As part of the global introduction of the VIS, the Schengen countries have started operating the VIS since the end of 2015.

This means that all applicants must submit their applications in person in order to provide their biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph), which is a simple and discreet procedure.

For applications submitted in the subsequent 5-year period (following the application where the applicant submitted the fingerprints), the fingerprints from the previous application entered in the VIS are used, i.e. fingerprints are provided for a period of 5 years for any subsequent Schengen visa application. In some cases, where there are reasonable doubts about the identity of the applicant, consulates may still take fingerprints even within a shorter period than 5 years.

Exemptions from the obligation to provide fingerprints concern:

    children under 12 years of age;

    persons for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible;

    Heads of State and members of governments (including accompanying spouses and members of their official delegations) when travelling on official business.

The purpose of this global process of the introduction of the VIS is to better protect applicants against identity theft and to prevent document forgery and the so-called visa-shopping. For example, fingerprints are widely used within the EU to enhance the security of various documents (ID cards, passports). The use of biometrics to confirm the identity of the holder results in more accurate, faster and safer border checks.