British travellers could soon be forced to apply for visas to enter the USA under draconian new plans revealed this week by the Homeland Security chief, Michael Chertoff.

The UK is one of 15 EU nations to benefit from the US visa-waiver programme, under which citizens do not require a visa if crossing the pond for business, pleasure or in transit. But the US administration, which is embroiled in a row with the EU over the provision of detailed personal information for all travellers, has warned that the ease of travel afforded by the scheme could be coming to an end.

Chertoff told European ministers that he “would elevate the level of security for all countries by having something called electronic travel authorisation, which would be an online submission of data – the kind of information you have in your passport, something similar to that – in advance”.

All travellers must currently provide advance passenger information, which includes name, date of birth, passport number and details of the passenger’s intended address in the USA, but the new rules will require far more detailed information.

The online form, which would have to be submitted 48 hours prior to departure, is said to ask whether travellers suffer from contagious diseases, have been involved in “genocide, espionage, sabotage or terrorist activity” or have been arrested for drugs offences.

“It will give us more time to analyse whether we have a problem with people coming in,” Chertoff said.

Meanwhile, Spain is to introduce US-style border controls from next month. From June 13, all visitors must provide advance passenger information, giving name, address, date of birth and passport number, prior to departure.

The plan is for data to be submitted at the travel agency or via airline websites, but with less than a month to go, few carriers seem ready. Ryanair said arrangements would be made “in due course”. EasyJet said it was “undecided” on how to collect the information. BA, though, is all set: passengers using its website will be prompted for the data at the time of booking. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior says there will be a period of grace to allow travellers and airlines to become familiar with the requirements.

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