Stricter security for the strictest country

Security at American airport just got tighter, especially for foreign tourists entering the country. They will now have to register their intention to travel to America at least 48 hours in advance of setting foot on the soil.

Starting next year the country with the strictest security in the world will get even stricter. New legislation introduced by Bush will require foreign visitors in visa-waiver countries to enter their personal details two days in advance of travel.

A similar program is already in effect in Spain and is planned across Europe for next year. Spain has been requiring personal information before travel since June this year but the American program will require more information than the European scheme.

The UK is one of the countries that will have to forward their citizen’s information before they depart for America. US immigration officials need more time to process incoming passengers after terrorist activity at Glasgow Airport and in London have proved that terrorists operate within the UK.

The visa-waiver program is an attempt by the US to welcome more tourists but on the other hand, the elimination of the visa requirements have led to stricter security measures.

Despite the new measures, lines at security are not expected to increase as new staff have been employed to help deal with the situation. An additional 200 Customs and Border Protection officials are being deployed at the most popularly used 20 foreign airports to help speed up the immigration process.

“This is the most significant travel reform since 9/11 and sends a clear message to our friends around the world that we want them to visit and they will have a positive experience when they arrive,” said Roger J Dow, president and chief executive officer of the Travel Industry Association of America (TIAA).