I am planning a trip to the US this year. Can you tell me the latest about security requirements? — Annabelle Morris, London SW19
From September 30, visitors entering America under the Visa Waiver Program will be digitally photographed at immigration and two inkless fingerprint scans taken.
This will add about 15 seconds per person to the entry process and could lead to long delays during busy periods. The data gathered will be used to verify the identity of the visitor and compared against watch lists with the aim of reducing fraud, identity theft, and the risk of terrorists entering the country.
From October 26, visitors entering under the VWP must also have a machine-readable passport recognisable by two lines of letters, numbers and chevrons on the personal details page.
Most British passports already meet this requirement, but children must carry individual passports rather than being included on a parent’s.
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One further change in border procedures comes in October 2005, when travellers on the VWP will be required to carry biometric identifiers, such as iris and retina scans, in their passports.
The relatively few British visitors who are not able to travel on the VWP will have digital fingerscans taken at US consular offices as part of the normal visa application process.
When the visitor arrives at the port of entry in the US, fingerscans and digital photos will be collected to verify that the individual is genuinely the recipient of the visa.
We recently booked accommodation in Mauritius through Trailfinders. The consultant told us that we would each have to pay £53 extra for airport transfers.
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But because we didn’t need them (we had friends meeting us) we asked for a refund. However, the company now says that £13 of the fee is for a rep on the coach, and that it is non-refundable. Can you help? — Joanna Clifton, via e-mail
Since I contacted Trailfinders it has agreed to refund the fee. A spokeswoman said that your sales consultant should have explained that it was not just for a rep during transfers but for their services during the entire holiday. But because you were misinformed you would get your money back.
She explained that Trailfinders usually insists on arranging transfers for visitors to Mauritius because taxis are not always insured.
Peachy beaches
With reference to Nigel Scragg’s request for information about beaches on the Costa del Sol as good as Saunton Sands in Devon (Times Travel, August 14). Few compare, but an exception, mid-way between Marbella and Fuengirola, is Cabopino Playa, on the western side of Puerto Cabopino, Calahonda. It is a super biscuit-coloured sandy shore, backed by extensive dunes and pine trees. Part of the long, undeveloped beach is clothes-optional.
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For more remote beaches, travel east of Nerja on the N340 towards Almunecar on the eastern Costa del Sol. The indented coastline is unspoilt for at least 16km (10 miles). A choice of coves and broad, open beaches can be reached by a short walk. — Mike Charles, co-author Bare Beaches, www.barebeaches.com.