First came fingerprinting on the way into America. Now comes fingerprinting on the way out. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has sparked fresh outrage by ordering airlines and cruise lines to collect the digital fingerprints of all foreigners before they leave the country. Critics have warned that the new security initiative will lead to worldwide airline chaos.

More than 33m travellers will be fingerprinted annually as part of the “air-exit program”, and DHS chief Michael Chertoff says he is just doing his job. “The 9/11 Commission called for biometric entry and exit records, because biometrics confirm that travellers are who they say they are and that the purpose of their travel is as they claim it to be,” he said, arguing that objections to the ruling were based on commercial concerns.

The International Air Transport Association (Iata), which represents the airlines, says otherwise, warning that fingerprinting every departing passenger - at check-in, at airside kiosks or at departure gates - will lead to “delayed departures and missed connections around the world”.

“It’s incredibly ill-conceived,” said Paul Charles, of Virgin Atlantic. “Our check-in staff aren’t immigration officers, and they’re not trained to decide whether or not someone should be allowed to leave the country. The scheme is going to cause horrendous delays, but if the US government wants American airports to become like Terminal 5, this will do it.”

Q&A: US immigration made easier

Long queues, scowling officials... entry to America can be a nerve-racking affair. Tom Chesshyre speaks to the US Embassy

• America tightens exit rules

BACKGROUND

• US immigration horror stories

• Travel to America? No thanks

• Green visa waiver card is still in my passport. Help

• US entry profiling outrages travellers

Related Internet Links

• Your complete guide to US immigration

Related Links

• Q&A: US immigration made easier

This newspaper receives a weekly mailbag from readers complaining about their treatment at American borders. “Getting into America is bad enough, but getting out is even worse,” said Mark Selby, a screenwriter. “Last week, I queued for three hours to get out of LA. How much more time will I have to allow when they’ve got to fingerprint everybody as well?”

There is some hope. As a political appointee, Chertoff may find that his tenure ends with the arrival of the new American administration in January - but not before he sets up yet another hurdle to crossing the pond. From this autumn, anyone visiting America will be obliged to seek an online pretravel authorisation at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Last week, the US government reassured the EU that the new system did not amount to a new visa and would merely replace the current forms that those travelling under the visa-waiver programme have to fill out when they arrive in the USA.

Times recommends

• The 10 best bits of travel gear
• Soho's classy, cheap new townhouse
• Germany's perfect Christmas city