BIOMETRICS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are biometric data?
The biometric data that will be collected are scans of your fingertips and a digital photograph of your face.

Who needs to provide biometric data and why?
All UKBorder Agency applicants are required to provide biometric data as part of the application process. It is part of the UK Government's Five Year Strategy for managing asylum and immigration in the UK.

By collecting biometric data from all visa applicants we will be able to:

• Ensure that your biometric identity is secure
• Identify you as a valued customer
• Better protect you from identity fraud
• Strengthen the control of the UK's borders
• Make the UK an even safer place to visit
• Help speed your entry at the UK's ports and airports in the longer term.
  

UKvisas currently collects biometric data as part of the visa application process in more than 100 countries. This programme will be in place world-wide by the middle of 2008 and cover about 135 countries.

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 UKBorder Agency you will need to have your fingers scanned and photograph taken. If you are a regular traveller to the UK, we recommend that you consider applying for a longer term visa.

Will there be an extra charge for providing my finger scans and photograph?
No. We will not charge you for providing your finger scans and digital photograph.

How long does it take to provide my biometric data?
The procedure is simple and quick and should take less than 5 minutes.

Will the collection of biometric data delay the issue of my visa?
Yes, unfortunately. Initially visa applications will take longer to process. Please remember this when you make your travel plans and, if necessary, contact VFS Global for further advice on current processing times.

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, mehendi) you will not be able to provide your finger scans. You should apply when the injury has healed or the temporary decoration has faded.

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 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 your application when you have provided your completed application form (with supporting documents), the visa fee, your finger scans and digital photograph.

Will my children need to have their fingers scanned?
Children aged five years and over need to have their fingers scanned and digital photograph taken. Children aged between five and sixteen years must be accompanied by an adult. Children under five do not have to visit a Visa Application Centre to have their photographs or finger scans taken, but their photograph will need to be provided with the visa application form.

What will happen if my religious beliefs do not allow me to have my fingers scanned or my photograph taken?
We believe that religious beliefs permit finger scanning and the taking of photographs for official and legal purposes. Facilities are available in the Visa Application Centres for your biometric data to be collected discreetly, in curtained off areas by trained staff of the same gender.

Is the equipment used to take 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.

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.

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

Where do I go to have my biometric data taken?
You will need to visit a Visa Application Centre, operated by UKvisas' commercial partner, VFS Global. Here, trained staff will take your biometric data. These centres are located in 12 convenient locations across India: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai (north and south) and Pune.

For information, call VFS Global centralized call center number (080) 40084008 (open 8am to 5pm – mon to fri)