VIS (Visa Information System)

The Visa Information System (VIS) allows Schengen States EN, to exchange visa data. It consists of a central IT system and a communication infrastructure that links this central system to national systems. VIS connects consulates in non-EU countries and all external border crossing points of Schengen States. It processes data and decisions relating to applications for short-stay visas to visit, or to transit through, the Schengen Area. The system can perform biometric matching, primarily of fingerprints, for identification and verification purposes.

Facilitating checks and the issuance of visas: VIS enables border guards to verify that a person presenting a visa is its rightful holder and to identify persons found on the Schengen territory with no or fraudulent documents. Using biometric data to confirm a visa holder’s identity allows for faster, more accurate and more secure checks. The system also facilitates the visa issuance process, particularly for frequent travellers.

Fighting abuses: While the very large majority of visa holders follow the rules, abuses can also take place. For instance, VIS will help in fighting and preventing fraudulent behaviours, such as “visa shopping” (i.e. the practice of making further visa applications to other EU States when a first application has been rejected).

Protecting travellers: Biometric technology enables the detection of travellers using another person’s travel documents and protects travellers from identity theft.

Helping with asylum applications: VIS makes it easier to determine which EU State is responsible for examining an asylum application and to examine such applications.

Enhancing security: VIS assists in preventing, detecting and investigating terrorist offences and other serious criminal offences.

How does it work in practice?

10 fingerprints and a digital photograph are collected from persons applying for a visa. These biometric data, along with data provided in the visa application form, are recorded in a secure central database.

10-digit finger scans are not required from children under the age of 12 or from people who physically cannot provide finger scans. Frequent visitors to the Schengen Area do not have to give new finger scans every time they apply for a new visa. Once finger scans are stored in VIS, they can be re-used for further visa applications over a 5-year period.

At the Schengen Area’s external borders, the visa holder’s finger scans may be compared against those held in the database. A mismatch does not mean that entry will automatically be refused – it will merely lead to further checks on the traveler’s identity.