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On 20 May 2025, eu-LISA successfully launched the shared Biometric Matching Service (sBMS), the EU’s central biometric matching system, and upgraded the Visa Information System (VIS4EES). These two systems mark the completion of the first milestone of the Interoperability Roadmap, ensuring that Member States and EU Agencies are well prepared for future developments.
The technical activities enabling the go-live were carried out overnight by eu-LISA experts, in collaboration with external partners. Both systems are now fully operational and accessible to Member States and competent EU Agencies.
We congratulate all the teams from eu-LISA and the Member States who made these achievements possible.
We extend our sincere thanks to the European Commission, EU Agencies, and all our partners for their continued cooperation and support in making this achievement a reality.
The Visa Information System (VIS) is a large-scale IT system that supports the implementation of the EU’s common visa policy and facilitates checks at external borders. It allows Schengen States to exchange data on short-stay visas and connects consulates in non-EU countries with border crossing points. The upgraded VIS4 introduces enhanced functionalities, improved performance, and greater readiness for future interoperability.
The shared Biometric Matching Service (sBMS) is a centralised system that stores and compares biometric data—such as fingerprints and facial images—across multiple EU information systems. As the first operational component of the interoperability architecture, sBMS enables biometric searches and identity checks across systems, contributing to the accuracy, security, and efficiency of EU border and migration management.
Together, VIS4 and sBMS represent a major step forward in reinforcing the EU’s external border security. They constitute the first operational element of interoperability and lay the groundwork for the upcoming integration of the Entry/Exit System (EES).
