From 30 November 2009, the UK Border Agency is introducing fingerprint checks at the border for passengers with biometric UK visas, entry clearances and identity cards for foreign nationals (ICFNs).

On arrival in the United Kingdom, these passengers will have their fingerprints scanned at border control in addition to the normal checks. These fingerprints will then be checked against those the passenger gave when they applied.

The checks will verify that the passenger entering the United Kingdom is the same person who gave their biometrics when they applied for their visa, entry clearance or ICFN. Using fingerprints enables us to do this with greater certainty.

For more information about the new fingerprint check process, see the Entering the United Kingdom section of this website.