Fingerprints at MCO

[rj84]

This might seem like a bit of a strange post but its really bothering me, and I don't want it to spoil the flight for me by worrying.

I suffer with a medical condition that means my hands sweat a lot when Im nervous/anxious/overly hot - I have had it since I was born and over the years I have learnt to deal with it, but if I know that I have to shake hands or something then it sets me off and I can't control it. Its highly embarrassing and my little girl also seems to be a sufferer.

A few years ago I had to have my fingerprints done on one of those biometric machines and it was a nightmare - it took them ages, and of course the longer it took, the more I stressed, and then the worse it was. It held all the queue up and I wanted to cry with shame.

So, I am really stressed about immigration at MCO, as I have now heard they do prints and stuff - when I went years ago they never did.

Can anyone talk me through it a little bit or offer any advice?

Thanks

p.s It has taken me ages to write this because Im so embarrassed!

[Teach0778]

Please don’t be embarrassed.

My mum has issues with her fingerprints but for the opposite reason - she has incredibly dry skin. Always takes her longer to get her fingerprints taken but never been an issue at MCO - the people behind just have to wait a few minutes more! Mum is often asked to press harder or reposition her fingers. They eventually get them done but she does take longer than me.

Your fingerprints and thumb print are taken from both hands on a scanning machine. They also take your photograph.

Try not to worry.

[LLamb]

It will be fine honestly, my mum has trouble with her finger prints all the time
If it’s the first time they will ask you to put all your fingers on. It’s just like a little glass/plastic plate
On subsequent visits I’m sure they just ask for one finger and thumb
Really nothing to get stressed about. If you are worried I would have a little pack of tissues or a small napkin maybe in your pocket
You will have time in between handing your passports over and them asking for finger prints so you will have time to dry your hands if necessary before the finger prints being taken

[Guest]

Have a fresh folded up tissue on hand and blot with that just before you scan, I'm sure immigration officials have seen plenty of people like you before, don't sweat it, oops ...

[ed6886]

This is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about, I have a very similar thing, not quite the extent of yours but I definitely get sweaty palms and fingers in stressful situations, or even like you said, when you know you're going to be shaking someones hand.

Having a tissue is a really good idea from Cuxi. It's gonna be tricky to do at the time but just try to relax as much as you can, it's very straight forward and no-one is gonna even know that if you get held up a bit that it's because your hands are sweaty, they might just think the machine is playing up.

[miss pots]

Hi just wanted to say at no point does the officer touch your hand.it is literally just pressing fingers onto a little screen takes seconds, just have a tissue ready,wipe just before and I'm sure you Will be absolutely fine x

[ianc]

As the others have said, it is nothing to worry about. They process thousands of people every day - so you won't be the first or even the worst by any means. You just press your fingertips down firmly onto a small glass panel. The kiosk and the officer are the same - doesn't matter. If your fingertips are a bit damp just wipe them first - on a tissue, your pants/shorts/dress, anything you like! Everybody will sweat, as it is usually quite hot in the hall.

[Gryff]

My finger prints never scan takes ages for me to get through same in the parks
Don't worry about it

[scooby99]

The advice we were given by an immigration officer is to have your fingers spread very slightly apart and to press lightly; pressing down firmly/heavily will increase how long it takes to get a reading.
He said when people can't get the green lights for their reading, they automatically press harder but pressing too hard probably caused the issue in the first place!

[debojahh]

I'm the opposite and have super dry hands which can be embarrassing too.
On one if our trips I got the X on my immigration thing as my print didn't register properly. I was told to wipe my fingers around my nose as that area is greasiest.

But for you OP I would just take a small pack of tissues and dab before doing the hand print.

Just keep calm, it happens to other people too. Best thing is to be prepared and not stress about it!