International travel
Going on holiday anytime soon? Many countries will take your fingerprints at the border and you'll be denied entry if you refuse.
Check this list if you're considering going anywhere.
| Country | Fingerprints? |
|---|---|
| United States | ⚠️ Has been taking the fingerprints of everyone entering on a non-American passport since 2004. |
| European Union (Schengen area - excludes Ireland) |
⚠️ Has been taking the fingerprints of everyone entering on a non-EU passport since 2025. |
| United Kingdom | Does not take fingerprints for normal visa-free entry. |
| Ireland | Does not take fingerprints for normal visa-free entry. |
| Japan | ⚠️ Everyone I've asked who has visited Japan has had their fingerprints taken. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J-BIS |
| China | ❓ Supposedly paused for visa-free visitors until December 2026. But probably not somewhere to visit if you care strongly about avoiding biometrics. https://visasnews.com/en/visa-for-china-fingerprint-exemption-extended-until-december-31-2026/ |