British embassy introduces biometric visas :: Charter'97 :: News

From 27 September 2007 all visa applicants, irrespective of nationality, will have to apply in person at the British Embassy in Minsk and provide their fingerscans and a digital photograph in support of their application.

The British Government is introducing biometric data collection (ten-finger scans and a digital photograph) 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.

Fingerscans will be collected from each applicant by using an electronic scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical will be used. A digital photograph will be taken at the same time and the whole procedure should take no more than five minutes to complete. This change will not affect the current visa fees.

The introduction of biometric visas is a shared goal of all EU states that will create a more effective border regime safeguarding our countries and those who visit them.

For further information about the application process please refer to the Embassy website www.britain.by.

Minsk, 19 September 2007