Australia now asks visa applicants in India for biometrics: what travel sellers should plan for
Since 26 October 2026, Australian visa applicants in India may be asked for fingerprints and a facial photo. What OTAs, TMCs and agents should plan for.
Since Monday 26 October 2026, people who apply for an Australian visa in India may have to give biometrics: fingerprints and a facial image. The Australian High Commission in New Delhi announced the change on 26 October. Australia now collects biometrics in nearly 60 countries, and India is one of them.
Not every applicant will be asked. The Department of Home Affairs tells each applicant if biometrics are needed after the application is lodged, with instructions on how to give them.
The key facts
PointWhat the notice says
WhoApplicants for an Australian visa in India
WhatFingerprints and a facial image, if Home Affairs asks for them
From whenNew applications lodged from 26 October 2026
Not affectedApplications already submitted before 26 October 2026
How applicants find outHome Affairs advises the applicant and sends instructions
WhereIn person at an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC), or through the Australian Immi App for eligible applicants
App optionFor applicants who already gave biometrics at an ABCC and hold a valid passport, at no cost, according to the High Commission. Home Affairs says the app needs a biometrics request letter with a Visa Lodgement Number (VLN) starting with AUI; otherwise the applicant must go to an ABCC
Processing times"Not expected to be affected, provided applicants complete any biometric requirements promptly" (High Commission)
SourceAustralian High Commission New Delhi, 26 October 2026; Department of Home Affairs
Why it matters for sellers now
An extra step after lodging. An applicant who is asked for biometrics has to act on the request before the file can move. A traveller who misses the letter can lose days.
Travel to a centre. Applicants who cannot use the app have to go to a collection centre in person. For some travellers, that is a trip to plan.
Last-minute trips carry more risk. The High Commission says processing times should hold if biometrics are given promptly. A late appointment is where the delay would come from.
What travel sellers should do
OTAs and travel agents selling Australia to travellers in India
Tell customers at booking that Home Affairs may ask for biometrics after they apply, and that they should check their email and ImmiAccount for the request.
Build a margin into departure dates for travellers who have not applied yet. Do not promise a decision date.
If a customer gets a request, ask whether the letter's VLN starts with AUI. If not, the app route is not available and they need an ABCC appointment.
TMCs
For business trips to Australia from India, add the possible biometrics step to the travel approval timeline.
Staff who gave biometrics at an ABCC before may be able to use the Australian Immi App. Check the request letter first.
Student and education agents
The High Commission told The Economic Times that student applicants are covered too. Plan the biometrics step into intake deadlines.
How SimpleVisa handles it
Treat the biometrics request as a step that can come after the application is lodged, not as a sign of a problem. Tell travellers to watch for the Home Affairs letter and to act on it the same day. For trips booked at short notice, check the applicant's status before confirming non-refundable parts of the itinerary.
Do all Australian visa applicants in India now have to give biometrics? No. Applicants may be required to give them. Home Affairs tells each applicant if biometrics are needed, depending on individual circumstances.
When did the change start? On 26 October 2026. It applies to new visa applications lodged from that date.
Are applications lodged before 26 October affected? No. The High Commission says the requirement does not affect applications already submitted.
Can applicants give biometrics through an app? Some can. Eligible applicants who already gave biometrics at an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre and hold a valid passport may use the Australian Immi App at no cost. Home Affairs says the app needs a request letter with a VLN starting with AUI. Others must go to a collection centre.
Will visa processing take longer? The High Commission says processing times are not expected to be affected, provided applicants complete any biometric requirements promptly.
Operational guidance for travel sellers, not legal advice. Updated 30 October 2026.
Loris Mazloum founded SimpleVisa and writes the coverage notes on this blog for airlines, OTAs, and other travel companies. Each note is checked against the government source named at the bottom before it publishes. SimpleVisa keeps requirement data for 190+ destinations and files applications where a government channel exists.
