Apply for self-disclosure of personal information in the visa warning file

If you would like to know what information is stored about you in the visa warning file, you can request a disclosure.

The Visa Warning File (VWD) is intended to prevent the abuse of visas when entering Germany. It primarily supports the authorities responsible for issuing visas, which include German diplomatic missions abroad.

If you would like to know if and what information the visa warning file stores about you, the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) will provide you with information. To do this, you must submit an application.

The visa warning file stores information about persons (and organizations) if you

• have been finally convicted of a specific criminal offense.
  • Relevant offenses include human trafficking, forced prostitution, drug offenses, and illegal employment, among others.

• as a visa applicant have submitted, procured, or produced forged or falsified documents, or have obtained authentic documents through false statements.
• acting as an inviting person, sponsor, or reference person in the visa procedure while
  • have provided false information or
  • have failed to fulfill your obligations upon utilization or

• voluntarily allowed your data to be stored, for example, if there is suspicion that declarations were made in visa procedures under your name without permission.

The data that the Visa Warning File stores about individuals includes: 

• Personal details: 
  • Last name, First name
  • alternative spelling of names
  • other names and former names
  • Gender
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Nationality

• the reason for the storage
• the visa warning file number of the Federal Office of Administration

The application data will be stored for up to 10 years, depending on the decision (positive, negative).

You can submit the application online, in person, or by mail.
Online application:

• Log in to the federal portal using your online ID function.
• Fill out the online application and submit the data.
• You will then receive the requested information in writing by mail.

Personal application:

• Download the application form from the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) website and fill it out.
• Schedule an appointment at your local BVA office.
  • Use the telephone hotline or email address of the visa warning file (BVA, Unit S I 4). 
  • An overview of the locations can be found on the BVA website. 
• You will then receive the requested information in writing by mail.

Application by mail:

• Download the application form from the BVA website.
• Send the completed application form together with the required documents to the BVA address stated in the application form. 
• You will then receive the requested information in writing by mail.

Once your personal data and proof of identity or proof of organization are available, you can also submit the application informally:

• Draft an informal letter and send it to the BVA. An overview of the locations can be found on the BVA website. 

You do not have to meet any deadlines.

There are no costs for you associated with the application.

Objection 

Objection 

administrative court action

Detailed information on how to file an appeal can be found in the notice regarding your application.