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France began issuing biometric visas to Indians from 2 November 2015. Thus, comes in lines with all the Schengen Area (Europe) countries. The move comes to allow travel to all Schengen countries and issue long-term visas even easily. It is good news for Indians as France is one of the top global destinations. Every year 300,000 visitors from India are welcomed by France.
France embassy in India will offer good number of three or five year circulation visas to frequent visitors of France. With eight new VFS centers opened, the total number becomes 14 to ensure the best possible proximity to the applicants. They are located in Indian cities like Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Cochin, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Puducherry, Mumbai and Pune.
A French embassy release said, "All visa applicants will now be asked to come in person at any listed VFS centre of their choice to register their biometric data; children under the age of 12 years are exempted from this procedure."
Overview of biometric visa system
• Recorded biometric data will be stored for a 59-month period.
• Recorded biometric data by France is valid during the period for all Schengen Area countries.
• Data recorded by any Schengen Area country will be valid for same time period for France.
• Transition to biometrics do not impact visa issuance period.
• Visa fees also do not alter.
France thus joins the club of Schengen States using implementing biometrics in India along with global states like the US and UK, which have been implementing the system for a long time.
-Sumana
