What is biometric data? Why does the UK collect it?
All UK visa applicants are required to provide both
finger scans and a digital photo as part of the application
process. These finger scans and digital photos are your
biometric data. Biometric data collection is part of the
British Government's commitment to managing asylum and
immigration control in the UK. By collecting biometric
data from all visa applicants we will be able to:
- better protect you from identity fraud
- ensure that your biometric identity is secure
- strengthen the control of the UK's borders; and
- make the UK an even safer place to visit.
Where do I provide my biometric data?
Biometric data will be collected at the Visa Application
Centre. Once you have made your visa application online,
you should make an online appointment at a time that
suits you, to attend the Visa Application Centre closest
to you.
What benefits do I get for providing my biometric
data?
Providing your biometric data gives you the following
benefits:
- We can easily identify you as the person we know.The
biometric visa represents our long-term commitment
to you as a valued customer.
- We won't mistake you for another person with the
same or similar name.
- It helps to keep you and your family safe from crime
and terrorism by making sure that you are secure while
you travel to the UK, and while you are in the UK.
- It helps protect you and your family from identity
theft.
- In the longer term, we will use your biometric data
to help speed your 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 to the UK you may wish to
consider applying for a longer-term visa.
Will there be an extra charge for providing my biometric
data?
No.
Do I have to give my biometric data if I'm transferring
my visa to a new passport ?
No, not at present.
Can an agent deliver my application to VAC on my
behalf?
No, because biometrics enrolment is a key part of the
visa application process
How long does it take to provide my biometric data?
Because the procedure is simple and discreet, it should
take us less than five minutes.
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 and will not need
to have their photo taken. You will, however, need to
provide a photograph of them with the application form.
What will happen if I refuse to have my fingers
scanned or my photograph taken?
We cannot accept your visa application. We can 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 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.
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.
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. However, we have facilities available for discreet
biometric enrolment if you need this.
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.
Will staff at the VACs have access to my biometric
data?
No.
