Changes in Schengen visa application process
As part of the worldwide introduction of the Visa Information System (VIS), the Schengen States will launch the VIS in India (and in the neighbouring countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri-Lanka) on 2 November 2015. Since October 2011, the VIS has been functioning in seventeen (out of 23) world regions. All Schengen consulates worldwide will be connected to VIS by the end of November 2015.
The Visa Information System (VIS) is a system for the exchange of data on short-stay visas between Schengen States. The main objectives of the VIS are to facilitate visa application procedures and checks at external border as well as to enhance security.
As from 2 November 2015, Indian citizens requesting a Schengen visa will have to appear in person in order to provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photography). This concerns the applications for the short-term Schengen visas (max. 90 days in 180 days). For subsequent applications within next 5 years the biometric data will be copied from the previous visa application included in the VIS.
Apart from that, there will be no change in current procedures such as visa fee or forms. However, the applicants should be aware that due to provisions of biometric data, which might cause at the beginning some disruptions, the first visit to their respective Schengen State Consulate after 2 November 2015 might take a little bit longer.
Since 2 November applicants will be asked to fill application form from here https://visa.vrm.lt/epm/. EPM is the online Visa Application Form of the Republic of Lithuania which is designed to complete and submit the Application for a Schengen visa to the consular services of the Republic of Lithuania.
For more information please read the leaflet or visit European Commission's official web-page.
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