ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Nov 24 2006

APPLICATIONS FOR A UNITED KINGDOM VISA IN ARMENIA: BIOMETRIC
FINGERSCANS

>From 1 December 2006 the British Embassy in Yerevan is introducing
biometric data collection (fingerscans), the press-service of the
British Embassy told ArmInfo.

This is 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. With effect from 1 December 2006 all visa applicants,
irrespective of nationality, will have to apply in person at the
British Embassy in Yerevan and have their fingerscans taken.

All visa applicants must have their fingerscans taken, with the
exception of children under the age of five. An exception may also be
granted to applicants, who for genuine medical reasons cannot provide
fingerscans. The following categories of applicant are also exempted
from providing their fingerscans: Holders of Diplomatic passports and
accompanying dependants travelling on official government business.
Holders of Official passports who are travelling on official
government business in the United Kingdom. United Nations officials
holding UN Travel Documents who are travelling on official UN
business. Commonwealth and NATO armed forces personnel posted for
service in the UK Holders of a certificate of entitlement confirming
right of abode in the United Kingdom.

Fingerscans will be collected from each applicant by using an
electronic scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical will be used and the
procedure will take no more than two minutes to complete.

If an applicant refuses to provide fingerscans, the application
cannot be processed.

All applicants should ensure that their fingertips are free from any
forms of decoration (henna, for example), abrasions or other markings
prior to attending the British Embassy as these may affect their
ability to provide acceptable fingerscans. Visa applications cannot
be processed until applicants are able to provide acceptable
fingerscans.

For further information about the application process please contact
us on +374 (010) 26 43 01 or by email at enquiries.yerevan@fco.gov.uk