- As a genuine visitor to the United Kingdom (UK)
why am I required to have my fingers scanned and have
a digital photo taken to get a visa?
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 Five-year Strategy for 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.
- 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 (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 a digital photo.
- 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 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 may not be able to provide your finger scans.
- 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 but we will need
to have a photograph of them.
- 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.
- 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.
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