Biometric Data Collection

From 12 October 2015 all applicants applying for a Schengen visa must submit biometric data - ten fingerprints and a photo. Biometric data will be stored in the Visa Information System (VIS), which is an IT system that allows the Schengen States to exchange visa data. The main purpose of the VIS is to facilitate the issuance of visas and the control at external borders and to improve safety.

In order to submit their biometric data, all applicants must come to Visa Application Centre of Portugal in Beijing and Shanghai the first time they apply for a visa from 12 October 2015. In the following 59 months applicant can leave application without visiting the Visa Application Center.

Applicant can leave the application via accredited travel agency every time, but the first time in every 59 months applicant has to visit a VAC to be fingerprinted. It is imperative that travel agent send an email to Portugal Visa Application Centre in Beijing (infopek.porcn@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Shanghai (infosha.porcn@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Guangzhou(infocan.prtcn@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Shenyang(infojvac.shenyangchina@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Wuhan(infojvac.wuhanchina@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Chengdu(infojvac.chengduchina@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Fuzhou (infojvac.fuzhouchina@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Nanjing (infojvac.nanjingchina@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Hangzhou (infojvac.hangzhouchina@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Jinan (infojvac.jinanchina@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Shenzhen (infojvac.shenzhenchina@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Xian (infojvac.xianchina@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Changsha (infojvac.changshachina@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Chongqing (infojvac.chongqingchina@vfshelpline.com) or Portugal Visa Application Centre in Kunming (infojavc.kunmingchina@vfshelpline.com) with simple information of the group size and preferred date and time of submission of biometric, to book an appointment to submit group applications in advance.

It is important to note, that the applicants will have to attend the Visa Application Centre in person again to give biometric data in the following 59 months in any of the mentioned circumstances as below.

• For some reason fingerprints are not found in Visa Information System (VIS).
• If Applicant applies for a visa with a new passport
• If applicant applies for the Schengen visa for the first time in China

Applicants can ask the fingerprints to be taken every time when applying for a visa.

• In order to avoid prolonging processing time of the application if fingerprints are not found in VIS for some reason.
• For security reasons - to confirm the identity of the applicant.
• If applicant does not remember when fingerprints were taken last time or is not sure if fingerprints have been taken before.

Biometric data is not required for the below applicants

• The minor is still under the age of 12 on the date he/she submits visa application;
• Persons who cannot give fingerprints due to being physically impossible (However, if the person whose fingers are partially intact, the fingerprints should be captured).

Visas applied before 12 October 2015 are valid through the period of validity without biometric data.