Data and biometrics

The Visa Information System (VIS) is an IT system that allows Schengen States to exchange visa data. The main purpose of the VIS is to simplify the visa issuance process, to facilitate checks at external borders and to enhance security for everyone involved, including visa applicants. The Schengen States’ VIS has been operational since 11 October 2011. A phased rollout is underway, connecting more of these states’ visa sections to the VIS at each stage.

In Vietnam, the VIS is operational since the 14th of November 2013.

The VIS works by linking Schengen States’ embassies and external border crossing points to the central VIS database. The introduction of the VIS required various changes to the visa application process:

• Since the 14th of November 2013, people applying for a Schengen visa in Vietnam must present themselves in person, so that the necessary biometric data – ten fingerprints and a digital photo – can be collected.
• Finger scans stored in the VIS can be re used for further visa applications within the following five years = If you apply again for a visa within 5 years after collection of your biometric data, you’re exempted of personal appearance, unless there was a technical problem with your fingerprints. This will be decided when you submit your ‘new’ visa application.
• When travelers enter the Schengen area, the border authorities are able to verify their identity by accessing the VIS.

For more information please consult the European Commission website.

Specifically for Vietnam

All applications should be lodged at the Belgian Visa Application Center in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Danang. Personal appearance is in principle compulsory.

Categories of exemption of personal appearance

• Children under the age of 12;
• Persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible;
• Heads of State and members of the National Government, with accompanying spouses, and the members of their official delegation when they are invited by Member States’ Governments or by International Governments or by International Organizations for an official purpose.
   

• As of December 21, 2007, all visa applications introduced by a Vietnamese national, regardless of them being holder of a normal, official or diplomatic passport, are, after the examination of the application, submitted to the Schengen authorities. The Schengen procedure will normally take up to ten days. The time this procedure takes is independent of the time necessary to examine the application and independent of the time necessary to the Belgian authorities to examine an application when submitted to them. The time necessary for the compulsory Schengen consultation is added.
• The Embassy wishes to draw your attention to the fact that, under the Schengen regulation, every visa application should be submitted at least three weeks prior to departure.
   

From 01/12/2018 biometric data – ten fingerprints and a digital photo – can be collected for Long Stay Visa (D) for Belgium.

By taking your fingerprints you can be identified with certainty as the sole holder of the visa which enhances security for everyone, including the visa applicant. This protects you against forgery or misuse of identity - for example in the event of theft or loss of your passport – and facilitates checks at external borders.

Finger prints for D visa cannot be re used for short stay visa (C Schengen visa).

For more information please consult the website of Home Affairs FPS Immigration Office.

Specifically for Vietnam

All applications should be lodged at the Belgian Visa Application Center in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Danang. Personal appearance is in principle compulsory.

Categories of exemption of personal appearance:

• Children under the age of 6;
• Persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible;
• Heads of State and members of the National Government, with accompanying spouses, and the members of their official delegation when they are invited by Member States’ Governments or by International Governments or by International Organizations for an official purpose.