It is correct. We had to do it and I wasn't pleased, but either you do it or don't go - it's their country so they call the shots.
The US immigration Dept. is not noted for its sense of humour but when we were clearing immigration at Atlanta two things happened to make me think it's not so bad after all...
Firstly a tall man walking through had a T shirt on that proclaimed "Department of Homeland Security. Fighting Tourism since 1945". No one batted an eyelid.
And when we were being photographed and finger printed (yes, she'll have to do that too!) my son who was 13 at the time said to the man "Why do you want all these personal details?". My mind flashed with visions of me being intimately searched, but the guy looked at my son and proceeded to explain how seriously they take the security of their country and how much it means to them that he would be safe whilst he visited. By the end of it there was a whole group of us who would have taken the Oath of Allegiance there and then, if they'd asked!!
I am still not particularly ecstatic that all those details were taken, but it's a trade off at the end of the day. There's always Spain.
Simon Howarth.
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michelle Peel
Sent: 19 December 2013 12:14
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] Copy of passport prior to flying to US?
Hi,
Can anyone help a friend of mine with this query as it's not something I've heard of before.
My friend is flying to America next year with a group. The organiser has asked them to provide a photo of their passport because they need it to book the flights. This spooked her, and she asked her friends (including me) if this is right. Another friend has confirmed he had to do this last time he visited the US as otherwise border control take hours to process you.
This just doesn't sound right to me, as surely the whole point of the immigration process is that the passport is your, well, passport to get you in? (Plus relevant visas etc).
Is my friend being mislead? I'm searching the tinterweb too, but I thought I'd try you lot too as there is so much knowledge, and this does seem to be a massive DP/Privacy risk!
Thanks in advance...
Michelle
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