What are VIS and SIS?

Currently, information about any traveler or resident crossing the Schengen or European Union borders is entered into special databases. Also in such registers, it is possible to find out additional information: date and terms of visa issuance, information about crossing the border of this or that country, and duration of stay.

The main registers:

1. Schengen Information System - Schengen Information System (SIS).
2. Visa Information System - VIS.

Schengen Information System - objectives and functions

The Schengen Information System is a pan-European data exchange system. It is used to improve the level of security in the Schengen area by increasing the level of control in the border area. Today it is one of the largest information repositories in Europe. The database stores data on persons who pose a threat to the security of the Schengen area, and who have previously violated the visa regime or the legislation of a particular country. Information on various items that have been lost, stolen, or misappropriated by third parties can also be found here. 

The Common Registry was launched in 1995 and today it is actively used by 27 countries. The United Kingdom and Ireland have disabled access to the database - representatives of these countries have not signed the Schengen Agreement. In addition to the main register, each of the Schengen countries has a separate information base. The main SIS database is located in Strasbourg and is controlled by the independent Schengen Joint Supervisory Authority - JSA.

The Schengen Information System can be used by customs services and police. Embassies, consulates, and visa centers also use information from the common database for their work.  

Who can be listed in the SIS:

1. wanted persons;
2. people who are reported missing;
3. people who need to be under covert surveillance;
4. people who have been refused entry to the Schengen area.

If the applicant is found in violation of the visa regime, violation of the period of stay based on the permit, or violation of the current legislation of one of the countries - he will be obligatorily entered into the register. In case of an attempt to enter the Schengen zone, the tourist will be held criminally liable in the country that entered the entry into the database.

What information is entered into the Schengen information system:

1. Name of the offender.
2. The first letter of the second name or patronymic.
3. Date of birth and place, citizenship, gender.
4. The reason why the person was entered into the database.
5. Special features of appearance.
6. Information about carrying/possession of weapons.
7. The extent to which the person tends towards aggression and violence.
8. What actions can be applied to the person?

The information in the database is retained for 10 years. Even after the restrictions have been lifted or the time limit for violations has passed, the fact that a record exists may be a valid factor in denying a visa or entry into the Schengen area. The information in the system can be deleted, but only the authority that initiated the creation of the account or a higher authority has the right to do so. 

Visa information system - purposes and functions

Over the past few years, the European Union has made every effort to improve security: special attention is paid to the field of information technology. The VIS information system is designed to collect, analyze, and exchange important data related to the external control of the border zone. VIS enables the countries belonging to the Schengen area to exchange visa information operationally. The technology includes an information core and an advanced communication infrastructure connecting the central system with national systems. 

VIS provides a link between consulates of non-Schengen and EU member states and connects border crossing points of Schengen countries. The VIS system analyzes incoming information regarding applications for short-term visas or transits through the Schengen area. The system scans biometric data to identify the applicant and clarify the purpose of entry.

The use of the VIS system speeds up the processing of applications for short-term permits, decisions on visa renewals, revocations , and cancellations, and screening of applicants, and contributes to:

• prevention of illegal actions with visas (trafficking, other fraudulent schemes);
• strengthening controls at external border crossings and within countries;
• identifying persons who do not meet the requirements for entry, short-term stay , or long-term residence in the EU and Schengen area;
• minimizing the threat to the internal security of the EU countries;
• detection and prevention of criminal threats (terrorist acts). 

The use of modern technologies allows tourists, residents , and citizens of the Schengen zone and the EU to feel safer.