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ARTICLE · 22 NOVEMBER 2007

Biometric Data Collection

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang
Explore more from CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang

By April 2008 all visa applicants over 5 years old will be required to supply biometric data before they are issued with visas to travel to the UK. Roll out has already been taking place on a country-by-country basis.

United KingdomGovernment, Public Sector
Caron Pope
Caron Pope
Sarah Keeley
Sarah Keeley
Emily Pope
Emily Pope

By April 2008 all visa applicants over 5 years old will be required to supply biometric data before they are issued with visas to travel to the UK. Roll out has already been taking place on a country-by-country basis.

Biometric data consists of 10 digit finger scans, and a ‘digital photograph’ and is a key part of the government’s Strategy for Asylum and Immigration (‘Controlling our borders: making migration work for Britain’), which was published in February 2005. Biometric collection is intended to reduce identity theft, visa fraud and the associated problems of organised crime and terrorism by checking the information received against UK records.

What does this mean for me?

  • If you are over 5 years old and required to apply for a visa you will have to provide biometric data. If you refuse to undergo biometric tests, your application will not be accepted.

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