All diplomatic Schengen missions in the Russian Federation will introduce Visa Information System (VIS) on 14. September 2015*. By the end of 2015 all visa sections of Schengen countries in the world will be equipped with VIS.

Applicants applying from 14. September 2015 for a Schengen visa will need to appear in person in order to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). An applicant needs only to provide his or her fingerprints every five years. If a person applies for another Schengen visa during this period no fingerprints are necessary**.

The following persons are excempted from providing fingerprints:
• children below age 12;
• persons, where it is physically not possible to have fingerprints taken;
• heads of state and member of government (including official delegations and spouses) when travelling on official state visits.

All other requirements for submitting a visa application will stay unchanged.

VIS is designed with purpose to protect applicants from identity theft and guarantees secure travelling. Member states of the European Union are already using biometric data to enhance security of travel documents like passports or ID cards.