Complete Guide on Schengen Biometric 2023

The Schengen Area, which consists of 27 countries, has the distinction of being the largest zone in the world where travel is not subject to visa requirements. A sizable influx of people travel to this area for a variety of reasons, including tourism, business, official business, and medical appointments.

Since the deployment of the Visa Information System (VIS) to all Schengen nations in November 2015, the collecting of biometric data has become a requirement for Schengen visa applications. It is a crucial step in protecting the Schengen region from grave problems like identity fraud, terrorism, and other antisocial forces.

Explain Schengen Biometrics

The Visa Information System (VIS), commonly known as the Schengen Biometric Visa System, provides a platform for the transmission of short-stay visa-related data between Schengen States. The VIS’s main objectives are to speed up the visa application process, ease border checks, and strengthen security measures.

A centralized database, a national interface inside each Schengen State, and a communication infrastructure that connects the central database and the state-specific interfaces make up the three-part structure that powers the VIS.

It is possible for competent authorities in Schengen States to effectively manage a variety of visa-related data, such as applications, approvals, rejections, cancellations, revocations, and extensions, thanks to this interconnected system.

The Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and the VIS database, which has an alphanumeric search feature, are the two main parts of the Visa Information System (VIS). The AFIS quickly compares fingerprints supplied with the database, combining fingerprint analysis and data access to speed up the processing of visas while strengthening overall security measures.

Schengen Visa biometric number 

The Schengen visa number, commonly known as the visa sticker number, contains vital information about the visa and its conditions. It details the type of visa, its validity period, and the number of permitted entries in addition to providing information on the specific countries in which the visa is valid. The upper right corner of the visa sticker is where you may find the Schengen visa number.

• the alphanumeric data contained in the Schengen visa application form
• the digital photograph
• the 10 fingerprints of the applicant taken flat

Who must submit Schengen biometric information?

To enter Schengen nations, all applicants must register their biometric information with the VIS. First-time visa applicants will always be required to produce their biometric information, which includes pictures and fingerprints, in person when submitting the application.

The photo can be shot digitally at the time of application or it can be scanned from an already existing one. This only applies to Schengen visa applications submitted to one of the VFS Centers, though.

Please be aware that if biometric information is not provided, a person will not be granted a Schengen visa. However, in accordance with Article 13.7 of the Visa Code, there are a number of groups of nationals who are exempt from providing this information:

• Children who are under 12 years old.
• Those whose fingerprints cannot be physically taken. The maximum number of fingerprints should be taken if it is possible to take prints from fewer than 10 fingers. The applicant will be needed to submit their fingerprints at the subsequent application if the difficulty is temporary.
• When they are invited by the governments of Member States or by international organizations for an official purpose, heads of State or governments, members of a national government, their accompanying spouses, and members of their official delegation.
• Sovereigns and other senior royals who have been asked by a government or international organization to attend an official event.

Validity of Schengen biometrics

Within the VIS database, your biometric data will be valid for 59 months (5 years). This suggests that once you’ve applied for a visa once, you won’t need to personally submit your biometric information again when you apply for a Schengen visa because it will still be accessible after the allotted time has passed.

Please be aware that your biometric data’s validity began on the day that is

• From the visa’s expiration date, assuming one has been issued.
• If a visa was extended, on the new visa expiration date.
• The day the visa authorities make a negative decision about a visa application.

ETIAS’s Schengen biometric requirement

A type of electronic travel permission is the European Travel Information and permission System (ETIAS), which is anticipated to be operational in 2024. ETIAS is a type of security check or visa waiver, not a visa. By conducting traveler screenings before they reach the Schengen Area, it seeks to increase European security.

The EU recently clarified that applicants who would be submitting ETIAS applications will not be asked to disclose any biometric data in the wake of various false information rumors.

We suggest reading our special post on the subject for more details regarding ETIAS.

Also Read: Apply for Schengen Visa for UAE Resident

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