The British Government is introducing biometric data collection (finger scans) 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.

All visa applicants must have their finger scans taken, with the exception of children under the age of five. An exception may also be granted to applicants, who for genuine medical reasons cannot provide finger scans. The following categories of applicant are also exempted from providing their finger scans:

• Holders of Diplomatic passports and accompanying dependants travelling on official government business.
• Holders of Official passports who are travelling on official government business in the United Kingdom.
• United Nations officials holding UN Travel Documents who are travelling on official UN business.
• Holders of a certificate of entitlement confirming right of abode in the United Kingdom.

Finger scans will be collected from each applicant by using an electronic scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical will be used and the procedure will take no more than two minutes to complete. If an applicant refuses to provide finger scans, the application cannot be processed.

All applicants should ensure that their fingertips are free from any forms of decoration (henna, for example), abrasions or other markings prior to attending the British Embassy as these may affect their ability to provide acceptable finger scans. Visa applications cannot be processed until applicants are able to provide acceptable finger scans.

For further information about the application process please contact us at the following email address:
Visaenquiries.sanaa@fco.gov.uk