The National Police recently intervened to correct several violations in the Schengen Information System (SIS). Following identified issues with the accuracy and storage of personal data, a recent European study underlines the need for strict compliance with privacy rules and data management within these important border security systems.
ETIAS: Travel to Europe changed in 2024
From 2024 it will be necessary for travelers from more than 60 countries without a visa requirement to arrange a travel authorization for their trip to Europe. This consent is processed by the European Travel Information and Consent System (ETIAS).
Renewed Schengen Information System (SIS) operational
On Tuesday 7 March 2023, the renewed Schengen Information System (SIS) went live in all Schengen countries.
The Schengen area
This poster shows a geopolitical map with the 27 countries of the Schengen area and the countries with a different status. The movement of people in each of those countries is also briefly explained.
EU information systems for Schengen visas
Governments across the EU exchange information through large-scale IT systems to protect citizens, fight crime and secure borders. The EU has set up these IT systems and is currently working on improving them and setting up new IT systems.
What are Schengen countries?
There are 26 so-called Schengen countries in Europe. The Netherlands is also part of this. It concerns 22 countries of the European Union and four non-member states. These countries have agreed in an agreement that they will abolish checks on persons at their common borders. Also known as free movement of people and goods. We call the countries that have signed this treaty the Schengen countries.