All diplomatic and consular Schengen missions in India will introduce Visa Information System (VIS) on 02 November 2015. This System enables better data exchange between all Schengen member states. VIS eases application procedures and improves security. Since 2011 VIS is already established in most of 23 regions worldwide. By the end of 2015 all visa sections of Schengen countries worldwide will be equipped with VIS.
As per this system, Applicants applying from 02. November 2015 for a Schengen visa will need to appear in person in order to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). 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 VIS.
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:
Authorized Visa Agent by SINGAPORE High Commission