The security system of the Schengen Area was put in place to protect its external borders. The security network is currently made up of 3 essential systems that identify fraud and prevent dangerous individuals from entering the travel area. The 3 systems are:
- Visa Information System (VIS)
- Schengen Information System (SIS)
- European Dactyloscopy (EURODAC)
eu-LISA and the Schengen Area Security System
These 3 security mechanisms are managed by eu-LISA — the European Union’s Agency that provides technical support to make Europe safer.
eu-LISA manages large-scale integrated IT systems that maintain internal security in the Schengen countries and facilitate the exchange of visa data between its members.
eu-LISA and ETIAS
The ETIAS system will also be run by eu-LISA. The details provided on an ETIAS application will be checked against several databases including the VIS, SIS, EURODAC, Interpol, and Europol.
The EU plans to implement ETIAS in 2026. The European travel and information authorization system, ETIAS, will determine a traveler’s eligibility to visit the Schengen Area.
ETIAS is not a visa but will be an entry requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries. If you wish to travel to Europe in 2026, you will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization.
The 3 Pillars of the Security System of the Schengen Zone
The Schengen Agreement abolished the internal borders for all its members, enabling freedom of movement. The 3 systems (VIS, SIS, and Eurodac) contribute to the security of the borderless travel region.
Visa Information System (VIS)
The Visa Information System (VIS) allows the member states of the Schengen Area to exchange visa data. It is a central IT system and a communication infrastructure that links the central system to national systems.
VIS connects consulates in non-EU countries and all external border crossing points of the Schengen Area.
The purpose of VIS is to facilitate checks and the issuance of visas so border guards can verify that a person presenting a visa is the rightful holder. VIS will identify fraudulent documents and take action to protect the Schengen Area.
VIS contributes to the following:
- Fights abuses: VIS helps fight and prevent fraudulent behaviors. For instance, some people engage in “visa shopping”, which occurs when an individual makes several visa applications to the other EU States when a first application has already been rejected.
- Protects travelers: using biometric technology, VIS is able to detect travelers who are using another person’s documents and protects them from identity theft
- Helps with asylum applications: VIS contributes to determining which EU state is responsible for reviewing an asylum application
- Enhances security: VIS helps in preventing, detecting, and investigating terrorist offenses and other criminal activities
This system works based on the data recorded in a central database. The data includes fingerprint scans and a digital photograph of the visa applicant, which is all gathered in one place.
Schengen Information System (SIS)
The Schengen Information System is a large-scale information system. SIS is a basis for cooperation in law enforcement and protection of the external borders of the Schengen Area.
SIS provides information to the police, migration, justice, and other authorities regarding missing people, criminals or criminal entities, and people who are forbidden to enter.
The main purpose of SIS is to preserve the internal security of the member states in the absence of internal border checks.
The SIS operates in 30 European countries, including the 27 EU Member States. The only countries not connected to SIS are Ireland and Cyprus.
SIS contributes to the security of the Schengen Area in the following ways:
- Enables border collaboration
- Supports law enforcement collaboration
- Increases vehicle registration collaboration
Renewed SIS in operation
The Schengen Information System was upgraded in March 2023. The SIS was renewed to include new types of alerts such as:
- Palm prints
- Fingermarks
- DNA records for missing persons
- Criminal activity tools
European Dactyloscopy (EURODAC)
EURODAC makes it easier for the EU States to determine which state is responsible for revising asylum applications by comparing fingerprint data. The system does this through an EU asylum fingerprint database.
When an individual applies for asylum, their fingerprints are transmitted to the EURODAC central system. It is an essential tool that provides fingerprint comparison evidence.
The EURODAC offers easy access to the asylum seekers and cross borders fingerprints data and it quickens the process of data communication.
