Japan announced last week that it would start fingerprinting and photographing all foreigners who enter the country. Modelled on the conversial US-Visit system launched by the United States post September 11, will require all foreign visitors aged 16 years or over to scan their fingerprints and submit to photographs on arrive. Unlike the US where green card holders are exempt, in Japan the controls will extend to permanent foreign residents.

The system is costing $329 million and scanners are being installed in all 415 airports and seaports across the country.