Biometric data collection

Kindly note as of 6th September 2018, it would be mandatory for applicants to enrol their biometric data while submitting their application at the VFS Global Permit Facilitation Centre.

Biometrics will be collected using a quick, discreet and non-intrusive process that captures a facial image with a digital camera and a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner.

Your face must be clearly visible for a photograph to be taken. This means that you cannot:

• Have hair that covers the eyes

• Wear a hat or scarf or any other item that obscures the face, hair or neck (with the exception of religious head coverings detailed below:

  If you wear a head or neck covering for religious reasons you must ensure that your face is clearly visible, from the bottom of your chin to above your eyebrows including both cheeks. If possible both ears should also be displayed. You may also need to remove your glasses when the photograph is taken.

  If you have cut or damaged your fingertips, you should make an appointment with the Visa Facilitation Centre when the injury has healed.

  If you have a temporary decoration, such as mehndi or henna, you should advise the Visa Facilitation C entre when booking your appointment to determine whether a scan will be possible.

  Please note that appearance in person for all applicants including minors regardless of age is mandatory for biometrics.

All applicants including children need to give biometric data. All applicants who are less than 16 years of age, are incapable of providing consent, or those physically unable to provide a fingerprint scan, will only need to provide a live facial digital photograph on the day of appointment.

If an applicant is below 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian will be asked to give consent and be present when biometrics is collected.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – BIOMETRICS ENROLMENT PROGRAM

• What is biometrics enrollment for Visa?

  This is a simple and discreet procedure completed and submitted along with your online application form on the day of your appointment.

• Who has to apply for the Biometrics?

  All applicants including children need to give biometric data. All applicants who are less than 16 years of age, are incapable of providing consent, or those physically unable to provide a fingerprint scan, will only need to provide a facial photograph.

• Why must I give my biometrics as part of my application?

  Providing biometrics helps to protect the identities of genuine applicants. It is a quick and efficient way for individuals to prove their identity and their travel status. It assists the Ministry of Home Affairs in tackling immigration abuse and identity fraud.

• Where can I complete this procedure?

  You will be able to enrol your biometric information at the Visa Application Centre on the day of your confirmed appointment date.

• What happens when I enrol my Biometric information?

  of you on the day of your appointment as well as a digital scan of all of your fingerprints. Your 10-digit prints will be captured on a glass screen with scanning capabilities - there is no ink or mess. We are aware of the need to protect the dignity, privacy and modesty of applicants, and there will be special arrangements for applicants where needed.

• How long does it take?

  The biometric enrolment process takes up to 10 minutes. There may be a short wait while we check your data.

• What about any medical or physical conditions that may require special arrangements?

  If you or any dependents who are applying with you have a medical or physical condition which may require special arrangements to be made in order for your biometric features to be recorded, you must obtain a letter or other document giving the details of any such condition and enclose it with your application. Appropriate documentary evidence would be a letter from a treating clinician, such as a practicing doctor registered with the General Medical Council, giving details of the condition and/or special needs and explaining any arrangements that may be necessary.

• What happens if I refuse to give my biometrics?

  If an applicant fails to make arrangements to provide their biometric data their application will not be accepted.

• Do I have to provide my biometrics each time I lodge an application?

  Yes, each time you lodge an application you will be required to submit your biometric data. This is to verify that an individual making an application is the same person who applied the first time and is present in The Kingdom when the application was lodged.