SARS - Travel Ban, Quarantine, Screening Procedures at International Airports

Important travel news

United States - Suspension of Transit Visa Waiver Programs

The US Department of Homeland Security and US Department of State have suspended the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) and International-to-International (ITI) programs for people who would otherwise be required to obtain a visa to travel to the US. The action takes effect at 11:00 a.m., Saturday August 2, 2003. (Note: All times are U.S. EDT).

The passengers who are traveling from 2 point outside the US with a stop for transit purposes within the US will now be required to have a US visa over the next 60 days. This action does not affect U.S. citizens or citizens from visa waiver countries.

Homeland Security issued instructions to all airlines to no longer allow passengers to utilize these transit programs.

For the details, please read:

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic

FAQ Re Suspension of Transit Without Visa International-to-International

United States- The Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The new visa requirement will become into effect from 01 October 2003.

The details are as follows:

All passengers intending to enter the USA on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will be required to present a machine readable passport (MRP).
Passengers travelling to the USA with a non-machine readable passport will require a valid US entry visa, even if they are citizens of a country within the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Children travelling on a parent's passport (be it machine readable or non-machine readable) cannot benefit from the Visa Waiver Program.
Applying for a US visa is a lengthy process which can take several weeks. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that:
- All Visa Waiver nationals who hold a non-machine readable passport should obtain a machine readable passport before their next visit to the USA.

- Children travelling on their parent's passport should obtain their own machine readable passport prior to travelling to the USA.

Further information can be found on http://www.usconsulate.org.hk/pas/pr/2003/062001.htm

US Transportation Security Administration ( TSA ) - New Baggage Security Check Procedures

US Transportation Security Administration TSA began screening 100% of checked baggage at all 429 commercial airports across the United States. You will not be able to access your bags after they are screened, therefore, you should remove everything that you want to take on the plane with you before you hand over your checked bag for screening.

The following information is published by US TSA at
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_0598.xml

"Several methods are being used to screen 100% of checked baggage. The most common methods that you will encounter involve electronic screening, either by an Explosives Detection System (EDS) or Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) device.

The EDS machines are the large machines that can be over 20 feet long and weigh up three tons. Your baggage will be loaded on a conveyor belt of the EDS machine by a screener for screening. If your bag requires further inspection, it may be brought to an ETD machine."

"Do not put film in your checked baggage. Some of the new checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film."

Unlocking Checked Bags
"TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bags unlocked. In some cases, screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag. However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, then locks may have to be broken. You may keep your bag locked if you choose, but TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes. If you are transporting a firearm, please refer to the on "Transporting Firearms and Ammunition" section at the bottom of this page for directions on locking your bag."

Please read very carefully the information on the New Baggage Security Check Procedures and packing tips provided by US TSA at:

http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_0598.xml