New Delhi : As part of stringent security measures introduced by the United States following the 9/11 terror attacks, American visas will carry the fingerprints of their holders from July.

U.S. consular sections in India will collect two electronic fingerprints from most visa applicants through an inkless process that takes about 30 seconds and visas issued after fingerprinting will be known as ‘BioVisas,’ U.S. Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Maura Harty told a news conference here on May 17.

The new measure is designed to “increase the security of the U.S. and the travelling public,” said a statement issued by the U.S. embassy.

Consular sections in India will be among the last to introduce this new requirement, and by Oct. 26, 2004, all U.S. consular sections worldwide will be collecting fingerprints.

However, visas issued before the introduction of the fingerprint requirement will continue to be valid till their expiration date.

Harty stressed that including biometrics in visas was a worldwide policy and not India-specific.

Changes in visa processing procedures are designed to make both America’s borders and visitors to the U.S. more secure, and are central to the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to “secure borders,doors,” Harty said.

Harty also announced the U.S. embassy wouldsome additional appointments each month especially for student visa applications.

Since Jan. 5, almost all visitors arriving at U.S. seaports and airports have had their fingerprints taken as part of the US-VISIT program in a procedure similar to the process to be introduced in India in July.

Fingerprints will continue to be collected at ports of entry from visitors, including those who do not require a visa and those who have been issued a new ‘BioVisa.’ At the port of entry, the fingerprints of travellers will be scanned and compared to fingerprints contained in the ‘BioVisa.’ As part of the US-VISIT program, visitors will also have a digital photo taken and an inkless fingerprint scan of both index fingers.

On exit, there will be a departure confirmation system, whereby visitors will electronically scan their visas and repeat the digital fingerprint scanning process.

Diplomatic, official and international organization employees are exempt from this process, as are travellers aged less than 14 years or over 79 years.