Biometric data collection for visa applicants

The British Government is introducing biometric data collection (finger scans and digital photographs) as part of a world-wide biometric identification process, designed to protect an individual's identity, facilitate future entry to the UK, combat visa fraud and abuse of the UK's immigration and asylum systems. By the end of 2007 all visa applicants, will be required to supply 10 digit finger scans and a digital photograph when applying for a UK visa.

Unless otherwise advised, all visa applicants, irrespective of nationality, will have to apply in person to one of the UK Visa Application Centres and have their finger scans and digital photograph taken. These finger scans and photographs are your biometric data. Applications cannot be processed if an applicant refuses, or cannot provide, acceptable biometric data.

Identity theft is a major and growing problem globally. It helps terrorism and organised crime, and undermines national economies. To protect the integrity of the visa system and to protect our customers, we want to ask every visa applicant around the world to enrol their fingerprints digitally, and to have a digital photograph taken, when they make a visa application.

We are not alone in doing this. Biometrics are becoming the industry standard for identity management. Very soon, we will be able to withdraw money from our bank accounts using finger scans or iris scans. Increasingly, all passports will have a unique biometric identifier, whether this is finger scans or an iris scan or a digital photograph. The USA already takes digital photographs and fingerprints all visa applicants and all EU countries will be introducing finger scan biometrics into their visas. Biometrics is the next natural step in a progression of identifiers from signatures to photographs.

What does it mean for visa applicants?
The immediate impact is that, whereas applicants were previously able to apply for a visa through a travel agent without having to come to a visa section, we will be asking them to come to the offices of the nearest Visa Application Centre to take their finger scans and digital photograph.

How do you take my data and how long will it take?
Enrolment will simply mean presenting fingers on a glass screen, plus having a digital photograph taken; no ink, no chemicals, no mess; it will take less than five minutes to complete.

What are the benefits to visa applicants?

• It helps protect applicants and their family from identity theft.
• It helps keep visa applicants and their family safe from crime and terrorism through ensuring that we can make travelling to, and being in the UK more secure;
• Visa applicants won't be accidentally mistaken for another person with the same or similar name.
• In the longer term, applicants' biometric data will be used to facilitate fast passage through automatic gates of entry at UK ports and airports.

I am a regular visitor to the UK. Will I have to give my biometric data each time I apply for a visa?
Yes, each time you apply for a UK visa you will need to have your fingers scanned and photograph taken. If you are a regular traveller you may wish to consider applying for a longer term (2, 5 or 10 year) visa.

Will there be an extra charge for providing my biometric data?
No, we will not charge you for providing your finger scans and photograph.

Will I be able to provide my finger scans if any of my fingers are missing, injured or decorated?
If any of your fingers are missing, you can still provide scans of your remaining fingers.
We will make a note of this.
If you have cut or damaged your fingertips, or you have applied any form of temporary decoration (for example, henna) you will not be able to provide your finger scans. You should apply when the injury has healed or the temporary decoration has faded.

What will happen if I refuse to have my fingers scanned or my photograph taken?
We will not accept your visa application. We will only accept and process this when you have provided your completed application form (with supporting documents), the visa fee, your finger scans and a digital photo.

Will my children need to have their fingers scanned and photos taken?
If your children are aged five or over, they will need to have their fingers scanned and photo taken. If your children are aged between five and sixteen years of age, a responsible adult must accompany them while their finger scans are taken. Children under five will not have to provide their finger scans nor have their digital photograph taken at the Visa application Centre.

What will happen if my religious beliefs do not allow me to have my fingers scanned or my photograph taken?
We do not believe that finger scanning or taking of photographs conflicts with any religious practices or beliefs.

What will you do with the information?
The biometric data will be stored on a central government database in the UK and checked against UK government records. It will be handled in accordance with the UK's strict data protection laws.

Who has access to my biometric data?
We will treat all biometric data we collect from you in confidence. Unauthorised persons will not be able to access your biometric data and the data will not be used inappropriately.

Foreign Governments or organisations do not have open access to the biometric data that we collect from you. We may share your biometric data with foreign Governments and organisations, but only in accordance with all relevant UK legislation, including the Data Protection Act (DPA) 1998. They must make a request for the data to the UK Government, and the UK Government will only share your data if this complies with the DPA and other relevant legislation.

How long will you keep my biometric data?
We will keep your biometric data for ten years from the date that we took your finger scans and digital photo. After ten years, your data will be destroyed.

Is the equipment you use to collect my finger scans safe?
Yes. The machine we use to collect finger scans complies with all relevant UK and international safety standards. The machine does not use ink, liquids or chemicals.

Can I pick up germs from the machine?
No. You are no more likely to pick up germs from the machine than from any daily contact you may have with any surface, for example, a door handle or counter top.

Are there restrictions on what I can wear for the digital photograph?
Yes. Your face must be clearly visible. You will not be able to wear anything that obscures your face.

What if I have an injury on my face?
If you have cuts, bruises, or a temporary swelling on your face, we cannot take your photograph. You should apply when the cuts and bruises have healed or the swelling has completely gone.