FAQs
US Visit: Entry and Departure Controls
What is US-VISIT?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program (US-VISIT). US-VISIT is an integrated, automated entry-exit system that records the arrival and departure of foreign nationals; verifies identities; and authenticates travel documents through comparison of biometric identifiers. US-Visit applies to all visitors (with limited exceptions) entering the U.S. US-Visit does not apply to US citizens. Foreign visitors traveling to the U.S. have their two index fingers scanned and a digital photograph taken to match and authenticate their travel documents at the port of entry. This has consisted of individuals providing a picture and fingerprint (biometric evidence) and then receiving an I-94 card with their admission information on it. The goal of US-Visit is to enhance the security, facilitate legitimate travel and trade, ensure integrity of the immigration system, and protect privacy of visitors.
Why should I be concerned with US-VISIT?
The second phase of US-VISIT which is a departure control process has not been fully implemented. US-VISIT exit procedures are being tested at the following airports and seaports:
Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore/Washington International Airport); Newark, New Jersey (Newark Liberty International Airport); Atlanta, Georgia (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport); Chicago, Illinois (Chicago O'Hare International Airport); Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia International Airport); Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport); Detroit, Michigan (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport); San Juan, Puerto Rico (Luis Munoz Marin International Airport); San Francisco, California (San Francisco International Airport); Denver, Colorado (Denver International Airport); Seattle/Tacoma, Washington (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport); Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport); Miami, Florida (Miami International Cruise Line Terminal); and Long Beach, California and San Pedro, California seaports near Los Angeles, California.
What will happen if I do not comply with the US-VISIT departure procedures?
The significance of this departure program is that those who fail to properly complete the departure control procedures may find themselves subject to secondary inspection and intense interrogation when they try to return to the United States and may even be barred from re-entry. In the designated airports there will be kiosks set up so a person can self-complete the check out. However, these kiosks will not be readily located, often are in only certain parts of the airport, e.g. the Kiosk in Chicago O'Hare is in Terminal 5 only, the international terminal; however flights depart the U.S. from all terminals. If the kiosk is broken or otherwise not working properly there are no people to assist with the process. The CIS does not care about problems with the kiosks. It is the individual's obligation to complete the departure procedure without any excuses. If you register your exit a confirmation will be added to your travel records to demonstrate compliance with terms of your admission. Ultimately, foreign visitors will be required to check out before leaving the U.S.
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