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European Visa Information System; applying for information about yourself

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

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Procedure details

The European Visa Information System (VIS) is a system for the exchange of visa data between Schengen states.

The system simplifies visa applications and external border controls and increases security in Europe.

The Visa Information System contains data on third-country nationals applying for Schengen visas. The Visa Information System also contains data of persons who have given an undertaking as an inviting person for a visa applicant or who are designated 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 have applied for a Schengen visa. The following personal data are usually contained in the VIS:

  • Photo
  • Fingerprints
  • Information from the visa application, for example
    • Personal data: surname, first name, place of birth, date of birth, place of residence
    • Nationality data
    • Your passport data
    • Information about the purpose and duration of the trip
    • Information about the visa
    • if necessary further data

The VIS also contains your data if you, as an inviting person, have submitted a declaration of commitment on behalf of a visa applicant. The following personal data are then usually included in the VIS:

  • Last name
  • First name
  • Address

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

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

You do not have to meet any eligibility requirements to apply.

  • Required Documents

    If applying by mail:

    • Proof of identity: To enable accurate allocation, you can voluntarily enclose a passport or ID card copy with the personal data. The copy will be used exclusively for the purpose of proof of identity. The copy will be destroyed immediately after viewing or returned with the information upon request. Black out any information on the copy that is not required for proof of identity. This includes, for example, eye color and height. If there is doubt about the identity of the person submitting the application, the Federal Office of Administration may request additional information necessary to confirm the person's identity.

    In case of application or information by or to representative (authorized) person additionally to be submitted:

    • completed power of attorney with independent signature of the person concerned.

You can submit the application online or by mail.

Online application:

  • Go to the website of the Federal Portal and fill out the application form for data subject information electronically.
  • Note: You will need your ID card with PIN number for the online function.
  • Submit your application.
  • The Federal Office of Administration (BVA) will check your application.
  • You will then receive the information about the stored data by mail.

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

There are no costs for you due to the application.

You do not have to meet any deadlines.

Processing takes a maximum of 4 weeks from receipt of application.

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

  • Exceptional visa; issue
    The Federal Police or other authorities responsible for the police control of cross-border traffic may issue exceptional visas at the border in exceptional cases.
  • National visa; application and extension

    Foreign nationals who require a visa need a national visa to enter the country for longer-term stays (over 90 days) or stays that lead to gainful employment.

  • Schengen visa; application

    Citizens who require a visa for a short stay in Germany or the Schengen area must apply for one in good time before entering the country at one of the German diplomatic missions abroad.

Status: 30.06.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bundesministerium des Innern
Source: Federal Portal