From January 1, 2022, foreigners will be required to submit biometric data when applying for visas. It is also indicated what exactly is considered biometric data that will be recorded when issuing a visa. In particular, these are digitized fingerprints of 10 fingers of both hands and a digitized facial image (photo) of a foreigner and stateless person. The foreigner will submit such biometric data in person.
Both foreign diplomatic institutions of Ukraine (embassies and consulates) and external service providers (visa centers) have been authorized to collect biometric data.
According to the new changes, the visa application of a foreigner will consist of:
- visa application form;
- documents that are necessary for issuing a visa;
- as well as biometric data.
However, there are certain categories of foreigners to whom the requirement to provide biometric data will not apply:
– persons using a diplomatic or service passport;
– persons who have not reached the age of twelve;
– persons who enter Ukraine in cases of a humanitarian nature.
Such foreigners must submit one color photo card measuring 10 x 15 centimeters.
Also, persons with physical disabilities submit, if possible, prints of all available fingers.
When submitting documents for a visa to enter Ukraine, the person accepting the documents scans the foreigner’s fingerprints and photographs the applicant’s face (or scans the provided photo card). After that, such a responsible person records the received biometric data in the visa information and telecommunications system.
We draw your attention to the fact that the applicant’s refusal to submit his biometric data for their fixation is the basis for making a decision to refuse to issue a visa.
Changes in the provision on the term of consideration of the appeal letter with a request to consider the visa application again are also important. Such a letter is submitted within 60 days from the moment of receiving the decision on refusal to issue a visa (previously – within 2 months).
Also, at the legislative level, the deadline for re-consideration of the visa application is fixed, which should not last more than 10 working days from the date of receipt of the appeal letter. This is an extremely important point, because previously drains were not provided for, which created some uncertainty in the consideration of appeal letters. For example, the applicant could wait months for a reconsideration, or he could not receive a response to his application at all.
If a decision is made to refuse to issue a visa based on the results of a re-examination of the visa application, the submission of an appeal letter is not allowed again. In this case, the foreigner must apply again with the necessary package of documents to obtain a visa to Ukraine.
