Canada Commences Compulsory Fingerprint For Nigerian Visa Applicants

The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria says Nigerians applying for visa to the North American country will henceforth be required to provide their fingerprints.

It said the new requirement which took effect from October 23, was introduced to check fraud, facilitate legitimate travel by making entry into the country easier.

Applicants will need to go in person to a visa application centre to submit their application and give their fingerprints as well as have their photograph taken.

The High Commission noted that the new application process will exempt applicants under the age of 14 or over the age of 79 as well as diplomats and government officials travelling on official business.

This new requirement will not only help protect the safety and security of Canadians while helping facilitate legitimate travel, it will also protect prospective visitors by making it more difficult for others to forge, steal or use an applicant’s identity to gain access to Canada.”

However, the High Commission added that applicants would have to part with a fee ranging from $85 to $170 before their fingerprints and photograph before their date will be captured at any of its visa application centre.