Is the fingerprint (VIS) procedure mandatory?

Yes, it is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants to provide their biometric data (10 fingerprints and a digital photograph). If you have provided your fingerprints for any Schengen country within the last 59 months and have a valid VIS record, you may not need to provide them again. However, you might still need to visit the application center in person in case of a system issue.