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Fingerprinting Visitors to Europe

Posted by (Freedonia) on

This will be in Tuesday's New York Times:

February 12, 2008
World Briefing | Europe
European Union Plan Would Fingerprint Visitors
By STEPHEN CASTLE
Non-Europeans would need to submit biometric data like fingerprints and facial scans before being allowed to enter Europe, according to a draft proposal expected to go before the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, this week. The planned measure, drafted by the European commissioner for justice and home affairs, Franco Frattini, left, would apply to citizens of the United States and other countries who can now enter Europe without visas. The United States now routinely requires European travelers to submit fingerprints. If approved by the commission, the measure would still need the approval of all 27 European Union nations.

Posted by
12172 posts

The U.S. will do ten fingerprints now (versus the old two fingerprint requirement) because the FBI system only works with ten. Congress was concerned people with criminal records could slip through the Ports of Entry because the old system didn't mix with the FBI system. I haven't heard about facial scans in the U.S., but it's safe to say everything is being considered.

The Europeans are essentially doing the same thing on their end. Trying to make it harder for criminals to cross borders without getting caught.

It's a shame we live in a world where we need this.

Posted by
683 posts

We doubt that such a provision would get the ok from all EU members, even tho Europe has experienced far more terrorism for far longer than the US has.Yes, it is sad that we live in such a world but let's hope that
useless measures like fingerprinting and scans, which annoy and inconvenience innocent travelers while failing to stop committed criminals, u;timately are rejected

Posted by
479 posts

I guess my dream of a world where people can freely come and go as they please will never be a reality as long as fear and hate abide. Not judging anyone, just making a statement.

Posted by
505 posts

Highly unlikely to be passed by all 27 countries. Unless there in a vengeful mood because of more security demands by the US - like requiring additional info on all passengers on flights that go over the US, but don't stop there (like to Canada etc). And other equally un-necessary and intrusive measures.

However, you do now have to be fingerprinted for some flights in Heathrow, domestic or international. I think it's some sort of system they are trialling to go in the new terminal 5. And people are not happy because it started without warning and without any chance for the public to have a say. It's one thing to fingerprint people coming in from another country, another thing to require people to be fingerprinted to fly within a country.

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