Washington — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging the U.S. House Judiciary Committee to extend the October 26 deadline for biometric passport requirements affecting citizens from 27 countries under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). In a letter to lawmakers and during a speech at the International Aviation Club in Washington, IATA Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani emphasized the urgent need for the two-year extension sought by the Bush administration.
Bisignani warned that most nations — including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the United States itself — cannot securely issue passports with biometric identifiers by the current deadline. "IATA has long supported the adoption of more secure travel documents incorporating biometric technology," he stated. "We worked with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop biometric standards. The problem is that the compliance timeframe is simply unachievable."
"Tens of thousands of travelers holding perfectly valid passports issued on or after October 26 would be barred from entering the United States," Bisignani continued. "Failure to extend the deadline would create chaos."
Security Through Coordination
The IATA chief stressed that "the key to effective international security is coordination." The association fears unrealistic compliance timelines might prompt retaliatory measures from other governments. "A pragmatic focus on security is essential," Bisignani said. "We cannot risk damaging international travel, trade, and commerce through political one-upmanship in response to unrealistic demands. The economic impact would be severe, with no corresponding security benefit."
Potential Consequences
- Traveler Stranding and Flight Disruptions: Without an extension, airports could face congestion from passengers denied boarding or entry, causing global network disruptions.
- Trade and Commerce Impacts: Blocked business travelers would immediately affect international trade, potentially delaying contracts and investments while damaging U.S. commercial reputation.
- Diplomatic Tensions: Unilateral U.S. biometric requirements could strain international relations and trigger trade disputes if partner nations cannot comply.
- Security Risks: Rushed biometric system implementation might introduce vulnerabilities, potentially decreasing overall security.
Recommended Solutions
IATA proposes these measures to prevent disruption:
- Immediate Deadline Extension: A minimum two-year delay to allow secure, effective biometric system implementation.
- Enhanced International Cooperation: Collaborate with ICAO to establish global biometric standards and provide technical assistance.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate travelers about new requirements and compliance procedures.
Global Response
Many VWP countries have expressed concerns about the deadline. While some are accelerating biometric passport issuance, technical and logistical challenges persist. Without an extension, nations might retaliate with stricter visa requirements for U.S. citizens.
Alternative Approaches
Other potential solutions include:
- Phased Implementation: Apply biometric requirements first to high-risk travelers before expanding to all.
- Technological Workarounds: Develop systems for pre-arrival biometric verification via digital submissions.
- Temporary Waivers: Grant exemptions for travelers facing exceptional circumstances.
The House Judiciary Committee's hearing represents a critical juncture in resolving this issue. Legislators must weigh IATA's warnings carefully to ensure aviation security enhancements don't come at the cost of global travel efficiency and economic stability.