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[mc9]

Anyone been to the US recently? What does the immigration fingerprint reader look like?

I'm going at end of August. Due to an old industrial injury the fingers on my left hand don't straighten fully and I don't know if I'll be able to use the fingerprint reader.

I don't want to be delayed at immigration or get renditioned...

Any advise welcomed.

Cheers

mc9

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Anyone been to the US recently? What does the immigration fingerprint reader look like?

I'm going at end of August. Due to an old industrial injury the fingers on my left hand don't straighten fully and I don't know if I'll be able to use the fingerprint reader.

I don't want to be delayed at immigration or get renditioned...

Any advise welcomed.

Cheers

mc9

I am going to the USA again later in the year and all I have had to do is fill out the online visa application form, which was accepted immediately with a visa now in place.

I think the fingerprint recognition system is only in respect of those of us with new chipped passports.  If your passport is not one of those there is nothing to match your fingerprint to (unless you have a criminal record!) so it will not affect you, I think!!

[AndersH]

I went in April, and the one at Phoenix was like the one in the pictures on this thread a few posts down.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=60756982

[tunnie]

i think they ask you to use your right hand, they are quite small only a couple of cm sqaured.

[Gaffers]

I visit 'them over the pond' regularly and they fingerprint all Brits applying for the Visa Waiver program every time they enter.  It used to be just the right index finger but last time (Dec) they fingerprinted both index fingers and took a photo.  I do not have a biometric passport and as far as I can tell there was no difference with the procedure for those with or without.  The reader they use is quite small so dont worry if you cant extend your fingers fully as it will fit around bent fingers.  The immigration agents are very nice and friendly albeit a little dull and straight-faced.  If you have any military connections big them up as they love that, these guys are ultra proud Americans!

I suggest you take a photocopy of your passport in case you lose it as well as taking note of the visa number.

Also make sure the airline takes the green part out of your passport when you leave otherwise the next time you go over immigration will question you in a back room for several hours as they will think you are an illegal alien..... (cue music)

[chrisl_1960]

I flew into Chicago a few wekks ago, they fingerprinted both index fingers, only took a few seconds, but as I was there on business they asked a lot of questions very quickly, but no problems though, just be polite and they're OK

[mc9]

Thanks to all for the advice.

Looks like I'll manage the fingerprint reader.

So pleased that I don't need to ask the US Embassy for advice. That would be entering the "lion's den".

Cheers  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

mc9

[bertiecbx550]

Just dont tell em you`ve come to see mickey mouse!!! they give you a right stare....