15 Urgent Visa Changes Every Traveler Needs to Know Before Booking This Year

3. Biometric Data Collection: The New Standard at Visa Centers

Expect heightened biometric data collection as a mandatory part of more visa applications globally. This goes beyond just a passport photo. Many consulates and visa application centers (VACs) now require in-person appointments to capture fingerprints and digital facial scans. Countries including the UK, Schengen Area nations, India, and China widely use this. Travelers must factor in scheduling these appointments well in advance, understand that refusal to provide biometrics will result in visa denial, and prepare for potential wait times at these centers.