U.S. Plans Stricter Security Checks For Visitors From Europe

January 15, 2008 10:32 p.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The U.S. plans to increase security checks on passengers from Europe, according to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

He said the move should not restrict travel and trade.

Because of a visa waiver program, most travelers from Europe now enter the United States without being screened.

"I have to say the biggest threat comes from overseas, and one of the places we are increasingly worried about is Europe, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told the BBC.

Recent militant attacks and plots in Europe had made the U.S. aware of the "real risk that Europe will become a platform for terrorists," he said, adding it was likely security checks on travelers from Europe would be increased.

Last year, Chertoff floated the idea of a blanket ban on the UK visa waiver program, a move that would have required more than a million annual visitors from Britain to apply for a visa. But the UK Home Office said it would be unacceptable to "single out citizens of any particular background."