Australia Wants Your Fingerprints Before It Lets You Visit, Starting With India

Australia has widened its biometric visa checks to applicants in India. The Australian High Commission announced the change on Monday, October 26, and it applies to visa applications lodged from that date. Indian nationals must now provide fingerprints and a facial image, as part of an expansion of the program to nearly 60 countries. Before this latest step, Australia already collected biometrics from visa applicants in dozens of other countries.

The rule covers new applications only. Anyone who submitted a visa application before October 26 is not affected. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs tells each applicant individually whether biometrics are required, so travelers should watch for that instruction after applying rather than assuming every visa type triggers the requirement.

Applicants can give biometrics in person at an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre, or digitally through the Australian Immi App. In India, VFS Global centres, including those in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, serve as collection points. Reports say applicants who have provided biometrics before and hold a valid passport may be able to use the Immi App at no cost.

The High Commission said processing times are not expected to be affected as long as applicants complete the steps promptly. That makes speed on the traveler’s side the main lever: finishing the biometrics step soon after receiving the request should keep a trip plan on schedule. Anyone planning a winter or summer holiday in Australia should factor in the extra appointment or app step.

Sources: Onmanorama, ASATA (background)