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Biometric Enrollment

As part of the worldwide introduction of the Visa Information System (VIS), the Schengen States launched the VIS in Belarus (and in other Eastern Partnership countries) on 23 June 2015. The VIS has already started in sixteen (out of 23) world regions since October 2011.

The major change for Belorussian citizens from 23 June 2015 is that all applicants would need to appear in person in order to provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photography), which is a simple and discreet procedure. This concerns the applications for the short-term Schengen visas (max. 90 days in 180 days).

For subsequent applications within 5 years the fingerprints can be copied from the previous application file in the VIS, e.g. the fingerprints will be provided for the period of 5 years for any subsequent Schengen visa application (for example for the long-term multiple entry visa). Exceptions from the obligation of fingerprinting are provided for:

• children under the age of 12;

• persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible;

• Heads of State or government and members of national Governments with accompanying spouses, and the members of their official delegation when they are invited by Member States’ governments or by international organisations for an official purpose.

In practical terms, this means that the first (in person) visit after 23 June 2015 to the respective Schengen State Consulate as well as visa application centres would be prolonged by a few minutes, which will be necessary for the provision of biometric data.

Otherwise, the current procedures (including visa fee, forms) remain unchanged. The purpose of this global VIS introduction process is to better protect applicants against identity theft and to prevent document fraud and visa shopping. For example, fingerprinting is widely used inside the EU to make various documents (IDs, passports) more secure. Using biometric data to confirm a visa holder's identity will result in more accurate, faster and secure checks by border guards.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are the Schengen visas issued before 23 June 2015 valid?

Yes, they remain valid.

If I already have a biometric passport, do I also need to submit my fingerprints?

Yes, the owners of biometric passports also have to show up in person when applying for the first time after 23 June 2015 to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa.

Does this new requirement represent a new barrier for Belarussian applicants? Isn’t it aimed against Belarussian citizens?

No, not at all. This new measure is actually aimed to make the whole process safer. The fingerprints will be taken only the first time and then they would be used during 5 years for any subsequent Schengen visa application.

The very same requirements and procedures will soon concern all applicants all over the world. Belorussian applicants are treated equally like any other nationals worldwide.

What will happen to those people who are refusing to provide fingerprints for various reasons?

Unfortunately, they will not be issued a Schengen visa if they fail to provide biometric data. There are, however, several categories of citizens, who do not have to provide these data:

• children under the age of 12;

• persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible;

• Heads of State or government and members of a national government with accompanying spouses, and the members of their official delegation when they are invited by Member States’ governments or by international organizations for an official purpose.

What would be the role of the visa application centres?

The role would remain unchanged, e.g. they will assist consulates of Schengen States that are working with them in the preparatory stage of the application process. These centres will be equipped with electronic devices for collecting biometric data, which will be directly sent to the consulate of the respective Schengen country and then stored in the VIS database.

Would it be still possible to apply for Schengen visas via certified travel agencies?

For the first time after 23 June, applicants have to show up in person in the consulate (or visa application centres) in order to provide their biometric data. The next consequent visa applications within the next 5 years could be done through travel agencies.

Visa applicant’s biometric data cannot be collected by commercial intermediaries (e.g. travel agencies).

How is my biometric data protected in the VIS?

Strict data protection rules are defined in the VIS-related rules and are subject to the control of national and European data protection authorities.

Data is kept in the VIS for maximum 5 years starting on the expiry date of the visa, if a visa has been issued; or on the new expiry date of the visa, if a visa has been extended; or on the date a negative decision is taken by the visa authorities.

Any person has the right to obtain communication of the data recorded in the VIS related to him/her from the Schengen State which entered the data into the system. Any person may also request that inaccurate data related to him/her be corrected and that data unlawfully recorded be deleted.

In each Schengen State, national supervisory authorities monitor independently the processing of the personal data registered in the VIS by the Schengen State in question.

The European Data Protection Supervisor monitors the data processing activities by the VIS Management authority.

Who will have an access to the VIS?

Schengen States' authorities responsible for the issuance of visas, border and immigration checks, and asylum procedures have a direct access to the data stored in the VIS.

As a rule, VIS data cannot be transferred or made available to third countries or to international organizations.

Since 01 September 2013, Schengen States' law enforcement authorities may request access to the data stored in the VIS under very strict legal conditions and only for the purpose of prevention, detection, or investigation of terrorist and other serious criminal offenses. Europol will also have access to the VIS for the same purposes.

Where can I get more information on the VIS?

Visit the following link - Click here

• Any information about the incidents which are connected to the corruption in Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Missions abroad can be sent to: [email protected]

• All the messages will be looked through precisely. In case the provided information is valid, the investigation will be conducted according to Poland MFA’s laws and internal procedures.

Please note that Medical Insurance is a mandatory document. We request that you purchase insurance from the Visa Application Center or from an authorized agency. We are unable to guarantee the authenticity of policy purchased from any other sources. To check the list of authorized agencies click here

• Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus on the facilitation of the issuance of visas has entered into force on 01 July 2020 – click here

• Information on restrictions on the import of products to the EU territory – click here

• Important information for family members of EU citizens – click here 

• Poland Ministry of Foreign Affairs anti-corruption regulation – click here

• List of countries whose citizens are subject to prior consultation – click here

• For additional information please visit Portal Gov.pl

Contact information of the Consular offices in Belarus:

Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Minsk

address: 91A Krapotkina Street, 220002 Minsk

phone: +375 17 388 52 31

fax: +375 17 388 52 38

e-mail: [email protected]

General Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Brest

address: Kujbyszewa street 34, 224016 Brest

phone: +375 162 27 00 00

fax: +375 162 20 38 29

e-mail: [email protected]

General Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Grodno
address: 48a Budionny Street, 230023 Grodno
phone: +375 152 73 10 00
fax: +375 152 73 10 22

e-mail: [email protected]