Requesting information about oneself from the European Visa Information System (VIS)

If you want to know what information the Visa Information System (VIS) has stored about you, you can request information.

The European Visa Information System (VIS) is a system for the exchange of visa data between the so-called Schengen states. The Schengen states are the member states of the Schengen Agreement, i.e. all states of the European Union except Ireland. They also include Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The system simplifies visa applications and checks at external borders and increases security in Europe.

The Visa Information System contains data on third-country nationals, i.e. persons from countries outside the Schengen area who apply for a Schengen visa. The Visa Information System also contains data of persons who have submitted a declaration of commitment for a visa applicant or who have been named as a contact person for an inviting company.

The data is subject to strict data protection rules and is stored for up to 5 years. You have the right to know

• what information the VIS has stored about you and
• which member state of the Schengen area has entered your data into the system.

To do this, you must apply to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) for information.

The VIS contains your data if you applied for a Schengen visa 5 years ago or less. The following personal data is usually contained in the VIS:

• Photo
• fingerprints
• Information from the visa application, for example
  • Personal details: surname, first name, place of birth, date of birth, place of residence
  • Nationality details
  • Your passport details
  • Details of the purpose and duration of your trip
  • Details of the visa
  • Further information if necessary

The VIS also contains your data if you have invited someone from a third country and have submitted a declaration of commitment for a person who has submitted a visa application. The following personal data is then usually contained in the VIS:

• Surname
• First name
• Address

The VIS contains your data if you are named as a contact person for a company that has issued a letter of undertaking for an invited visa applicant. The following personal data is then usually contained in the VIS:

• Name of the company
• Address of the company
• Surname and first name of the contact person in the company

• Proof of identity:
  • If there is any doubt about your identity, the BVA reserves the right to request proof of identity in the form of a copy of a travel document containing personal data. The copy will be used exclusively for proof of identity.
  • The copy will be returned with the information.
  • Black out all details on the copy that are not required for proof of identity. This includes, for example, eye color and height.
• If there is any doubt about your identity, the Federal Office of Administration may request additional information to confirm your identity.
• If someone is making the application or obtaining the information on your behalf: completed power of attorney with your signature

none

• Initial decision: Appeal to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA)
• In the event of an objection notice: Action before the Cologne Administrative Court

You can submit the application online, by post or by e-mail.

Online application:

• Go to the website of the federal portal and complete the application form for data subject information electronically.
  • Note: You will need your ID card with PIN number to use the online function
  • If you are submitting an application with a power of attorney, upload it in the field provided in the application.
• Submit your application.
• The Federal Office of Administration (BVA) will check your application.
• You will then receive information about the stored data by post or it will be made available to you digitally in your mailbox in the federal portal on request.

Application by post:

• Download the application form from the website of the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).
• Send the completed application form together with the required documents to the BVA address stated on the application form.
• The BVA will check your application.
• You will then receive the information on the stored data by post.

Application by e-mail:

• Download the application form from the website of the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).
• Send the completed application form together with the required documents to the e-mail address given on the website.
• The BVA will check your application.

• You will then receive information about the stored data by post.

There is no deadline.

There are no costs.

The procedure is conducted in German.