Visa Application: Biometric Data Confirmed

Posted by Ian in Preparation

Eager Existence > Travel > Preparation > Visa Application: Biometric Data Confirmed

visa application for australian passport holder

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I had my appointment for the collection of my biometric data at the British Consulate office today.

It felt very much like a “Get Smart” episode, or a Spy Film by another name.

Get Smart

The appointment was for 3.15pm, on the appointment confirmation form it said I could not be any more than 10 minutes early, and could not be late (gave the impression that “this message will self-destruct”).

The appointment was downtown, in Perth.

Now, if you know Perth, you will know that parking in the CBD (Central Business District) is difficult at the best of times, especially during business hours. I found myself circling the city, and scouting temporary parking spots like a mad-man at 3:10pm. Found one right near the consulate, for $2 for 15 minutes parking… walked briskly to the building, and prayed that the meeting wouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. Didn’t want to get fined or clamped in the city, with no way home.

The elevator at the consulate office took me 26 stories up, its been so long since I took an elevator in a high-rise that my ears hurt from the change in pressure. I followed the signs to the examination room, through several corridors, and doors.

A British woman greeted me from behind a thick glass screen, one of those ones with only a slot at the bottom to submit documents, and the little holes drilled in to speak through. I passed through all the necessary papers, and my passport. A buzzer sounded, and she asked me to step through to another room on the left.

Another room, another thick glass screen.

You think these consulate officials are worried about security?

The same woman asked me to take a seat in front of a biometric scanner. I gave scans of all my fingers, as well as an on-the-spot headshot (photograph)… bugger… if I’d known I was getting my photo taken, I would have worn something a little prettier than my work clothes.

Top Secret Biometric Scan

After all the scans were done, she handed back my documents, and I was free to go. Sweet, in-and-out in under 15 minutes.

I read over the documents as I walked back to my car to face rush-hour traffic home.

I haven’t sent off the forms yet, I’m waiting on my National Police Clearance to come through. But the balls in motion!

* header image credit (cc) Dr Aek Muldoon

Ian Cartwright

is a guy who gave up his career and mortgage for solo long-term travel. He travelled extensively across Europe for a year before heading onward to North Africa. He is now planning a trip to Latin America. As always there’s sure to be plenty of laughs, tears, and misadventures along the way.