What Are Biometrics and Why Are They Needed?
Biometric data are a person’s unique characteristics: fingerprint scans and a digital photograph. Today, most countries worldwide require submission of these data when applying for a visa. This global trend aims to enhance security and combat fraud. Without biometrics, it is impossible to obtain a visa in many countries, including the Schengen Area, Canada, the USA, and others.
Biometrics for a Schengen Visa
Since 2015, all applicants over 12 years old applying for a Schengen visa must complete the biometric procedure once every five years. The visa center scans ten fingerprints and takes a digital photo. This is mandatory for first-time applicants and whenever the five-year validity of previous data expires.
Exceptions:
- Children under 12 years old;
- Official delegations and heads of state;
- Persons physically unable to provide fingerprints (with supporting documentation).
If you have already submitted fingerprints and your data are still valid, you may submit your application without appearing in person, for example via an authorized representative or courier. However, under current conditions for Russians and Belarusians, in-person attendance is often mandatory — check requirements at the time of application. For details on visa centers, see the article “What Is a Visa Center”.
See also the Schengen page, which explains thatvisas are not issued without biometrics.
USA and Canada: How the Procedure Works
USA
When applying for a US visa, biometrics are taken at the embassy or consulate on the day of your interview. Ten fingerprints are scanned and a photo is taken. If you renew your visa by mail (without an interview), you do not need to resubmit fingerprints.
Canada
Since 2018, Canada requires biometric submission at a visa center. This applies to citizens of Ukraine, Russia, and other countries. You first submit an online application, receive instructions, then book an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo.
For more details, see the article “Visa to Canada”.
United Kingdom, Australia, China, Japan
- United Kingdom: all applicants submit biometrics at a visa center (fingerprints and photo).
- Australia: after an online application, you may receive an invitation to provide biometrics at a nearby VFS Global center. Not all categories are required — it depends on the country and purpose of travel.
- China: recently, all applicants aged 14 to 70 must personally submit fingerprints when applying. This is mandatory, and you cannot send documents via an intermediary. Details are in the article “Visa to China”.
- Japan: currently, biometrics are not required for tourist visas. Usually only a digital photograph is needed with your application.
How to Prepare for Biometrics?
The procedure itself is quick and painless, but here are a few recommendations:
- Fingers must be clean—free of lotion, cuts, or wounds.
- Women should avoid fresh manicures that damage the skin on fingertips.
- Photos are taken without glasses, preferably without hats (unless for religious reasons).
The entire process usually takes 5–10 minutes. Biometrics are collected at the visa center, which you must visit in person (unless applying via representative).
Resubmitting Biometrics
- Schengen — biometrics must be resubmitted every five years.
- USA — if renewing by mail, biometric submission is not required.
- Canada, United Kingdom, China — require biometrics for each new application.
Thus, in most cases, biometrics are linked to each new visa application, except where simplified procedures apply.
Submitting biometrics is an important step in the visa process. We recommend checking current requirements in advance and preparing for your visit to the visa center.
