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Important Note for Travelers Returning
from the U.S.
U.S. VISIT PROGRAM
The overall goals of US-VISIT are: To enhance the security of U.S. citizens and visitors while facilitating legitimate travel and trade; to enhance the integrity of the U.S. immigration system; and to protect the privacy of visitors coming to the U.S. to study, work, see family or tour the country.
The first phase of US-VISIT, requiring all U.S. visa holders to have their two index fingers scanned and have a photograph taken was launched on January 5, 2004. At the same time the automated biometric exit procedures (finger scan and taking a photo) have been initiated at a pilot program at two departure points. Many more have been added in the course of the year.
As of September 30, 2004 all travelers eligible to enter the United States without a visa (visa waiver program) are required to comply with the US - VISIT program as well. To help the process run smoothly, foreign visitors will receive a printed card explaining the exit process when they arrive in the United States, and directional signs about the exit program are strategically located throughout the airports and seaports. If additional assistance is needed, a US-visit exit attendant will be available to assist the visitor with the process.
How does the US-VISIT exit procedure work?
If a visitor's port of departure has US-VISIT exit procedures in place the traveler (when entered under the U.S. VISIT program) will be required to confirm departure prior to leaving the United States. The visitors scan their travel document and repeat what they did on entry - the digital finger scanning process in the exit station. If assistance is needed, a US-VISIT exit attendant will be available to assist the visitor with the process. If visitors fail to check out using these installed facilities, it could affect their ability to re-enter the country. Where these procedures are not available or if you entered the United States before the US-VISIT program has been launched, visitors still need to turn in the I-94 form (entry and departure record, green or white card stapled to your passport) to the airline ticket agent.
Is the I-94 still stapled to your passport?
If you departed the United States already and you find yourself still in possession of the I-94 and if you are not traveling to the United States soon, mail the card to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1090 Vienna. If you plan to return to the United States in a few days, take the form with you and give it to the DHS inspector at the port of entry. Regardless, be sure to complete the four questions on the back of the form. If you lost the I-94 Departure Record, you may be asked to complete a new form to replace the lost document the next time you attempt to enter the United States.
What are the consequences for an individual who does not comply with the exit procedures or overstays?
The accurate collecting of the entry and departure information is necessary to identify if a visitor has overstayed his or her visit. An individual who violates immigration laws by overstaying his or her period of admission may be subject to removal from the United States and may be barred from future entry or from receiving a new visa. Not only does biometrics technology make matching more accurate, over time it will actually speed up the entry and exit process.
How does a visitor know that he or she has successfully checked out of the United States using a US-VISIT exit station?
After the finger scan the US-VISIT exit station will issue a receipt, which confirms that the visitor has successfully completed the exit procedures. Also, a US-VISIT exit workstation attendant will be on-hand to assist visitors with the exit process and answer any questions they may have.
How are you informing foreign visitors about US-VISIT?
Exit cards are being handed out by the U.S. customs and border protection officers upon arrival; there is highly-visible signage where exit facilities will be placed; and airlines (in-flight videos), cruise lines and travel organizations are being enlisted to communicate directly to their constituents.
Privacy Notice and Disclaimer
e-mail: embassy@usembassy.at
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