New requirements for EU Schengen visas

From May 15th this year, Guyanese who are interested in obtaining a Schengen Visa – giving them visa-free access to 26 European Union countries – will face new requirements.

Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Robert Kopecky at the Europe Day observance at his residence on May 7th said that the Visa Information System – VIS – for Schengen Visa states will come into effect on May 15th for countries such as Guyana and others in the region.

He noted that this is part of the worldwide roll-out of the VIS, a system which allows Schengen States to exchange visa data.

“From 15 May first-time Schengen visa applicants will be required to appear in person at an embassy of the respective Schengen State when lodging the application, in order to provide their fingerprints. They will not have to provide fingerprints for subsequent visa applications. VIS is a modern and efficient visa application system and represents a major step forward to enhance legitimate mobility and increase the security of Guyanese and other citizens, by preventing identity theft, when they travel to the EU. We will be issuing more guidance on this in the coming days”, he said.