From the morning of October 11, 2011 the so-called Visa Information System (VIS) is already in operation. The treatment of biometric data from visa holders using VIS will allow a faster exchange of information and will help to improve identification procedures. The first consular posts to be connected to the system will be those of North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia).

Thanks to the new Visa Information System (VIS), it will be possible to obtain data on the identity of document holders more quickly and to ensure that no one is making fraudulent use of somebody else's documentation. The system will also speed up the application and issuing procedures for the 13 million Schengen visas which are issued every year in the 25 Schengen countries.

The authorities responsible for issuing visas in all Schengen states will be able to consult VIS data following the consultation mechanisms for VIS adopted by the Commission. The system will contain all information about requests, visa applications and subsequent acts, and will make the procedures for new visa applications more quick for citizens renewing documents.

According to the common consular instructions on visas which were amended in order to meet VIS requirements, the introduction of biometric data from visa applicants will respect a set of criteria in order to ensure the security and privacy of the owners. Once data and fingerprints are collected, holders may apply for visas in the next five years. However, if no new applications are made after this period, fingerprint data will be errased.

The deployment of the VIS system within Schengen states will be made progressively. Consular delegations from North Africa will be the first to join it, followed by the Middle East (Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria), and the Gulf (Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen). Within two years, every consular office in the Schengen states around the world will be connected to VIS.