Dear Travel Partner,

 As per the Latest Update Changes in Schengen visa application process As part of the worldwide introduction of the Visa Information System (VIS)1 , the Schengen States will launch the VIS in India (and in the neighbouring countries2 ) on 2 November 2015. 

Fingerprints are widely used within the EU as a more secure means of identification. The use of biometric data for identification purposes of a visa holder is a faster and more accurate way to identify a visa holder by border police. As from 2 November 2015, Indian citizens requesting a Schengen visa will have to appear in person in order to provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photography). This concerns the applications for the short-term Schengen visas (max. 90 days in 180 days). 

For subsequent applications within next 5 years the biometric data will be copied from the previous visa application included in the VIS4 .

Apart from that, there will be no change in current procedures such as visa fee or forms. However, the applicants should be aware that due to provisions of biometric data, which might cause at the beginning some disruptions, the first visit to their respective Schengen State Consulate after 2 November 2015 might take a little bit longer. 

  Exemptions from the obligation of fingerprinting are provided for the following categories of applicants only: ·

 Children under 12, -

 Persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible; -