https://blog.sparktour.me/en/tags/europe/ Recent content in Europe on Sparktour’s Blog https://assets.sparktour.me/img/blog/misc/about-bg.jpg https://assets.sparktour.me/img/blog/misc/about-bg.jpg Hugo en Mon, 27 May 2024 11:24:11 +0800 https://blog.sparktour.me/en/posts/2024/04/10/export-schengen-vis-info/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://blog.sparktour.me/en/posts/2024/04/10/export-schengen-vis-info/ <p>Many people applying for Schengen visas have heard of the <a href="https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-information-system_en">Visa Information System (VIS)</a>. VIS allows <a href="https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/schengen-area_en">Schengen countries</a> to exchange visa data. It consists of a central IT system and the communication infrastructure connecting this central system to national systems. It processes data and decisions related to applications for short-stay visas for visiting or transiting the Schengen area. The system can perform biometric matching (mainly fingerprints) for identification and verification purposes. A common use in Schengen visa applications is to store applicants&rsquo; fingerprints (so that applicants only need to provide them once every 5 years).</p>