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[April 6, 2005 - 8.00 GMT] On the 26th of November 2003, the Parliament of France passed a law that requires all foreigners who apply for a visa from the French authorities to get their fingerprints and picture stored in a central database. With effect from Wednesday 6th of April 2005, the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka will start issuing biometrics Schengen visas. Accordingly, all visa applicants will have to call over in person to the French visa section for collection of the biometrics data required. The ten fingerprints and a digital picture of the applicants will be taken. These biometrics data will be stored in a smart card with a microchip and will be enclosed in the passport with the Schengen visa. These data will also be stored in a central database located in France. The technology of the biometrics visa has been created in order to improve the security of travellers and ease their entry into the Schengen area. Therefore, holders of biometrics visa will use a specially designed fast track channel when crossing the border at French airports. In order to upgrade the services of the French visa section, visa applicants will be also received by appointments from the second half of April. The Embassy of France in Colombo has entrusted the company V.F.S. with the opening of a visa application centre as a focal point for all information regarding short stay visas to France, Spain and Portugal. It will be open from Monday to Thursday from 9:30am to 3:00pm and from 9:30am to 12:00am on Friday. It will distribute application forms, receive short stay visa applicants in order to advise them and facilitate their application. It will schedule appointments to be held at the Embassy and will be in charge of returning passports at the end of the visa process. V.F.S will require a fee of 1.000 LKR plus taxes for its services. Appointments for direct submission of visa applications without going through V.F.S. will be available from the website (http://www.vfs-france.lk) although in a limited number. Visa applicants residing in the Maldives will be able to obtain prior appointment from V.F.S. Spouses of European Union nationals, holders of diplomatic/official passports travelling for official purpose and long stay visas applications (students, family reunion,.) will not be entertained by V.F.S. but handled directly by the Embassy. For further information, visa applicants are kindly requested to check with VFS info@vfs-france.lk or from the website of the Embassy (http://www.ambafrance.lk)
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