According to news24, South African travellers hoping to visit Europe will face more hurdles, as new biometric data becomes part of the Schengen visa application process.
iAfrica reports that on 6 June, the European Union will introduce its Visa Information System in Southern Africa, requiring applicants to appear in person for visa applications, to enable the collection of biometric data.
The process will apply to all foreign passport holders requesting short-stay visas (up to three months) for relevant Schengen states. However, once an applicant’s biometric data - fingerprints and a digital photograph - has been entered in the VIS, personal visits to the consulate may be waived for the following five years.
Heads of state and members of national government will be exempted from the provision of fingerprints when travelling for official purposes. VIS is already in effect in North, West and Central Africa, the Near East and Gulf region, and will be rolled out globally until all Schengen consulates worldwide are connected.
iAfrica reports that on 6 June, the European Union will introduce its Visa Information System in Southern Africa, requiring applicants to appear in person for visa applications, to enable the collection of biometric data.
The process will apply to all foreign passport holders requesting short-stay visas (up to three months) for relevant Schengen states. However, once an applicant’s biometric data - fingerprints and a digital photograph - has been entered in the VIS, personal visits to the consulate may be waived for the following five years.
Heads of state and members of national government will be exempted from the provision of fingerprints when travelling for official purposes. VIS is already in effect in North, West and Central Africa, the Near East and Gulf region, and will be rolled out globally until all Schengen consulates worldwide are connected.
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