latest embassy news 

U.S. Embassy Warsaw Began Fingerprint Scans for VISA APplicants

August 11, 2004

On 9 August 2004, the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw began collecting digitally scanned fingerprints from U.S. visa applicants.  This new procedure was instituted in accordance with the current U.S. law, which requires that biometric identifiers be collected from all visa applicants by October 24, 2004.  

Lithuanian citizens, including winners of the “Green Card Lottery”, are provided U.S. immigrant visa services at the U.S. Embassy Warsaw, and will be required to follow the same procedure.

Two electronic fingerscans will be collected from each applicant by using an electronic scanner.  No ink will be used; the process takes only seconds.  Prints of the left and right index fingers of the applicants will be taken.

The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius is scheduled to start similar finger scanning procedures for non-immigrant U.S. visa services on 23 August 2004.  

The collection of fingerprints is the latest step in the U.S. government's efforts to improve the security of the visa process.  On January 5 of this year, fingerprint scans and digital photographs began to be taken of all travelers arriving in the U.S. with visas.  These efforts of the United States Government should enhance the security of U.S. citizens and visitors, expedite legitimate travel and trade, and protect the integrity of the immigration system by ensuring that the person entering the United States is the same person who applied for the visa.

Media advisory:  A separate media event to explain the new finger scanning procedures in Vilnius is planned for 23 August 2004.  The embassy will issue a separate press release and will demonstrate the actual electronic scanning during the event. Registration of media representatives will be required by 20 August.  Please call and provide names of visitors for the event at 2660330 or e-mail to litevkaitea@state.gov .