take over our thoughts and procedures. Great. Now the government will be able to track citizens. I hope everyone praising this is ready for a big brother government that is more than willing to watch our every step.
Posted By jessie pendergrass on February 14, 2008, 1:50 PM
I have NEVER had my fingerprintes taken and I'm damned if I will now. No more Europe for me. I am fed up with the terrorists/criminals that force ALL of we law abiding citizens against the wall. And the govt 500,000 new employees that it takes to impliment it!
Posted By Clare on February 14, 2008, 4:53 PM
George Orwell is laughing in his grave.
The founding fathers are spinning in theirs.
This gives governments even more power than they have now, and what they have now is excessive.
To the people who think this a good idea because it will "make us more secure" I'll simply quote Ben Franklin.
It still applies today.
"Those who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security deserve neither liberty nor security."
Posted By Rich on February 15, 2008, 1:28 AM
Any ideas on what happens if you are planning to fly into Switzerland first, and then travel to EU countries from there?
Posted By Bill on February 15, 2008, 10:59 AM
You will still have go thru customs in other countries so you will still fingerprinted.
Posted By Kevin on February 15, 2008, 11:54 AM
What about the Americans who are living in the EU? We do not always pass through immigration when traveling within the EU.
Posted By sheila on February 15, 2008, 2:37 PM
And I thought fingerprints were only for criminals... this world is becoming too paranoid.
Posted By Alpha on April 18, 2008, 5:33 AM