As part of the Worldwide introduction of VIS effective 02 November 2015, Indian citizens applying a Schengen visa will have to appear in person in order to provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photography). The other procedure remains the same as usual and there is no change in the Visa Fee & the Visa application form etc.
The subsequent application to a Schengen Countries (after the first application effective 02 Nov 2015) for next 5 years, need not appear in person for biometric./ Nevertheless it has to be underlined that in case of reasonable doubt regarding the identity of the applicant, the consulate shall collect again fingerprints within the 5 year period specified above. The Database of all Biometric (photos & finger print) will be store for 5 years only.
How the system will work, will be inform us later. Like we have to submit first and the VFS will give us the appointment or we have to take appointment from their web site
There are certain exemptions as follows:
- Children under 12
- Persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible
- Sovereigns and other senior members of a royal family, Heads of State and members of the national Governments (with their official delegations and spouses) if they travel for official purposes.