When applying for the first time, all applicants will have to appear in person at VFS Global or at the Embassy. Biometric data, along with the data provided in the Schengen visa application form, will be recorded in the VIS database and stored for 59 months.

If the fingerprints have been taken within the 59 months after November 2015 and if usable, the fingerprints should not be retaken unless the applicant requires having their fingerprints retaken. The applicant does not need to be available in person, for submission of application, in case biometrics have already been submitted for previous short stay Schengen visa application.

The VIS will contain all Schengen visa applications and the decisions taken by any Schengen State's consulate. This will facilitate visa application procedures and checks at external border of the European Union, as well as enhance security.

The recourse to biometric technology will protect visa applicants better against identity theft and prevent false identifications, which in certain cases leads to a refusal of a visa or entry to a person who is entitled to enter. This will also allow to establish more easily the lawful use of previous visas and applicant’s travel history (e.g. when applying for a multiple-entry visa).

The following applicants are exempted from the requirement to give fingerprints: 
(a) Children under the age of 12;
(b) Persons for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible.
(c) 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 organisations for an official purpose; sovereigns and other senior members of a royal family, when they are invited by Member States' governments or by international organisations for an official purpose.

GDPR: In accordance with new regulations the Embassy of Sweden has adopted a new policy to protect personal data. The Embassy is responsible for ensuring that your personal data is processed in accordance with the applicable legislation.

Technical and organisational measures are taken to ensure that all information processed by missions abroad is protected from unauthorised access, changes or destruction. You are always entitled to present any complaints concerning a mission’s processing of your personal data. You can either contact the Embassy directly or contact the data protection officer. You can also lodge a complaint with the Swedish Data Protection Authority.

For more information and contact details, please click this link.