The EU Agency for large-scale IT systems, eu-LISA, is responsible for the operational management of VIS. Which countries use VIS and who operates it?Īs a Schengen instrument, VIS applies to all Schengen States (Denmark has decided to implement it). A mismatch does not mean that entry will automatically be refused - it will merely lead to further checks on the traveller’s identity.

Once finger scans are stored in VIS, they can be re-used for further visa applications over a 5-year period.Īt the Schengen Area's external borders, the visa holder's finger scans may be compared against those held in the database. Frequent travellers to the Schengen Area do not have to give new finger scans every time they apply for a new visa. These biometric data, along with data provided in the visa application form, are recorded in a secure central database.ġ0-digit finger scans are not required from children under the age of 12 or from people who physically cannot provide finger scans. How does it work in practice?ġ0 fingerprints and a digital photograph are collected from persons applying for a visa. 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.Įnhancing security: VIS assists in preventing, detecting and investigating terrorist offences and other serious criminal offences. Protecting travellers: Biometric technology enables the detection of travellers using another person's travel documents and protects travellers from identity theft. the practice of making further visa applications to other EU States when a first application has been rejected). For instance, VIS will help in fighting and preventing fraudulent behaviours, such as 'visa shopping' (i.e.

The system also facilitates the visa issuance process, particularly for frequent travellers.įighting abuses: While the very large majority of visa holders follow the rules, abuses can also take place. Using biometric data to confirm a visa holder's identity allows for faster, more accurate and more secure checks. 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.

Sweden visa photo tool