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Streamlining the Visa Application Process
The Visa Information System (VIS) is an essential component supporting the implementation of the European Union's common visa policy, facilitating the exchange of visa data between EU & Schengen States and simplifying the visa application process for travellers.
VIS is managed by eu-LISA since 2013.
VIS in action
- VIS connects consulates in non-EU countries and all external border crossing points of Schengen States;
- It processes data and decisions relating to applications for short-stay visas to visit, or to transit through, the Schengen Area;
- The system allows border control authorities to confirm the authenticity of visas and the identity of travellers;
- Its biometric matching capabilities help detect multiple applications by the same person, preventing visa shopping.
Benefits
- clearer and quicker procedures for travellers requiring a visa to enter the Schengen Area;
- security and protection for travellers using biometric technology, helping to ensure the identification of people and prevent identity theft;
- consular cooperation and consultation between national visa authorities;
- reduced risk of ‘visa shopping’ and fraud;
- identification of people who may not, or may no longer, fulfil the conditions to enter or stay in the Schengen Area;
- support for checks at the external borders and inside the Schengen Area Member States;
- support with the processing of asylum applications;
- support for national authorities in the prevention of internal security threats.
Future Development
To better respond to evolving security and migratory challenges, the European Commission has proposed upgrading VIS to implement:
- Enhanced security checks across all databases: all visa applications recorded in the system will be automatically checked against all other EU information systems to detect applicants using multiple identities;
- Better data and information exchange: in addition to short-stay visas, the system will manage and check long-stay visas and residence permits used to cross the Schengen Area’s external borders;
- More efficient return procedures: copies of applicants' travel documents will be included in VIS to facilitate the identification and readmission of people subject to a return procedure who do not have travel documents;
- Strengthened capacity to prosecute and prevent crime: Law enforcement authorities and Europol will have a more structured access to VIS for the prevention, detection or investigation of terrorist offences or other serious crimes.
Read more about VIS and eu-LISA's core activities on our Discover eu-LISA portal
