Schengen Information System (SIS)

There are no internal borders between the Schengen countries. That is why there is an information system that takes the place of border controls. This is the Schengen Information System (SIS). It allows border, immigration, police, customs and judicial authorities in the European Union (EU) and Schengen associated countries to cooperate and exchange data.

The SIS has existed since 1995. In 2013, the second generation of the SIS (SIS II) was introduced. The SIS II has additional functionalities, such as the possibility to add fingerprints and photos to alerts.

The new SIS entered into force on 7 March 2023 and has been expanded with new alerts, improved data and wider functionalities.

Personal data in the SIS

The SIS contains general identification data, such as name and date of birth, fingerprints and photographs. The number of types of data has been expanded in the new SIS. From 7 March 2023, these data will also be stored in the SIS:

Palm prints, fingerprints and palm marks. This data can be used for biometric investigations and to confirm someone’s identity.

DNA profiles of persons reported missing or of their parents, grandparents or siblings. This data can be used to confirm someone’s identity.

Users of the SIS

These organizations use the SIS:

The National Police;

The Public Prosecution Service;

Organizations for border control (in the Netherlands: the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, Seaport Police and Customs);

Organizations for immigration affairs, such as the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) in the Netherlands.