As from 12 October 2015, all applicants for a Schengen visa will be required to provide their biometric data (10 fingerprints and a digital photograph) when applying. It is a simple procedure that only takes a few minutes. The implementation of the VIS is part of the gradual worldwide deployment, which began in 2011.

When applying for the first time, all applicants will have to appear in person at a consulate or an external service provider. Biometric data, along with the data provided in the Schengen visa application form, will be recorded in the VIS database and stored for five years. Frequent travellers will only have to complete the procedure once within this period, as the fingerprints will be copied from the previous application file in the VIS.

The VIS will contain all Schengen visa applications and the decisions taken by any Schengen State's consulate. This will facilitate visa application procedures and checks at external border of the European Union, as well as enhance security. The recourse to biometric technology will protect visa applicants better against identity theft and prevent false identifications, which in certain cases lead to a refusal of a visa or entry to a person who is entitled to enter. This will also allow to establish more easily the lawful use of previous visas and applicants' travel history (e.g. when applying for a multiple-entry visa).

Exemptions from the fingerprinting requirement are provided for a limited number of applicants, including children under the age of twelve and persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible. Diplomatic passport holders are not exempted.

Schengen visas issued before 12 October remain valid.

 

簽證資訊系統 － 引言

自2015年10月12日起， 申根簽證申請人需提交十指指紋和數碼照片。程序簡單，只需幾分鐘。簽證資訊系統亦早於2011年執行。

首次申請人必須親自前往領事館。五年內不必再交指紋和照片。

12歲下小童和無手指的人，可獲豁免。外交人員則不得豁免。

10月12日前發出之申根簽證依然生效。