The Visa Information System (VIS) is a system for the exchange of visa data between Schengen Member States. These States share a common area of free movement without internal border control. They have a common visa policy, which includes exchanging information on visa applicants. It has been established by Regulation (CE) Nº 767/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008 and had an effective start on 11 October 2011.

The specific purposes of the VIS are to facilitate visa procedures, enhance the security of the visa application process and facilitate visa control at the external borders of the Schengen Area.

The visa applicant's biometric data (10-digit finger scans and digital photograph) are collected. A simple and subtle procedure only takes a few minutes. Biometric data, together with the data provided in the visa application form, are recorded in a secure central database. Usually, data are kept in the VIS for 5 years.