Egypt imposes biometric visas on EU officials in tit-for-tat move

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to impose biometric visas on diplomats and citizens of EU countries in response to the implementation of similar visa requirements for North African citizens, including Egyptians, visiting Europe.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Amr Roshdy said that as from 15 January 2012 all holders of diplomatic and private passports who work in EU-member state embassies in Egypt will be required to obtain biometric visas from Egyptian embassies and consulates in their home countries. This means that applicants will have to go in person to be photographed and submit their fingerprints for the database, which will be used to identify applicants when they arrive in Egypt.

Roshdy added that Egyptian embassies and consulates in EU countries have been supplied with the necessary equipment to process biometric visa applications, and staff have been trained to use them.