 Britons' details will be checked against FBI records |
All Britons arriving in the US are to have their fingerprints and photographs taken as part of efforts to prevent a potential threat from terrorists. Currently, only Britons needing visas for longer stays have to undergo the procedure on arrival in the US.
But from 30 September, tourists who do not need visas will also be digitally photographed and fingerprinted.
British officials have accepted the US measures but asked for reassurances it would not lead to long delays.
Britain is among 27 nations to be affected by the announcement by the US Department of Homeland Security on Friday.
Officials fear terrorists could attempt a Madrid-style bombing in the US, having concealed explosives in aeroplane luggage.
The fingerprinting measures follow findings by a US inquiry that opportunities were missed to stop the 11 September hijackers entering the country.
A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: "UK passengers will understand why the US has introduced these safety measures.
 | COUNTRIES AFFECTED Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK |
"We want British people flying to the States to feel secure when they travel.
"That is the best way to counter terrorism. Obviously we hope there will be minimal disruption to people's journeys."
British travellers with visas for visits over three months have undergone routine fingerprinting and face-scanning since they were brought in on 5 January this year.
Those visiting the US for up to three months without a visa, under the US "visa waiver" scheme, will now face the same procedures.
A British embassy spokesman said the UK had asked the US to "commit to safeguards" which would prevent long delays for Britons arriving at airports.
Safeguards on the use and storage of personal data have also been requested, as well as procedures to resolve any problems.
Britons' fingerprints will be checked against FBI records but not criminal records in the UK.
The embassy spokesman said: "We work very closely with the US with whom we share counter terrorism and aviation security goals."
He said the US had reported no significant impact on the time taken to process visitors under the new system.
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UK passengers will understand why the US has introduced these safety measures 
