The Schengen Information System (SIS) supports border control and law enforcement cooperation in 30 European countries. Since the beginning of March, an updated version of the program has been officially launched. Find out more about the additional tools that have been implemented

From March 7, 2022, the updated Schengen Information System (SIS) became operational in European countries. SIS is the largest information exchange system, its main purpose is security. It was created to support cooperation between law enforcement agencies of 30 European countries and strengthen border control.

What information is stored in the SIS system?

In the Schengen information system SIS, information about wanted and missing persons, as well as third-country nationals who do not have the legal right to stay in Europe, is collected and provided at the request of agencies. In addition to information about people, the system stores data about lost or stolen items (such as cars, firearms, boats, and identification documents).

• Data protection

It is worth noting that the SIS system stores information exclusively about persons and objects that are wanted in European countries. SIS has strict quality and data protection requirements.

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History of the SIS system

The Schengen information system was first introduced in 1995. In 2016, a detailed analysis of the system's operation was carried out, thanks to which it was found that the SIS works effectively, but requires some refinements. After that, the European Parliament approved the direction of the update.

Legal and technical preparation for the implementation of the new SIS began in 2019. The decision to start operating the SIS was made public on January 31, 2023.

What updates have been implemented in the SIS system?

Thanks to the update of the SIS system, national authorities will be able to receive more complete and reliable information, which will lead to stronger security and border management in Europe:

• Improved exchange of information between administrations.

• Identification of wanted persons and increased monitoring: In addition to photographs and fingerprints, the SIS will contain new types of biometric data - palm prints, fingerprints and palm prints, as well as DNA records (missing persons only) and other information.

• Additional tools to fight crime and terrorism: identification documents, car information used by criminals.

• Protection of missing and vulnerable persons: preventive alerts on vulnerable persons, such as children at risk of abduction or potential victims of terrorism, human trafficking, gender-based violence, etc.

• Prevention and control of illegal migration.

• Increased use of SIS by EU agencies: Europol and national immigration authorities will now have access to the system.

In which countries has the SIS system started?

The system was implemented in 30 European countries, including 26 EU states and four associated countries of the Schengen Agreement. Cyprus is planned to be added to the system in the summer of 2023.

The updated SIS system together with the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will create a single, secure and most advanced border protection and management system in the world.