Since October 12nd, 2015, all Schengen countries will implement Visa Information System (VIS) in China, Schengen visa applicants will be required to provide 10 fingers fingerprints and a digital photograph. The program is simple and efficient, just take a few minutes.
Within the valid period, you don`t need to record fingerprints anymore when apply for other Schengen visa, you just need to submit related documents.
VIS is a system for exchanging visa data between Schengen countries, to simplify the visa application process and border access check for Schengen zone, and improve the security of the applicants. When the applicants entry the Schengen countries, the border inspection authorities can indentify the travelers more quickly and accurately with the VIS.
By the end of 2015, Schengen visa application departments all around the world will join this system.
Are all the Schengen countries implements the fingerprints recording on Oct.12nd?
Yes. No country will implement the system earlier, nor later.
Beside the fingerprints recording, are there any other changes of the visa application process?
There are no variation on the the application, including the application form, visa fee, zoning and premise conditions of visa issuing.
What`s the procedure of fingerprints recording?
Record the fingerprints for 10 fingers and two biological identification photos.
Requirement: within 6 months, hat off, peaceful expression, no smile, mouth closed , no glasses is better.
Are the visas issued before Oct.12nd, 2015 still valid?
Yes, visas issued before Oct.12nd,2015 do not need fingerprints, and you can continue to use them till the expiry (one year / multiple years valid)
How long is the valid period of the fingerprints?
Since the first application of the Schengen visa, the fingerprints will be saved in the VIS once successfully recorded, the valid period of the fingerprints is 59 months (about 5 years) .
Within the valid period, you don`t need to record fingerprints anymore when apply for other Schengen visa, you just need to submit related documents.
If i have recorded successfully for one time within 59 months, but i change my passport, are the fingerprints i recorded previously still valid?
Apply for another visa within 59 months, the fingerprints can be copied from the center data base, so it is okay to use a new passport. Please remember to submit the copy of last Schengen visa, the number of the visa stickers which you have your fingerprints recorded is important!
How can the juveniles record the fingerprints?
Juveniles under 12 years old do not need to record fingerprints, juveniles between 12 to 18 years old should follow the normal procedure to record the fingerprints.
How to know whether the fingerprints recording is successful or not?
If the visa displays the words of “ VIS”, that means the recording is successful. If it displays the words of “VIS-0”,that means the fingerprints are not successfully recorded in the VIS, and you have to remake it next time.
How many Schengen countries are there?
Including: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic.
HACOS provide professional visa application services, if you need any help, don`t hesitate to contact us.
refer to wechat visa51
edited by HACOS,
please indicated the resource before repost.
HACOS, Business Services Solutions Master
