This invention integrates with a country's customs and immigration system to keep a periodic check on visitors within the country's borders. A smartcard is created and issued to the visitor at the visitor's Port of Entry. Pertinent immigration information is embedded in the smartcard. Cryptographic technology is used with the smartcard to maintain privacy, as well as to reduce fraud and other misuse. The smartcard is used as the visitor's official identification document whilst in the country. During the visitor's stay, at specified intervals, the visitor registers with automated kiosks (i.e. a Visitor-Visa Automated Teller Machines--ATMs), which are placed at various locations within the country. The ATM kiosks are securely integrated with the customs and immigration database. On exiting the country, the smartcard is returned and is recycled with a new visitor.