"The purpose of this decision is to enhance security and control over those arriving in Europe. In addition to traditional passport data, the VIS will include biometric information on persons entering the territory of Schengen area countries, including their digital fingerprints," said the agency's interlocutor. According to him, a unified visa information database will allow consulates and other competent authorities of the 15 Schengen Agreement member states to jointly control visa issuance and prevent the entry of undesirable persons.
The European Parliament approved the introduction of VIS on June 7. The new specialized database, the development of which was proposed by the EU executive, will be able to accumulate visa information for up to 70 million people, the press service of the European Commission reported.