Schengen Information System (SIS II) enters into force

The Schengen Information System allows competent authorities to issue and consult alerts on persons who may have been involved in serious crime or may not have the right to enter or stay in the EU. It will also contain information on missing persons or certain objects such as firearms or stolen vehicles. The data concerning persons include all the data necessary to confirm their identity including picture and fingerprints, as well as relevant information about the alert and the action to be taken. Reasons for issuing an alert which describes the person or object sought may be the refusal of entry to persons without the right to enter or stay, or finding and detaining a person against whom a European Arrest Warrant had been issued. SIS II will enhance the exchange of information for certain categories of persons between national border control, police, customs, visa, immigration, judicial and vehicle registration authorities as well as Europol and Eurojust within the Schengen Area. The new EU-LISA agency will be responsible for the operational management of the central site of SIS II.

For more information, read the Commission's Press release or visit the website of DG Home Affairs. The list of authorities with access to data is available here.

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