Biometric Enrollment

If applicable (only for Schengen Visas) 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.

Brazilians nationals using their Brazilian passport to apply do not need a Schengen Visa nor to provide biometric data.

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 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 Application Centre when the injury has healed.

If you refuse to submit your biometrics and you are not subject to any exception according to EU regulation (being under 12 years of age, being Head of State, etc.), your visa application will not be accepted.

Applicants who are under 12 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 between 12 to 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 ENROLLMENT PROGRAM

• What is biometrics enrollment for Visa?

  This is a simple and discreet procedure completed and submitted along with your application form.

• Who has to apply for the Biometrics?

  Foreign nationals from outside the European Economic Area who are not Schengen Visa exempt and are visiting the Schengen countries.

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

  Providing biometrics helps to protect the identities of genuine applicants. It is easier for individuals to prove their identity and their travel status. It helps the Schengen countries tackle immigration abuse and identity fraud just to name a few.

• What happens when I enroll my Biometrics information?

  Enrolling your biometric information is a quick and clean process. We use the photograph submitted to us on the application for a facial scan, then you put your fingers on a glass screen to be scanned - 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 3 to 10 minutes. There may be a short wait while we check your data.

• What about any medical or physical conditions that may require to provide the applicant with 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 biometrics their application will be rejected.

• Why do I have to be fingerprinted again when I gave my biometrics overseas as part of my visa/entry clearance application?

  This is to verify that an individual making an application is the same person who applied for the visa overseas and who came through the border.