Last Updated on 7 August 2025 by Johan
The Schengen Area is a cornerstone of European integration, enabling seamless travel across much of the continent. Named after the Schengen Agreement signed in 1985 in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg, this zone allows for the free movement of people across internal borders of participating countries.
What Is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished internal border controls and implemented a unified external border policy. It spans approximately 4.5 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest free-travel zones in the world.
Member Countries:
- Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary
- Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway
- Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
These countries have agreed to eliminate passport checks at mutual borders, allowing citizens and eligible travelers to move freely within the zone.
Visa Requirements for the Schengen Area
Travelers from outside the Schengen Area must obtain a Schengen Visa to enter. This visa allows short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
Key Visa Features:
- Valid across all 26 Schengen countries
- Allows single or multiple entries
- Requires proof of travel, accommodation, financial means, and travel insurance
Once inside the Schengen Area, visa holders can travel freely without additional border checks.
External Border Controls
Although internal borders are open, external borders are strictly monitored. Travelers entering from outside the Schengen Area must undergo passport and security checks. This ensures coordinated immigration control and security across member states.
Security and Cooperation Mechanisms
The Schengen Agreement established shared rules for:
- Visa issuance and asylum procedures
- Police and judicial cooperation
- Border surveillance and security
A key tool is the Schengen Information System (SIS), a centralized database used to exchange information on individuals and goods that may pose a security threat. It supports law enforcement and border control across the area.
ETIAS: Upcoming Travel Authorization System
Starting in 2025, visa-exempt travelers from countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia will need to register through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering the Schengen Area. ETIAS is designed to enhance security while maintaining ease of travel.