Can someone please tell me a bit about finger print scans when entering the U.S.?

[SerendipityBlue]

Hello,
We have not been to the U.S. since 2003 which was before they did all the iris and fingerprint scans, at which point are you scanned, is it before or after customs, before picking up your bags? does it add extra hours to the airport time?
Just curious about all of this, as we are trying to do as much foreword planning as possible!

Thank You!
Ella

[wifey]

You will be asked to do this at the Customs and Immigration desk at the airport, it's painless and young kids don't do it, but it does add extra time... last time we went it took 1hour 30 mins to go through customs before we got our bags and the transport to our hotel... there was a queue in the airport as 4 planes from the uk landed at once and everyone was cranky..they did make the queues go past the toilets so folks could use the facilities while they waited a blessing when you are all wanting to go :thumbsup2

[pampat]

Never really had a problem going in to US since the introduction of digital fingerprinting and photos. The queues always seem to take ages anyway. You will be photographed and you have to put your forefingers onto a scanner, one at a time. It very often happens after a transatlantic flight, that you are very dehydrated and the scanner cannot 'read' your fingerprint. If this happens, rub your forefingers behind your ears (not a joke). You are naturally very greasy in this spot (just try it now), your fingers pick up the grease and hey presto! the scanner can read your fingerprints. This tip was given to me by a US Immigration official and it works every time.

Pam

[UKDEB]

The finger print scan and photo ID is done at the immigration desk - your first port of call after disembarking the plane. After that, you will collect your bags and then clear Customs. Assuming you're flying into MCO, you'll then relinquish your bags before passing through security and catching the monorail to the main terminal for the second baggage reclaim.

[SerendipityBlue]

Thank You Dis Superstars!

for hours this morning I tried to find this info using google, but not having much luck. I am so pleased to find such friendly helpful advice!

cheers again!

Ella

[patdavies]

Thank You Dis Superstars!

for hours this morning I tried to find this info using google, but not having much luck. I am so pleased to find such friendly helpful advice!

cheers again!

Ella

Try Googling US VISIT.

You are asked to place each index finger in turn on an electronic scanner. Your photograph will be taken with a camera that resembles a webcam. There is no iris scan. This will be done each time that you enter the USA.

[MrsJobba1]

What happens when you return?

Last year we did the finger print and photo, ( Hate to think what it looks like as our plane was delayed 11 hours and we arrived @ midnight :scared1: )

Just wondered what to expect this year - is it the same procedure?

[Miffy2003]

What happens when you return?

Last year we did the finger print and photo, ( Hate to think what it looks like as our plane was delayed 11 hours and we arrived @ midnight :scared1: )

Just wondered what to expect this year - is it the same procedure?

Exactly the same process for subsequent visits :)