Apply for information concerning personal data from the European Visa Information System (VIS)

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

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, which means all states of the European Union except Ireland. In addition, there are Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The system simplifies the application process for visas as well as checks at the external borders and increases security in Europe.

The Visa Information System contains data on third-country nationals, i.e., persons from countries that do not belong to the Schengen area and who are applying for a Schengen visa. The Visa Information System also contains data on persons who, as inviters, have submitted a declaration of commitment for a visa applicant or who are named as a contact person for an inviting company.

The data is subject to strict data protection regulations and will be stored for up to 5 years. You have the right to know,

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

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

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

• Photo
• Fingerprints
• Information from the visa application, for example:
  • Personal details: Last name, first name, place of birth, date of birth, place of residence
  • Information on nationality
  • Your passport details
  • Information on the purpose and duration of your trip
  • Visa details
  • further information if applicable

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 applied for a visa. The following personal data is then generally contained in the VIS:

• Last name
• First name
• Address

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

• Company name
• Company address
• Last name and first name of the contact person at the company

You can submit the application online, by mail, or by email.

Online application:

• Go to the website of the federal portal and fill out the application form for data subject access electronically there.
  • Note: To use the online feature, you will need your ID card and PIN number.
  • If you are submitting an application with a power of attorney, please upload it in the designated field within the application.
• Submit your application.
• The Federal Office of Administration (BVA) is reviewing your application.
• You will then receive the information about the stored data by mail or, upon request, digitally in your inbox in the federal portal.

Application by 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 BVA address stated in the application form.
• The BVA will review your application.
• You will then receive the information about the stored data by mail.

Application by email:

• 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 email address provided on the website.
• The BVA will review your application.

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

There is no deadline.

There are no costs.

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