Council Decision 2008/633/JHA of 23 June 2008 concerning access for consultation of the Visa Information System (VIS) by designated authorities of Member States and by Europol for the purposes of the prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist of

Full title: "Council Decision 2008/633/JHA of 23 June 2008 concerning access for consultation of the Visa Information System (VIS) by designated authorities of Member States and by Europol for the purposes of the prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offences and of other serious criminal offences".

This Decision complements the VIS Regulation by establishing a legal base that enables the designated authorities in EU countries that are members of the Schengen area and Europol to access the Visa Information System (VIS). The purpose of granting access is to allow them to prevent and detect criminal offences, particularly terrorist offences, more effectively.

Council Decision 2013/392/EU set 1 September 2013 as the date of effect of Decision 2008/633/JHA concerning access for consultation of the Visa Information System (VIS) by designated authorities of Member States and by Europol for the purposes of the prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offences and other serious criminal offences.

This follows the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 767/2008 concerning the Visa Information System (VIS) and the exchange of data between Member States on short stay visas (VIS Regulation).