Biometrics (VIS)
09.06.2019 / 15:11 | Aktualizováno: 20.10.2021 / 11:42
(This article expired 18.10.2021.)
Applicants applying from 2nd November 2015 for a Schengen visa will need to appear in person in order to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
All diplomatic and consular Schengen missions in India will introduce Visa Information System (VIS) 2nd November 2015. This System enables better data exchange between all Schengen member states. VIS eases application procedure and improves security. Since 2011 VIS is already established in most of 23 regions worldwide. By the end of 2015 all visa sections of Schengen countries in the world will be equipped with VIS in order to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
The introduction of the VIS has necessitated various changes to the visa application process:
- People applying for a visa for the first time must apply in person, so that the necessary biometric data – ten fingerprints and a digital photo – can be collected.
- Finger scans stored in the VIS can be re‑used for further visa applications within the following five years, so these later applications do not have to be made in person.
- When travellers enter the Schengen area, the border authorities are thus able to verify their identity by accessing the VIS.
Exemptions from the obligation of fingerprinting are provided for the following categories of applicants only:
- Children under 12;
- Persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible;
- Sovereigns and other senior members of a royal family, Heads of State and members of the national Governments (with their official delegations and spouses) if they travel for official purposes.
On the basis of the Visa Code, Paragraph 3, Article 1The Consular Section of The Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi encourages all applicants who have already granted fingerprints in last 59 months to grant - in their own interest - new fingerprints during submitting the visa application at the VFS counter to avoid technical issues accordingly.
In case that any clarification is needed, kindly contact us at info.shortterm_delhi@mzv.cz.
For more information please consult the European Commission website at
