Second report on the state of play of preparations for the full implementation of the VIS Regulation in accordance with Article 11(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1134

Summary:

Report published by the European Commission on 18 January 2024 covering the preparations for the full implementation of the the Visa Information System (VIS) as per amendments introduced by Regulation (EU) 2021/1134.

Further information:

The Visa Information System was established by Council Decision 2004/512/EC to allow the exchange of visa data between Member States. Regulation (EC) No 767/2008 - also know as the VIS Regulation - laid down the purpose, functionalities and responsibilities for the VIS, as well as the conditions and procedures for the exchange of short-stay visa data between countries to facilitate the examination of applications for short-stay visas and related decisions.

The VIS Regulation was subsequently amended by Regulation (EU) 2021/1134. The revised system provides visa-issuing authorities with key information on applicants for short-stay Schengen visas while allowing border guards to detect travellers that may pose security risks. The new rules also expand the scope of the VIS. Article 11 of the amending Regulation establishes a deadline for the European Commission to set a date for the entry into operations of the revised VIS, and a number of conditions before the date can be set. The Commission is also required to submit annual reports to the co-legislators on the state of play of preparations for the full implementation of the Regulation.

This is the second report on the preparations for the full implementation of the revised VIS. It covers the period from January to November 2023.