Biometric ID cards are issued to foreign travelers and contain a digital photo and details of the cardholders’ immigration status, whether they are allowed to work, receive government benefits and how long they can stay. The cards also contain a “biographic footprint” of personal history and “biometric data” such as fingerprints on the cardholder. The information on each card (which is about the size of a credit card) can be read electronically and matched against a computerized National Identity Register that will retain a cardholder’s fingerprints and personal information.
If you are an American studying in Britain for more than three months take note–you must obtain a biometric ID card by the end of this year.
The reason: Britain’s Home Office just announced that all Americans and other foreigners from outside the European Union must have the cards in order to work and live in the area. In addition, if you are planning to marry a local and live in Britain you will also have to obtain a card by this November to prove who you are and that you are in the area legally.
However, if you are a U.S. tourist or are traveling to Britain on business and are planning to stay for less than 90 days you will not need a biometric ID card.
British officials say the cards will act as a tool for combating identity theft, terrorism, illegal immigration and benefits fraud. And it’s not just Americans and other foreign travelers who are being instructed to obtain the cards. British citizens working in airports and other areas vulnerable to terrorist attacks will have to carry the cards starting next year. It’s expected that most Britons will have them by 2017.
The biometric ID card’s requirements are very similar to what Britain is currently demanding of Americans and other non-European foreigners who apply for visas for extended stays. You’ll recall that at the end of 2007, the British government began requiring visa applicants from the United States to provide fingerprints and a digital photo. That information, as well as data on how long a visitor can stay and what benefits they are privy to are included on the visas, which are carried in a visitor’s passport.
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