Photographed, Fingerprinted and Welcomed
My grandfather, a man steeped in the ways of the old country, was my favorite sage. Once after visiting a relative he remarked, "I didn't feel particularly welcome."
Such things can escape the palate and attention of a 10-year-old boy, especially where milk and Oreos are involved, but if you're a sage, nuance is everything.
For my grandfather, the allocation of everyday dishes, a half-pour of coffee and store-bought cookies meant we should keep our visit short.
Travel seems to be a lot like that these days; the door may be open, but the hug seems perfunctory.
Clearing immigrations is a perfect example, having evolved into a gauntlet of checks that can leave the most seasoned traveler unsettled and thinking of home.
Certainly security takes center stage and there's no denying the importance of safe travel and secure surroundings, but be prepared for the next step in travel security requirements: biometric identifiers such as electronic fingerprinting or iris scans. (My money's on the fingerprint.)
It will likely be the norm for all international travel within a few years.
The United States has been requiring biometric identifiers for visa applicants and visa waiver program travelers since 2004.
At the time, the BBC asked U.K. travelers how they felt about being fingerprinted upon entry to the U.S. The dialogue was spirited; read comments.
Fast forward to 2007, the U.K. now requires fingerprints for visa applicants from over 100 countries. By April 2008, fingerprints will be required for every foreign national applying for a British visa.
Beginning November 23, 2007, all foreign travelers to Japan will be photographed and fingerprinted upon landing in Japan.
The Immigration Bureau of Japan has produced an informative and equally entertaining online video outlining the program and fielding FAQs.
And while some well-intended dubbing adds to its charm, the real star is not the question-asking, deliciously-abrasive American; it's the process itself.
Take a look at the video if you're interested in seeing the future of international travel security. Rest assured, your fingers will remain ink-free and no one will say, "Book 'em, Danno!"
The video is in English on the Japan Immigration Bureau site: view now.
What's been your experience going through immigrations?
Safe travels,
Tom
Comments
I couldn't get over the dichotomy between the laid back, casual feeling of tranquility in Mazatlan, Mexico juxtaposed with the sterile, processor-like experience (and downright rude customs agents I encountered) in Houston on the way home. What a contrast!
Posted by: john | September 28, 2007 9:55 AM
Well, I have travelled a lot through US immigration and I dont see any issues with fingerprinting. If a country has to be safe, these measures should be taken and for that matter they should be taken by every country.
Just one thing I dont like about most of the US immigration officers are that they never smile and dont reply even if you greet them. Be a bit courteous.
Posted by: Jimmy Kaw | September 28, 2007 9:57 AM
US was fine. It was getting thru Canada. Everything went smoothly, but upon getting home we found articles of clothing had been stolen and replaced with a used thong and my husband's suitcase was drenched in cheap perfume.
Posted by: PJ Kolba | October 1, 2007 4:49 AM
I travel to South Africa often. On a recent visit I was routed through Charles DeGaulle airport. Despite making another international connection, we were shunted out of the secure areas of the airport and put through immigration. We had an hour and a half to get to our connection. There was only one booth open at immigration but there were 3 additional immigration officials standing by watching the wait expand to more than 20 minutes to get to the booth. I am not inclined to reduce security but I’d sure as heck argue for greater efficiency. We missed our connection and it had to cost Air France to reroute us to the evening flight. The Air France reps were also unwelcoming. They blamed our failure to make our connection on us and then after some pressing admitted to an “infrastructure” problem. I will NEVER fly to or through Paris again!
Posted by: Cheryl Lawrence | October 1, 2007 8:24 AM
I would never, ever feed you Oreos. Nor would I fingerprint and photograph a guest. Manners seem to be the first thing thrown out the window, and I don't think they have much to do with safety. I'm sure Japan doesn't really need a photo of my grandma, nor does the US need to see Tom's holey (holy church-going?) socks.
Posted by: Shandane | October 5, 2007 11:19 AM