Most applicants for a Schengen visa must provide biometric data as part of the visa application process. This usually includes 10 fingerprints and a digital photograph, which are used for identity verification and security checks through the Visa Information System (VIS). Fingerprints are not required from children under 12, applicants who are physically unable to provide fingerprints, and certain official categories. Biometrics may be collected at a consulate, embassy or authorised visa application centre, depending on the Schengen country and local procedure.
What Is Biometric Data?
Biometric data for a Schengen visa refers to fingerprints and a digital facial image collected or submitted as part of the visa application procedure. This information is recorded in the Visa Information System (VIS), which allows Schengen States to exchange visa data, verify the identity of visa holders, support visa decisions and help prevent identity fraud, document fraud and repeated abusive applications.
Who Needs to Give Biometrics?
Most Schengen visa applicants must appear in person at least for the first application so that biometric identifiers can be collected. The following applicants are generally required to provide fingerprints:
- Applicants aged 12 and above, unless a fingerprint exemption applies or previously collected fingerprints can be reused.
- First-time Schengen visa applicants aged 12 and above.
- Applicants whose fingerprints were collected more than 59 months ago, or whose previous fingerprints cannot be reused because the competent authority requires them to be retaken.
Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection. Persons who are physically unable to provide fingerprints are also exempt from fingerprint collection for the affected fingers. Heads of state or government, members of national governments and their accompanying spouses, members of official delegations, sovereigns and senior members of royal families may be exempt where they are invited by Member State governments or international organisations for an official purpose.
When and Where to Give Biometrics
Biometric enrolment takes place during the visa application procedure at the relevant consulate, embassy or authorised visa application centre, depending on the Schengen country and local procedure. Applicants must normally attend in person when fingerprints are required. If fingerprints were collected within the previous 59 months and can be copied from VIS, the applicant may not need to provide fingerprints again, unless the consulate or visa authority requests new fingerprints.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
- Arrive at the consulate, embassy or authorised visa application centre at your scheduled appointment time.
- Provide your passport or travel document, visa application form, appointment confirmation and any other documents required by the competent consulate, embassy or visa application centre.
- Your fingerprints (10 in total) will be scanned digitally.
- A facial image will be collected or verified as part of the application procedure. Some locations take the photograph on-site, while others require the applicant to provide a compliant photograph.
- You will submit supporting documents and pay the visa fee and any authorised service fee in the way instructed by the competent consulate, embassy or visa application centre.
How Long Are Biometrics Valid?
Once recorded in VIS, fingerprints can generally be reused for further Schengen visa applications for 59 months. If you apply again within this period, you may not need to provide fingerprints again, unless the competent consulate or visa authority cannot retrieve the previous fingerprints, the quality is insufficient, your identity needs to be verified again, or new fingerprints are otherwise required. A new or compliant photograph may still be required for each application.
Why Biometrics Are Important
Biometric verification is used to confirm that the person applying for or presenting a visa is the rightful holder and to support identity checks at Schengen external borders. VIS helps detect fraudulent behaviour, including identity fraud and visa shopping, and supports more accurate and secure checks. It does not guarantee faster border crossing or entry. Border authorities may still carry out further checks.
Exemptions and Special Cases
- Children under 12 years old are exempt from fingerprint collection, but they may still need a visa application and a compliant facial image or photograph.
- Heads of state or government, members of national governments and their accompanying spouses, members of official delegations, sovereigns and other senior members of royal families may be exempt from fingerprint collection where they are invited by Member State governments or international organisations for an official purpose.
- Applicants who are physically unable to provide fingerprints are exempt from fingerprint collection for the affected fingers. If the impossibility is temporary, the applicant may be required to provide fingerprints in a later application.
Related Guidance
- Schengen Priority & Express Services (2026)
- Schengen Digital Document Upload Guide (2026)
- Schengen Visa Processing Times (2026)
About This Page
Author: Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Adviser.
Last Updated: 15 June 2026.