On June 23, a new visa information system (VIS) to apply for Schengen visas was introduced in the six Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine), according to Polskie Radio.
According to the broadcaster, when applying for a Schengen visa, applicants have to give their biometrics: fingerprints and a digital facial photograph.
VIS is a centralized database that supports the exchange of information on short stay Schengen visas. It is used to store alphanumeric and biometric data of the applicants: name, citizenship, place of residence, occupation, passport number, type of visa, intended destination and duration of a trip abroad, the Schengen state which border is to be crossed first, facial patterns, fingerprints of all fingers of both hands and digital photography.
Biometric data will be stored in the VIS within 59 months and processed before issuance of a visa. After 59 months a visa applicant has to provide biometrics again.
When applying for a visa for the first time, an applicant should appear in person at the consulate to provide fingerprints. Children under 12 years are exempt from giving the fingerprints, persons for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible, monarchs, heads of state and their spouses, members of official delegations on official trips.
Visas issued before June 23, remain valid until the expiration date.
