Staff at the US Embassy in London have said that, after the confusion surrounding a woman who made 'an error' in completing one of its online visa forms, a major overhaul of the system is being planned.
Mandie Stevenson, 29, from Scotland, was completing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form, and came across the question:
"Do you seek to engage in, or have you ever engaged in terrorist activities, espionage, sabotage or genocide?"
A tricky one, to be sure. Due to a problem with her computer, Mandie checked the "Yes" box, and problems began. She eventually got a visa, but not until she had amended her travel arrangements at great cost, and had to negotiate a personal interview at the Embassy.
The US Embassy, reacting to criticism that the question on the form was "pointless", are to add further questionable questions. Amongst them are:
"Do you, from a political, religious or ideological perspective, consider yourself a threat to the US and its citizens?"
"Would you burn an American flag?"
"Have you ever seriously considered blowing up an airplane carrying American passengers?"
"Are you going to the US on vacation, on business, to visit family members, or to kill people?" (Please tick)
"When boarding your flight, will you be taking onboard - in either your checked or hand baggage - any weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)?"
Other questions are currently being compiled by experts
