At the end of 2015, the procedure for capture of biometric data of applicants to get a Schengen visa, the press-office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.
It should be noted that availability of the information about visa information system in Ukraine is performed in order to facilitate exchange of information between competent authorities of Schengen countries that issue visas to the citizens of third countries for short-term trips (till three months), consular agencies as well as external border checkpoints in the EU. All information stated in the questionnaire is entered into the database, as well as digital photo and fingerprints to be submitted to the consular. Fingerprints are captured with use of an electronic scanner. Meantime, children aged under 12 are not required to provide their biometric data. Additionally, it is not required to repeatedly provide biometric data within the upcoming 59 months after entering the relevant information into the visa information system.
The procedure for capture and storage of biometric data occurs in full compliance with the requirements set out in the legislation in the sphere of personal data protection.
The use of the visa information system will also allow the consular officers to timely check legitimate use of previous Schengen visas by applicants that will simplify the procedure for determining “bona fide” status (status of a bona fide holder that has not violated the requirements for obtaining and use of the Schengen visa) and issue of multiple visas
