These rules will apply to everyone who leaves the UK by ferry, plane or high-speed Eurostar train, and even to yachtsmen who go out to sea for at least one day. Temporary residents and tourists will also be subject to the new regulations. The government hopes thereby to strengthen the security system, help law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism, while tightening control over illegal migration.
A traveler must, at least 24 hours before the trip, provide the number of his credit card, the phone number of the hotel where he plans to stay, the contacts and name of the person who made the booking, a plan of intended movements, a history of canceled hotel check-ins and missed flights. In addition, besides his real name, the traveler must indicate his name as it appears on the ticket, seat number and baggage number, what class he is flying, with whom, and much more.
The specified information will be sent to the police, customs and immigration services and will be stored there for as long as the authorities deem necessary. The system is to come into force already in mid-2009. The Home Office has already signed a contract with Raytheon Systems, which is to develop the appropriate computer software.
Opponents of the introduction of the new system of control over tourists and passengers point to the inevitable increase in the cost of trips and travel. Many see it as another step towards the creation of a total surveillance state.