Biometrics

All applicants applying for a Schengen visa have to undergo the procedure of providing biometric identifiers (fingerprints). According to this each applicant must appear in person at the visa application centers.

The biometric data will be taken only inside the diplomatic missions or visa centers of the Schengen states. The applicant biometrics will have a validity of five years for any subsequent visa application for entry in any Schengen country.

The following categories of applicants are exempt from providing the fingerprints:

1) Children under the age of 12;

2) Persons for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible (on medical grounds);

3) Heads of State or Government and members of a national Government with accompanying spouses, and members of a their official delegation when they are invited by Member States’ Governments or by international organizations for an official purpose.

4) Sovereigns and other senior members of a royal family, when they are invited by member states’ governments or by international organization’s for an official purpose.

All visas issued previously are valid until the date of expiry.