There are no internal borders between the countries of the Schengen Area. Therefore, an alternative to border control in Europe is the SIS information system, which allows law enforcement, migration, customs, and judicial authorities of the EU to cooperate with each other.
However, inclusion in the SIS alert system can have significant consequences for an individual, restrict freedom of movement, and create serious legal issues. Therefore, we recommend securing the support of an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Our team of lawyers Provides professional assistance in contesting and removing SIS notifications. We will analyze the reasons for the alert, prepare and submit a removal request, and defend your rights at every stage of the process.
How does the Schengen Information System work?
The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a large-scale database designed for the exchange of information about individuals and objects between the member states of the Schengen Agreement. It serves as the main tool for ensuring internal security, combating crime, and border control within the Schengen Area.
SIS significantly facilitates interaction between national law enforcement agencies, border services, and migration authorities.
SIS is a centralized system managed by the eu-LISA agency. Data is stored in a central database, which is accessed by the national units (N.SIS) of each participating country. Each state owns and controls its part of the data in the system but can share it with other countries.
Access to SIS is strictly regulated. Information is transmitted through secure channels and is available only to authorized users: police, border guards, migration services, customs, and judicial authorities. Modern encryption protocols are applied to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the data.
Alerts are entered into SIS, containing information about wanted persons, vehicles, documents, or objects. When national authorities identify a person or object that meets the criteria of an SIS alert, they can immediately check their status in the system. Alerts are created, updated, and deleted by the authorized bodies of each participating state.
SIS is connected with a number of other EU information systems, such as VIS (Visa Information System) and Eurodac (fingerprint system for asylum applicants), which ensures a comprehensive approach to managing external borders and internal security.
What is an SIS alert?
SIS alert is a record in the Schengen Information System intended for the exchange of information about specific individuals, objects, or documents between the Schengen Area states.
SIS represents a large-scale database ensuring effective cooperation among law enforcement agencies, border services, and migration authorities of European countries.
The system allows for the rapid identification of individuals posing a threat, wanted criminals, missing persons, as well as stolen vehicles, forged documents, and other objects. SIS alerts are a kind of “alarm signals” that help national authorities quickly receive and use up-to-date information for decision-making.
Alerts are generated as follows. The national competent authority enters a record about a specific person, object, or document into its national system (N.SIS). The information is automatically replicated in the central SIS database, becoming available to all participating countries.
After creating an alert, each participating country gains access to it through their national terminals. When verifying an individual or object, law enforcement agencies can request SIS data to determine whether an alert issued by another state exists.
Having found a match in the SIS database, the authorities take the actions prescribed in the alert: detaining the person, checking documents, confiscating the object, or providing additional information to the country that created the alert.
The purpose of a Schengen alert
One of the main tasks of SIS is to prevent criminal activity. Alerts in the system allow:
Identify individuals associated with organized crime, terrorism, or other serious crimes;
Monitor the illegal trafficking of weapons, drugs, and stolen property;
Prevent the use of fake or stolen documents.
SIS helps states respond in advance to potential threats, reducing the likelihood of their realization.
SIS is used for the international search of individuals who are suspected of committing crimes, convicted of criminal offenses and hiding from justice, wanted for interrogation or extradition, as well as in whose name was issued international arrest warrant.
When the law enforcement agencies of one country identify a person included in the SIS database, they can detain them based on the corresponding notification. This simplifies international cooperation in combating crime.
SIS is actively used for regulating migration flows and preventing illegal migration. Alerts help:
Identify individuals who are prohibited from entering or staying in the territory of the Schengen Area;
Identify individuals who illegally cross borders or use forged documents to obtain status;
Identify individuals posing a threat to national security or public order.
SIS alerts also help identify stolen or illegally used vehicles, documents, protect borders from the import of prohibited goods (drugs or weapons).
What are the different types of SIS alerts?
SIS alerts are divided into several categories, each aimed at solving specific tasks. Let’s consider the main types of alerts:
Person Alerts. Concern individuals who are wanted or suspected of committing crimes, as well as those whose whereabouts need to be established. Key use cases:
Wanted individuals for arrest and extradition;
Persons posing a threat to national security or public order;
Persons prohibited from entering the Schengen Area;
Minors or other vulnerable individuals in need of protection.
Such notifications contain the following information: full name and possible aliases, date and place of birth, gender, citizenship, photographs and biometric data, reason for the alert, any known connections to criminal activity or other important details.
Vehicle Alerts. Used to identify wanted vehicles or check their status when crossing the border. Alerts contain the following data: vehicle type, make, model, color, registration number, identification number (VIN), as well as the reasons for being wanted (theft, use in criminal activity, and others).
Document Alerts. Used to prevent the use of counterfeit or stolen documents, identifying their holders. Main cases of application:
Passports, identity cards, or driver’s licenses listed as wanted;
Documents used for migration or illegal activities;
Documents annulled by the authorities but still in use.
The notification contains the following information: type (passport, identity card, driver’s license), document number and series, the country that issued the document, as well as the reason for the notification (loss, theft, forgery, or cancellation).
Object Alerts. Object alerts cover a wide range of items that may be lost, stolen, or connected to crimes. This can include stolen weapons or explosives, valuable items (works of art, industrial materials, or equipment), as well as objects used to commit crimes.
Alerts contain the following data: type of object, unique identifiers (serial numbers, markings), grounds for search (theft, use in a crime, smuggling).
Missing Persons Alerts. This category covers individuals whose whereabouts need to be established to ensure their safety or to provide assistance. Key use cases:
Minors who could have become victims of abduction or human trafficking;
Vulnerable adults (for example, people with mental disorders);
Persons missing under life-threatening circumstances.
Such notifications contain the following information: personal data of the missing person, their photographs, circumstances of disappearance, special instructions (for example, the need for medical assistance or protection), as well as the purpose of the search.
In addition, each alert is accompanied by the legal grounds for its inclusion in SIS. The details of the competent authority that created the alert must be provided for contact and possible clarifications. The alert must contain clear instructions for national authorities, such as detention, confiscation, or notification.
Removal of SIS notifications
Being listed in the SIS means that when crossing the external or internal borders of the Schengen Area, you may face additional checks, detention, or denial of entry. However, in some situations, it becomes necessary to remove an alert from the SIS to lift restrictions or restore freedom of movement:
The notification was created by mistake, on political grounds, or without sufficient legal basis;
The criminal case is closed, the court has delivered an acquittal, or the statute of limitations has expired;
The person was mistakenly included in the SIS database due to confusion with the name or documents;
The person has been located, there is no need for further notification recording;
A court or an authorized body may order the removal of a notification as part of an appeal or review process.
Before taking any actions, it is necessary to determine possible grounds for removing the alert. For this, it is necessary to consult a lawyer specializing in international law. An experienced specialist will determine whether the alert was caused by an error, political motivation, expiration of the statute of limitations, or a change in the legal status of the case.
To understand the exact status of the alert, a lawyer can submit an official request to the competent authority of the country that issued the notification or contact the managing SIS (N.SIS) national authority to obtain a copy or information about your alert.
To remove the notification, it is necessary to provide evidence justifying the request:
Court decisions (acquittals, rulings on case dismissal);
Documents confirming an identification error (for example, new passports, certificates, expert evaluations);
Reports of human rights violations or political motivation of the case.
An application for the removal of an SIS alert is submitted to the issuing authority or the national SIS contact bureau. In the application, specify the grounds for removal, references to the relevant legal provisions, and attach all evidence and materials supporting your arguments.
The competent authority will review the application and make a decision. The timelines and procedures vary depending on the country that issued the notification. In case of refusal, you can file an appeal or turn to judicial authorities.
If the authority grants the petition, the notification will be removed from SIS. This action will update all relevant databases and lift the restrictions and risks associated with the notification. After the notification is removed, the attorney may recommend requesting confirmation of the notification’s removal.
Who can be the subject of alerts in the Schengen Information System?
The most common category of SIS objects is individuals wanted for criminal offenses. This category includes persons under investigation in another country, convicted criminals evading justice, as well as individuals subject to extradition. The purpose of the alert is to determine the suspect’s location, arrange temporary detention before extradition, and assist in the investigation of crimes.
Also, SIS is used to search for people whose whereabouts are unknown, including:
Minors who left their families or institutions without permission;
Adults who could be in danger;
Persons with physical or mental illnesses who may require protection.
The purpose of such an alert is to establish the whereabouts of the missing person, ensure their safety, and notify the competent authorities or family members.
One of the key functions of SIS is maintaining migration control. This category includes individuals deported from Schengen zone countries, persons listed in national sanctions lists, as well as third-country nationals whose presence in the zone poses a threat to public order or security. The task of an SIS Alert is to prevent entry or stay in the Schengen zone and notify border services of the existing prohibition.
In addition, alerts are also distributed to individuals suspected of links to terrorism or other actions threatening national security. This category includes individuals associated with terrorist organizations, members of organized crime, and individuals suspected of planning violent actions. The purpose of the alert is to establish surveillance on suspects and take measures to prevent threats.
Some individuals are entered into the SIS to ensure their appearance in court. This category includes individuals evading participation in the process, as well as witnesses and victims whose presence is necessary for judicial proceedings.
Legal entities or their representatives may become subjects of SIS alerts in cases of their involvement in criminal activities. These could be individuals implicated in illegal trade or smuggling, executives or employees of companies suspected of financial crimes, money laundering, or fraud. The purpose of the alert is to freeze the assets of companies and establish connections with key figures.
Where can SIS be applied?
International airports are one of the key places where SIS is applied. Border services use the system to check passengers crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area. During passport control, passenger data is cross-checked with the SIS database. The system helps identify wanted individuals, those banned from entry, and crime suspects. Alerts about counterfeit or stolen documents allow for preventing their use.
SIS is also actively used at border crossings, both external and internal, where selective checks are conducted. Border guards check the documents of passengers or vehicles for SIS alerts. The system allows identifying stolen cars, fake license plates, or objects prohibited for export.
When entering the country from outside the Schengen area, SIS plays an important role in ensuring security. The status of the individual is checked: the presence of an entry ban, search, or other restrictions. Visa centers can also use SIS data to make decisions on issuing visas.
Despite the absence of permanent border checks between Schengen Zone countries, SIS is used for internal control in the fight against crime and the protection of public order. Police and other law enforcement agencies can check citizens’ identities during internal inspections. During checks on roads, in ports, and at train stations, the system helps identify stolen vehicles or wanted persons.
Do I need a lawyer to remove an SIS alert?
The Schengen Information System plays an important role in ensuring security within the Schengen Zone, but sometimes its mechanisms can be used erroneously or unfairly. If you become the subject of an SIS notification, it can lead to restrictions on freedom of movement, reputational losses, and other unpleasant consequences.
Our law firm has extensive experience in resolving issues related to SIS notifications. We will help you understand your situation, challenge the notification, and restore your rights.
Our lawyers will thoroughly examine the circumstances of your case and assess the legality of the SIS notification. We will determine whether it was issued with violations and also request information about your status in the SIS from the competent authorities. This allows us to understand the grounds indicated for including the notification.
Our team of lawyers led by the leading attorney Anatoly Yarovym Will develop an effective dispute strategy based on evidence, international law, and the SIS charter. Specialists will draft a legally accurate statement for submission to the authorities that issued the notification.
If necessary, attorneys will also represent your interests in national courts, as well as before the Interpol Files Control Commission or other international bodies. We will help avoid repeated notifications and minimize the risk of issues with crossing borders in the future.
Contact us right now for an initial consultation and discussion of further steps to protect your interests. Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to help you navigate complex legal processes and achieve the removal of the notice.
