The new United States Department of Homeland Security has announced that as from January 2004, all foreigners visiting US would be fingerprinted upon arrival and departure at the country's air and seaports.

According to the Department, the first phase of the new entry/exit system would be launched at one hundred and fifteen (115) airports and fourteen (14) major seaports across the US on January 5, next year.

The system was to give the authorities the opportunity to identify terrorists and other criminals entering the US and also make it possible to determine travellers who overstay their visas, the Department added.