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1. The teams shall undertake all necessary preparatory activities in order to ensure that the visits are efficient, accurate and consistent.

2. The detailed programme for the visits in a Member State or in its consulates shall be established by the Commission in close cooperation with the lead experts and the Member State concerned. The detailed programme referred to in the first subparagraph may include visits to and meetings with national authorities and bodies, as well as non-governmental and international organisations, other entities, agencies and bodies supporting the Member States in the implementation of the Schengen acquis.

3. For announced visits, the Commission shall consult and notify the Member State concerned of the timetable and detailed programme at least 6 weeks before the visit is due to take place. It shall provide in advance the names of the members of the team and the observers. The Member State concerned shall designate a contact point for making the practical arrangements for the visit.

4. Unannounced visits shall take place with prior notification of at least 24 hours to the Member State concerned. Unannounced visits to the internal borders shall take place without prior notification to the Member State concerned. Unannounced visits may take place without prior notification to the Member State concerned in cases where the Commission has substantiated grounds to consider that there are serious violations of fundamental rights in the application of the Schengen acquis. Verification visits may also take place without prior notification to the Member State concerned. The Commission shall establish the detailed programme for unannounced visits. Where a Member State has been notified of an unannounced visit, the Commission may consult with the Member State concerned on the timetable and detailed programme.