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Launch of Schengen VIS and Implementation of the Biometrics

In connection with the launch of the Visa Information System by all the Embassies of the Schengen area member states in Manila, all visa applicants will have to provide their fingerprints while submitting their visa application at the Embassy of the Czech Republic.

As part of a global process of introducing the Visa Information System (VIS), the Embassy of the Czech Republic will launch the VIS as of September 2013. This follows the earlier successful implementation of the VIS in other regions. The VIS is being rolled out gradually by region until all Schengen states consulates/consular sections worldwide are connected.

The VIS concerns short-stay (up to three months) visas to the Schengen states. It entails the digitalised exchange of data amongst the Schengen states related to issuance of such visas, and is based on a central database. The VIS will facilitate visa application procedures and checks at external borders, and will enhance security.

Visa applicants' biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photograph) will also be registered in the VIS, so as to better protect visa applicants against identity theft and prevent false identifications, which in certain cases has led to the refusal of a visa or entry to a person who had been entitled to enter.   

As from September 2013 all visa applicants will have to provide their fingerprints while submitting their visa application at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Manila. During the subsequent five-year period after launch of the VIS the fingerprints can be copied from the previous application file in the VIS. The procedure for taking of biometric identifiers is quick, simple and discreet.

Exemptions from the obligation of fingerprinting are provided for:

  • children under the age of 12;
  • persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible;
  • Heads of State and members of national Governments, with accompanying spouses, and the members of their official delegation when they are invited by Member States' governments or by international organisations for an official purpose;
  • Sovereigns and other senior members of royal family, when they are invited by Member States' governments or by international organisations for an official purpose.

The VIS central database is very secure and data will be processed in accordance with the highest data protection standards.