The Australian Government is introducing biometrics collection into the offshore visa application process.

From 8 February 2011 all clients, regardless of nationality, lodging paper-based visa applications in Sri Lanka will need to attend the Australian Visa Application Centre in Colombo in person to lodge their application and provide their biometrics. A 10-digit fingerprint scan and a facial photograph will be collected.

For a list of visa subclasses that require biometrics to be collected from visa applicants, see:

Inclusions list

Some persons are exempt from providing biometrics, for example Heads of State and accredited diplomats. For categories of applicants exempt or excluded from biometric data collection, see:

Exemptions and exclusions list

Visa applicants who are eligible for and are then granted an electronic visa will not need to provide biometrics.

Please note: At this stage clients will not be charged an additional fee for the collection of their biometrics.

Applicants under 15 years of age, persons incapable of providing consent, or those physically unable to provide a fingerprint scan, will only need to provide a facial photograph.

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

For more information visit Biometrics Collection Outside Australia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Your personal identifying information