Schengen - technology on guard of borders.
Modern technology plays a key role in strengthening the external borders of Schengen. In recent years, the EU has developed and implemented a large-scale information system for the collection, processing and exchange of data related to external border management.
It's is based on two systems:
- VIS - supporting a common visa policy of the Schengen member states;
- SIS - supporting the external border control of countries that are members of Schengen, and representing a database necessary for the interaction of law enforcement agencies.
What does VIS provide? Exchange of data on any type of visa issued to visit the Schengen area (including information on refusals).
It consists of a central database and communications infrastructure that unites consulates of non-Schengen countries and all external border crossing points of Schengen states. The system processes information regarding applications for short-term visas for visits and transit through the Schengen zone. It can perform biometric coordination, primarily fingerprints, to identify and verify the identity of the traveler.
How does VIS work? The database contains data of 10 fingerprints and a digital photo of all persons applying for a visa. Biometric data is supplemented by the information provided in the visa application.
Finger scanning is not required for children under 12 years of age and physically unable to provide scanning. Scan data is stored and can be reused for further use for 5 years.
Fingers are re-scanned at the external borders, the results are compared with the stored data. Non-compliance does not mean that the traveler will be automatically denied entry. As a rule, this leads to additional checks on the identity of the traveler.
The SIS system allows competent authorities, such as police and border guards, to receive information and notify their colleagues about certain categories of wanted or missing persons and objects. The SIS notification block not only contains information about a specific person or object, but also clear instructions on what to do when a person or object is detected.
What is the purpose of SIS? In helping to maintain the internal security of the Schengen states in the absence of internal border control. The essence of the SIS system is as follows:
- SIS allows border guards and visa issuing services, as well as migration authorities to regulate the procedure for third-country nationals to enter Schengen countries (including refusal of entry or refusal to stay in the Schengen zone);
- SIS supports the cooperation of police and judicial services, allowing competent authorities to inform in time about missing persons or objects related to criminal offenses;
- SIS allows you to check the legal status of vehicles submitted for registration, including related registration certificates and license plates.
What should be borne in mind by “mere mortals” applying for a Schengen visa.
The created information system allows you to store and appropriately use the entire history of the relationship of the applicant for a visa and the agencies responsible for issuing visas in various Schengen countries. Currently, any appeal to the consulate is recorded and information on this is available to the relevant authorities.
In the event that the applicant from a third country is convinced that these databases are not true (must be adjusted or deleted), the applicant has the right to contact the consulate of any country located in the territory of his state and request that the corresponding changes be made to the database.
As the SIS system is introduced, access to it will be provided throughout the Schengen area, which will allow the competent authorities to control not only the moments of crossing the Schengen zone, but also the movement of the traveler inside it.
