Do You Know Whether Your Biometric Data Is Shared Among Schengen Member Countries?

VIS is a database that contains information about people who use a visa to enter the Schengen Area. The system is managed by the European Commission and holds the details of every visa applicant, including biometric data: fingerprints and photographs.

To simplify future trips, VIS's database stores the visa applicant's biometric data, which helps travelers with the visa process and identity verification, since it allows border officers to confirm that the person presenting the visa is its lawful holder and is not using fraudulently created fake documentation. Using VIS makes security checks more accurate, faster, and more convenient. At the same time, the system also facilitates the visa-issuance process.

This existing technology also helps the asylum-seeking community, since it identifies which country is responsible for reviewing an asylum application.

Although the database serves as a repository of travelers' data, it isn't used to exchange information directly; rather, it functions as a central registry that helps Schengen member countries with the monitoring process. Accordingly, the biometric data collected by each country is recorded together, which ensures a unified, complete picture.

Access to the VIS database is strictly regulated. The data it contains may only be used by specific authorities, for defined purposes, that have the legitimate right to do so.

Who Has Access to the Information Stored in VIS?

Access to VIS data is granted to countries that are part of the Schengen Area and need to verify biometric data during the visa process. However, this access is only granted according to specific rules.

How Is the Data Protected?

The biometric data used by VIS is protected according to high standards. Data management and access are carried out using secure technologies, ensuring that your personal information doesn't become a target for unauthorized use.