{{Short description|Group of European states without mutual border controls}} {{Redirect|Schengen}} {{Use British English|date=March 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox geopolitical organization | name = '''Schengen Area''' | image_map = 250px|alt=A map of the Schengen Area | map_caption = Map of the Schengen Area {{leftlegend|#003399|Schengen Area}} {{leftlegend|#46a43b|Countries with open borders to the Schengen area}} {{leftlegend|#ffd617|Member of the EU committed by treaty to join the Schengen Area in the future (Cyprus)}} | org_type = Open border area of the European Union | established = 26 March 1995 | membership_type = Members | membership = {{Collapsible list | titlestyle = background:transparent; text-align:left; font-weight:normal | title = 29 states | {{Flaglist|Austria}} | {{Flaglist|Belgium}} | {{Flaglist|Bulgaria}} | {{Flaglist|Croatia}} | {{Flaglist|Czech Republic}} | {{Flaglist|Denmark}}{{efn|name=intergovernmental|Denmark's participation in the Schengen acquis is based on an intergovernmental basis rather than EU law due to a treaty opt-out.}} | {{Flaglist|Estonia}} | {{Flaglist|Finland}} | {{Flaglist|France}} | {{Flaglist|Germany}} | {{Flaglist|Greece}} | {{Flaglist|Hungary}} | {{Flaglist|Iceland}}{{efn|name=notEU|Not an EU member}} | {{Flaglist|Italy}} | {{Flaglist|Latvia}} | {{Flaglist|Liechtenstein}}{{efn|name=notEU}} | {{Flaglist|Lithuania}} | {{Flaglist|Luxembourg}} | {{Flaglist|Malta}} | {{Flaglist|Netherlands}} | {{Flaglist|Norway}}{{efn|name=notEU}} | {{Flaglist|Poland}} | {{Flaglist|Portugal}} | {{Flaglist|Romania}} | {{Flaglist|Slovakia}} | {{Flaglist|Slovenia}} | {{Flaglist|Spain}} | {{Flaglist|Sweden}} | {{Flaglist|Switzerland}}{{efn|name=notEU}} }} | area_km2 = 4595131 | population_estimate = 453,234,255<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/schengen-area_en|title=Schengen Area|date=13 February 2025|website=European Commission}}</ref> | population_estimate_year = 2025 | population_density_km2 = 98.7 | GDP_nominal = {{Increase}}{{Spaces}}$21.909 trillion<ref name="GDP">{{Cite web |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2025 |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2025/October/weo-report?c=122,124,918,960,935,128,939,172,132,134,174,944,176,136,941,946,137,181,138,142,964,182,968,936,961,184,144,146,&s=NGDP_RPCH,NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,LP,&sy=2022&ey=2024&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |access-date=31 March 2024 |website=IMF.org |publisher=International Monetary Fund |archive-date=31 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331004100/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=122,124,918,960,935,128,939,172,132,134,174,944,176,136,941,946,137,181,138,142,964,182,968,936,961,184,144,146,&s=NGDP_RPCH,NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,LP,&sy=2022&ey=2024&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> | GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{Increase}}{{Spaces}}$42,237 | GDP_nominal_year = 2025 | GDP_PPP = {{Increase}}{{Spaces}}$29.910 trillion<ref name="GDP" /> | GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{Increase}}{{Spaces}}$56,997 | GDP_PPP_year = 2025 }} {{Politics of the European Union}}
The '''Schengen Area''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|ˈ|ʃ|ɛ|ŋ|ən}} {{respell|SHENG|ən}}, {{IPA|lb|ˈʃæŋən|Lang|Lb-Schengen.ogg}}) is a system of open borders that encompass {{SCHENGENnum}} European countries that have officially abolished border controls at their common borders. As an element within the wider area of freedom, security and justice (AFSJ) policy of the European Union (EU), it mostly functions as a single jurisdiction under a common visa policy for international travel purposes. The area is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement and the 1990 Schengen Convention, both signed in Schengen, Luxembourg.
Of the 27 EU member states, only two, Cyprus and Ireland, are not members of the Schengen Area. Cyprus is committed by treaty to join the system and aims to do so in 2026, although its participation has been complicated by the occupation of Northern Cyprus by Turkey since 1974.<ref name=Cyprus2026>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-11 |title='We will join the Schengen zone in 2026' |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/05/11/we-will-join-the-schengen-zone-in-2026 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=cyprus-mail.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/07/10/law-passed-to-take-cyprus-a-step-closer-to-schengen|title=Law passed to take Cyprus a step closer to Schengen|date=10 July 2025|website=Cyprus Mail}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/business/cyprus-still-outside-schengen-after-20-years-in-the-eu-but-2026-could-finally-be-the-year|title=Cyprus still outside Schengen after 20 years in the EU, but 2026 could finally be the year|date=20 November 2025|website=Kathimerini}}</ref> Ireland maintains an opt-out in order to maintain the Common Travel Area with non-EU member United Kingdom and operates its own visa policy.
In addition to the member states of the European Union, all member states of the European Free Trade Association, namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, have signed association agreements with the EU to be part of the Schengen Area. The microstate of Monaco is ''de facto'' part of the Schengen Area as border controls are administered as part of France. Three other microstates{{snd}}Andorra, San Marino, and Vatican City{{snd}}have open borders with the Schengen Area due to their small size and difficulty of maintaining active border controls.<ref name="EUR-lex">{{cite web |title=Document 52012SC0388|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=swd:SWD_2012_0388 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |publisher=Publications Office of the European Union |access-date=29 December 2025 |language=en }}</ref><ref name="EUR-lex2024">{{cite web |title=Recommendation for a COUNCIL DECISION authorising the opening of negotiations on an agreement between the European Union and the Principality of Andorra on several aspects in the field of border management |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52024PC0108 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |publisher=Publications Office of the European Union |date=8 March 2024 |access-date=10 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Swift Tourism">{{cite web |url=http://www.swifttourism.com/visit-europe.html |title=Tourist, Student and Work visa to Europe |publisher=Swift Tourism |year=2010 |access-date=14 September 2011 |archive-date=5 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905071334/http://www.swifttourism.com/visit-europe.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><!-- Please do not add Gibraltar. As of January 2021, there are checks at the border. Multiple sources say that passports are required. -->
The Schengen Area has a population of more than 450 million people and an area of about {{cvt|4,595,000|km2|}}.<ref name="auto"/> About 1.7 million people commute to work across an internal European border each day, and in some regions these international commuters constitute up to a third of the workforce. In 2015, there were 1.3 billion crossings of Schengen borders in total. 57 million crossings were due to the transport of goods by road, with a value of €2.8 trillion.<ref name="europarl"/><ref name="ECFR">{{cite web |title=The Future of Schengen |work=European Council on Foreign Relations |date=2016 |access-date=15 June 2017 |url=http://www.ecfr.eu/specials/scorecard/schengen_flash_scorecard |archive-date=26 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626232022/http://www.ecfr.eu/specials/scorecard/schengen_flash_scorecard |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="barriers">{{cite news |title=Schengen's economic impact: Putting up barriers |newspaper=The Economist |date=6 February 2016 |access-date=15 June 2017 |url=https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21690065-permanent-reintroduction-border-controls-would-harm-trade-europe-putting-up-barriers |archive-date=15 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515144644/https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21690065-permanent-reintroduction-border-controls-would-harm-trade-europe-putting-up-barriers |url-status=live }}</ref> The decrease in the cost of trade due to Schengen varies from 0.42% to 1.59% depending on geography, trade partners, and other factors. Countries outside of the Schengen Area also benefit.<ref name="CEPR"/> States in the Schengen Area have strengthened border controls with non-Schengen countries.<ref>{{cite web |title=The refugee crisis: Fixing Schengen is not enough |url=https://www.cer.eu/insights/refugee-crisis-fixing-schengen-not-enough |access-date=14 December 2018 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215065850/https://www.cer.eu/insights/refugee-crisis-fixing-schengen-not-enough |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Schengen Area is the world's most visited travel zone, accounting for the vast majority of Europe's 793 million international tourist arrivals in 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/from-boom-to-burden-how-overtourism-hit-european-cities/a-75834155|title=From boom to burden: How overtourism hit European cities|date=18 February 2026|website=Euronews}}</ref> Schengen member states processed 11.7 million visa applications in 2024, issuing approximately 9.7 million visas to travelers from around the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/visa-applications-reach-117-million-eu-and-schengen-associated-countries-2025-05-20_en|title=Visa applications reach 11.7 million in EU and Schengen associated countries|date=20 May 2025|website=Eurostat}}</ref>
{{TOC limit|3}}
== History == === European borders prior to Schengen === {{Main|Nordic Passport Union|Benelux}} Before World War I, most countries of the world, including those in Europe, had lax border policies, facilitating such educational trips as the Grand Tour amongst the wealthy.
Visas became commonplace during the interwar period, as did border controls. After World War II, however, customs unions arose between various European countries. The Nordic countries allowed free movement and residence between them in 1954, and the countries of Benelux opened their mutual borders in 1960. This reflected a greater trend towards European integration; the European Communities (EC), the predecessor of the EU, were established in the 1950s for economic cooperation, though they did not deal with border control issues.
=== Schengen Agreement === {{Main|Schengen Agreement}} [[File:Schengen Agreement place.jpg|thumb|Schengen, border town in Luxembourg where the agreement was signed]]
The first move towards the abolition of border controls between EC member states took place on 14 June 1985 with the signing of the Schengen Agreement by five EEC members – the Benelux countries as well as France and West Germany – of the then ten EEC member states.<ref name="BBCWorld">{{citation |title=Fortress Europe |publisher=BBC World Service |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/theneweurope/wk22.htm |access-date=4 December 2012 |archive-date=17 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117232512/http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/theneweurope/wk22.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> These five countries entered into the Schengen Agreement separately from the European Communities, because consensus could not be reached among all EEC member states.
The Agreement was supplemented in 1990 by the Schengen Convention, which proposed the abolition of internal border controls and a common visa policy.<ref name="Baltic Legal">{{citation |title=Schengen area by Latvian Law Firm |publisher=Baltic Legal |url=http://www.immigration-residency.eu/counsel/schengen-area/ |access-date=19 September 2013 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331233054/http://www.immigration-residency.eu/counsel/schengen-area/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Agreements and the rules adopted under them continued to be separate from the EC structures, and led to the creation of the Schengen Area on 26 March 1995.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://biblio.ucv.ro/bib_web/bib_pdf/EU_books/0056.pdf |title=The Schengen Area |publisher=European Commission |access-date=15 September 2011 |archive-date=7 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807020152/http://biblio.ucv.ro/bib_web/bib_pdf/EU_books/0056.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
As more EU member states signed the Schengen Agreement, consensus was reached on absorbing it into the procedures of the EU. The Agreement and its related conventions were incorporated into the mainstream of European Union law by the Amsterdam Treaty in 1997, which came into effect in 1999. A consequence of the Agreement being part of European law is that any amendment or regulation is made within its processes, in which the non-EU members are not participants.
The UK, the Crown Dependencies, and the Republic of Ireland have operated a Common Travel Area (CTA) since 1923 (with passport-free travel and freedom of movement with each other), but the UK would not abolish border controls with any other countries and therefore opted out of the Agreement. While not signing the Schengen Treaty, Ireland has always looked more favourably on joining, but has not done so in order to maintain the CTA and its open border with Northern Ireland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/0450/D.0450.199503140014.html |first=Nora |last=Owen |author-link=Nora Owen |title=''Dáil Debates'' volume 450 column 1171 |date=14 March 1995 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607100817/http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/0450/D.0450.199503140014.html |archive-date=7 June 2011 }}; {{cite web |url=http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/0501/D.0501.199903090246.html |first=John |last=O'Donoghue |author-link=John O'Donoghue (politician) |title=''Dáil Debates'' volume 501 column 1506 |date=9 March 1999 |access-date=4 March 2010 |archive-date=7 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607100855/http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/0501/D.0501.199903090246.html |url-status=dead }}; "Declaration by Ireland on Article 3 of the Protocol on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland" attached to the Treaty of Amsterdam.</ref> However, as the Commission noted on the official website, Ireland requested participation in some Schengen areas, such as the Schengen Information System, due to "the benefits of Schengen cooperation".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-24 |title=History of Schengen |url=https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/schengen-area/history-schengen_en}}</ref>
==== Common Schengen Visa Policy ==== {{Main|Visa policy of the Schengen Area}}
The common visa policy allows nationals of certain countries to enter the Schengen Area via air, land or sea without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Nationals of certain other countries are required to have a visa either upon arrival or in transit.
== Current members == {{Schengen Agreement Labelled Map 2}} The Schengen Area consists of {{SCHENGENnum}} countries, including four which are not members of the European Union{{snd}}Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Iceland and Norway are part of the Nordic Passport Union and are officially classified as states associated with the Schengen activities of the European Union.<ref name="associated-states"/> Switzerland was allowed to participate in the same manner in 2008, and Liechtenstein in 2011.
Romania and Bulgaria are the newest members of the Schengen Area, with border controls lifted for air and sea travel on 31 March 2024 and land border controls lifted effective 1 January 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Schengen area: Controls at air and sea borders with Bulgaria and Romania will be lifted |publisher=European Commission |url=https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/schengen-area-controls-air-and-sea-borders-bulgaria-and-romania-will-be-lifted-2024-01-03_en |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=Migration and Home Affairs |language=en |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119202622/https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/schengen-area-controls-air-and-sea-borders-bulgaria-and-romania-will-be-lifted-2024-01-03_en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_6861 | title=Bulgaria and Romania to join Schengen area starting with air and sea borders: Commission welcomes landmark Council decision |publisher=European Commission |access-date=31 December 2023 | archive-date=29 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229084118/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_6861 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Schengen: Council decides to lift land border controls with Bulgaria and Romania |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/12/12/schengen-council-decides-to-lift-land-border-controls-with-bulgaria-and-romania/ |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=Consilium |language=en |archive-date=12 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212125630/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/12/12/schengen-council-decides-to-lift-land-border-controls-with-bulgaria-and-romania/ |url-status=live }}</ref> more than 17 years after they acceded to the European Union.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4xjj4xde3o|title=Moment of relief as Romania and Bulgaria join EU border-free zone|date=12 December 2024|website=BBC News|access-date=4 January 2025|archive-date=22 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222153143/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4xjj4xde3o|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/1/romania-bulgaria-join-borderless-schengen-zone-after-13-year-wait|title=Romania, Bulgaria join borderless Schengen zone after 13-year wait|date=1 January 2025|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=4 January 2025|archive-date=3 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250103054103/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/1/romania-bulgaria-join-borderless-schengen-zone-after-13-year-wait|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, the European Commission first concluded that the two countries had fulfilled all technical accession criteria,<ref name="Commission welcomes">{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_6861|title=Bulgaria and Romania to join Schengen area starting with air and sea borders: Commission welcomes landmark Council decision|website=European Commission |access-date=31 December 2023|archive-date=29 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229084118/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_6861|url-status=live}}</ref> and their participation was approved by the European Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Schengen zone: Delay for Bulgaria and Romania to join |date=9 June 2011 |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13709768 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=10 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610021157/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13709768 |url-status=live }}</ref> However this was rejected by the Council of Ministers, with some countries (such as Denmark and Finland) citing concerns about shortcomings in anti-corruption measures and in the fight against organised crime.<ref name="nyt-defered">{{cite news |last=Castle |first=Stephen |title=Europe Denies 2 Nations Entry to Travel Zone |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/23/world/europe/romania-and-bulgaria-are-denied-entry-to-schengen-zone.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924155245/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/23/world/europe/romania-and-bulgaria-are-denied-entry-to-schengen-zone.html |archive-date=24 September 2011 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=23 September 2011 |newspaper=The New York Times|date=22 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="wsj-defered">{{cite news |last=Robinson |first=Frances |title=Bulgaria, Romania Blocked From Travel Zone |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111903791504576586951295398230 |access-date=25 September 2011 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=22 September 2011 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326041807/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111903791504576586951295398230 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Netherlands conditioned approval for joining the Schengen Area on positive reports under the Mechanism for Cooperation and Verification.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.euractiv.com/justice/romania-older-members-ready-sche-news-532132 |title=Romania tells EU: 'We are ready for Schengen when you are' |date=5 December 2013 |newspaper=Euractiv |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-date=23 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123131844/http://www.euractiv.com/justice/romania-older-members-ready-sche-news-532132 |url-status=live }}</ref> Austria was the last country to end their veto, after a series of negotiations to address concerns that the countries were a major transit route for illegal immigration to the country.<ref name="austriaveto">{{Cite web |title=Nu intrăm în Schengen. Austria și Olanda au votat împotriva noastră |url=https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/externe/ue/ministrul-austriac-de-interne-astazi-voi-vota-contra-extinderii-schengen-cu-romania-si-bulgaria-2177591 |access-date=8 December 2022 |website=Digi24 |language=ro |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208124948/https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/externe/ue/ministrul-austriac-de-interne-astazi-voi-vota-contra-extinderii-schengen-cu-romania-si-bulgaria-2177591 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ministrul austriac de Interne: 'Are sens să includem Croația și să nu includem acum Bulgaria și România' în Schengen |url= https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/externe/ue/ministrul-austriac-de-interne-are-sens-sa-includem-croatia-si-sa-nu-includem-acum-bulgaria-si-romania-in-schengen-2172203 |access-date= 3 December 2022 |website= Digi24 |date= 3 December 2022 |language= ro |archive-date= 3 December 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221203115445/https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/externe/ue/ministrul-austriac-de-interne-are-sens-sa-includem-croatia-si-sa-nu-includem-acum-bulgaria-si-romania-in-schengen-2172203 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romania-insider.com/austria-rejects-commission-call-romania-bulgaria-schengen-2023|title=Austria rejects EC's call to allow Romania, Bulgaria into Schengen|date=14 September 2023|accessdate=2 October 2023|archive-date=6 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006115439/https://www.romania-insider.com/austria-rejects-commission-call-romania-bulgaria-schengen-2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Joint Declaration-20241128">{{Cite web |date=22 November 2024 |title=Joint Hungarian, Austrian, Romanian and Bulgarian Declaration |url=https://hungarian-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/news/joint-hungarian-austrian-romanian-and-bulgarian-declaration/ |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=Joint Hungarian, Austrian, Romanian and Bulgarian Declaration |language=en |archive-date=1 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201200621/https://hungarian-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/news/joint-hungarian-austrian-romanian-and-bulgarian-declaration/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
''De facto'', the Schengen Area also includes four European micro-states{{snd}} Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City{{snd}}that maintain open or semi-open borders with other Schengen member countries.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.schengenvisas.com/list-of-non-schengen-countries-that-can-be-visited-with-a-schengen-visa/ |title= List of non-Schengen countries that can be visited with a Schengen visa |website=SchengenVisas.com |publisher=Yoyo Travels |location=Dubai |date= 14 January 2021 |access-date= 24 April 2023 |archive-date= 24 April 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230424172340/https://www.schengenvisas.com/list-of-non-schengen-countries-that-can-be-visited-with-a-schengen-visa/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.exteriors.ad/en/travel-to-andorra |title= Travel to Andorra |publisher=Government of Andorra |access-date= 24 April 2023 |archive-date= 18 May 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230518055346/http://www.exteriors.ad/en/travel-to-andorra |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.andorraresorts.com/blog/2022/andorra-schengen-area |title=Andorra and the Schengen Area |publisher=Andorra Resorts |date= 8 March 2022 |access-date= 24 April 2023 |archive-date= 29 April 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230429091920/https://www.andorraresorts.com/blog/2022/andorra-schengen-area/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
Ireland negotiated opt-outs from Schengen and continues to operate border controls with other EU member states, while at the same time being part of the open-border Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom and the Crown Dependencies (Bailiwick of Guernsey, Isle of Man and Jersey).
=== Summary table === {|class="wikitable sortable" |+Members of the Schengen Area ! width="300" |State ! Area<br />(km<sup>2</sup>) ! Population{{UN_Population|ref}}<br />({{UN_Population|Year}}) ! Date signed<br />{{refn|The original agreement, a subsequent protocol extending the agreement to the state, an agreement on accession to the EU, or agreement on association with the Schengen acquis.|group=Note}} ! Date of first<br />implementation<br />{{refn|Of the provisions related to the elimination of border controls. In some cases the provisions related to the Schengen Information System were applied earlier.|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Austria}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|83871}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Austria}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1995|4|28}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/006127.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Republic of Austria to the Agreement between the Governments of the Member States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985, as amended by the Protocols of 27 November 1990, 25 June 1991 and 6 November 1992 on the accession of the Governments of the Italian Republic, the Kingdom of Spain and the Portuguese Republic and the Hellenic Republic, respectively |access-date=31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331223648/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/006127.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1997|12|1}}<ref name="Austria">{{cite web |url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10006000 |title=Beschluß des Exekutivausschusses zur Inkraftsetzung des Schengener Durchführungsübereinkommens in Österreich |language=de |trans-title=Resolution of the Executive Committee on the implementation of the Schengen Convention in Austria |date=7 October 1997 |access-date=1 November 2014 |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401044817/https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10006000 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Acquis">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:31999D0435 |title=Council Decision of 20 May 1999 concerning the definition of the Schengen acquis for the purpose of determining, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaty on European Union, the legal basis for each of the provisions or decisions which constitute the acquis |date=10 July 1999 |access-date=1 November 2014 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=176/1 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113225242/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:31999D0435 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|The elimination of border controls took place from 1 December 1997 to 31 March 1998.<ref name="Austria"/>|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Belgium}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|30528}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Belgium}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1985|6|14}}<ref name="origsign">{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/000058.html |title=Agreement between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the Gradual Abolition of Checks at their Common Borders |access-date=31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401053411/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/000058.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1995|3|26}}<ref name="1995states">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:41994D0029 |title=Decision of the Executive Committee of 22 December 1994 on bringing into force the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 19 June 1990 |date=22 December 1994 |access-date=31 October 2014 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=239/130 |archive-date=9 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409234206/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:41994D0029 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | |{{flag|Bulgaria}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|110994}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Bulgaria}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2005|4|25}}<ref name="2007enlarge">{{cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/treaties-agreements/agreement/?id=2005017|title=Treaty between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Estonia, the Hellenic Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, Ireland, the Italian Republic, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Poland, the Portuguese Republic, the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Member States of the European Union) and the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania, concerning the Accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union (Deposited with the Government of the Italian Republic)|access-date=17 January 2019|publisher=Council of the European Union|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030171318/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/treaties-agreements/agreement/?id=2005017|url-status=live}}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2024|3|31}}<ref name="RomBulgAir">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202400210 |title=Council Decision (EU) 2024/210 of 30 December 2023 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania |date=4 January 2024 |access-date=3 January 2024 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=2024/210 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104024146/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202400210 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=RomBulgLand>{{cite journal|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024D3212&qid=1735774686770|title=Council Decision (EU) 2024/3212 of 12 December 2024 setting the date for the lifting of checks on persons at internal land borders with and between the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania|date=23 December 2024|accessdate=1 January 2025|journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=2024/3212}}</ref>{{refn|name=RomBulg|For air and sea borders, 1 January 2025 for land borders.|group=Note}} |- | |{{flag|Croatia}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|56594}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Croatia}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2011|12|9}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2012.112.01.0006.01.ENG#L_2012112EN.01001001 |title=Treaty concerning the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union |access-date=9 December 2022 |publisher=EU |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209025716/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2012.112.01.0006.01.ENG#L_2012112EN.01001001 |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2023|1|1}}<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2022.320.01.0041.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2022%3A320%3ATOC |title=Council Decision (EU) 2022/2451 of 8 December 2022 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Republic of Croatia |date=14 December 2022 |access-date=15 December 2022 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=320/41 |archive-date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216040150/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2022.320.01.0041.01.ENG&toc=OJ:L:2022:320:TOC |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/12/08/schengen-area-council-decides-to-lift-border-controls-with-croatia/ |title=Schengen area: Council decides to lift border controls with Croatia |access-date=9 December 2022 |publisher=EU |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209002053/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/12/08/schengen-area-council-decides-to-lift-border-controls-with-croatia/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|For land and sea borders, 26 March 2023 for air borders.|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Czech Republic}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|78866}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Czechia}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2003|4|16}}<ref name="2004enlarge"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|12|21}}<ref name="2004states">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32007D0801 |title=COUNCIL DECISION of 6 December 2007 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic |date=8 December 2007 |access-date=27 October 2014 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=323/34 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113225430/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32007D0801 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|For land and sea borders, 30 March 2008 for air borders.<ref name="2004states"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eu2008.si/en/News_and_Documents/Press_Releases/March/0325MNZschengen.html |publisher=Slovenia's EU Presidency |title=The final step of Schengen enlargement—controls at internal air borders to be abolished in late March |date=25 March 2008 |access-date=7 February 2009 |archive-date=22 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722085712/http://www.eu2008.si/en/News_and_Documents/Press_Releases/March/0325MNZschengen.html |url-status=live }}</ref>|name=2004states|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Denmark}} <br /><small>(excluding Greenland and the Faroe Islands){{refn|Greenland and the Faroe Islands are not included in the Schengen Area. However, persons travelling between the Faroe Islands, Greenland and the Schengen Area are not subject to border checks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A42000A0922%2808%29|title=EUR-Lex – 42000A0922(08) – EN – EUR-Lex|website=eur-lex.europa.eu}}</ref> The list of countries whose citizens require a visa for Greenland or the Faroe Islands is the same as for the Schengen Area,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://naalakkersuisut.gl/en/About-government-of-greenland/About-Greenland/Coming-to-Greenland/Schengen-and-Tourists |title=Schengen and Tourists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725121707/http://naalakkersuisut.gl/en/About-government-of-greenland/About-Greenland/Coming-to-Greenland/Schengen-and-Tourists |archive-date=25 July 2017 |website=Government of Greenland}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.government.fo/foreign-relations/visa-and-work-permit/ |title=Visa and Work Permit |website=Government of the Faroe Islands |access-date=14 June 2017 |archive-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924104617/http://www.government.fo/foreign-relations/visa-and-work-permit |url-status=live }}</ref> but a Schengen visa will not allow the holder access to either territory, only a Danish visa stamped with either "Valid for the Faroe Islands" or "Valid for Greenland", or both.<ref name="greenland-faroe">{{cite web |title=General Information on Schengen Short-Term Visas |publisher=Royal Danish Embassy in London |date=4 June 2009 |url=http://www.amblondon.um.dk/en/menu/consularservices/visas/shorttermvisas |access-date=1 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110021548/http://www.amblondon.um.dk/en/menu/ConsularServices/Visas/ShortTermVisas |archive-date=10 January 2010}}</ref>|group=Note}}</small> |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|43094}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Denmark}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1996|12|19}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007473.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Agreement on the gradual abolition of controls at the contracting parties' common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985 |access-date=31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401144313/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007473.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2001|3|25}}<ref name="2001enlarge">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32000D0777 |title=COUNCIL DECISION of 1 December 2000 on the application of the Schengen acquis in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, and in Iceland and Norway |date=9 December 2000 |access-date=27 October 2014 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=309/24 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113225506/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32000D0777 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |{{flag|Estonia}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|45338}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Estonia}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2003|4|16}}<ref name="2004enlarge"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|12|21}}<ref name="2004states"/>{{refn||name=2004states|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Finland}} <br /><small>(including Åland)</small> |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|338145}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Finland}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1996|12|19}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007475.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Republic of Finland to the Agreement on the gradual abolition of controls at the contracting parties' common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985 |access-date=31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102051126/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007475.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2001|3|25}}<ref name="2001enlarge"/> |- |{{flag|France}} <br /><small>(excluding Overseas France){{refn|The overseas departments and collectivities of France are not part of the Schengen Area. However, when travelling by air from metropolitan France directly to French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Réunion, border checks by the French Border Police only take place at the departure airport, not at the arrival airport (where passengers walk past the passport control booths, which will be unstaffed). This arrangement does not, however, apply to direct flights from other Schengen member states, such as the past Charleroi–Guadeloupe and Charleroi–Martinique flights by Air Belgium. On the other hand, passengers flying from French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Réunion directly to metropolitan France have to undergo border checks by the French Border Police both on departure and on arrival (an arrangement known as {{lang|fr|double contrôle}}).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.senat.fr/questions/base/2018/qSEQ180706288.html |title=Doubles contrôles aux frontières dans les aéroports de la capitale pour les Français des Antilles |language=fr |trans-title=Double border controls at the capital's airports for French people from the West Indies |publisher=Senate of France |date=20 September 2018 |access-date=15 March 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920175726/https://www.senat.fr/questions/base/2018/qSEQ180706288.html |url-status=live }}</ref>|group=Note}}</small> |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|551695}}<!-- Metropolitan France, not overseas areas --> |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|France}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1985|6|14}}<ref name="origsign"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1995|3|26}}<ref name="1995states"/> |- |{{flag|Germany}}{{refn|The Schengen Agreement and Schengen convention were both signed by West Germany. However, they entered into force after German reunification and so also applied to the former East Germany from the same date.|group= Note}}<br /><small>(including Büsingen am Hochrhein)</small><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1967/1211_1251_1245/de |title=Vertrag zwischen der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft und der Bundesrepublik Deutschland über die Einbeziehung der Gemeinde Büsingen am Hochrhein in das schweizerische Zollgebiet |date=3 September 1998 |publisher=Fedlex |access-date=9 February 2021 |quote=Art. 16 Im Verkehr zwischen Büsingen und der Schweiz ist ein Grenzübertrittspapier nicht erforderlich. Eine Grenzabfertigung findet nicht statt |trans-quote=In traffic between Büsingen and Switzerland a document valid for border crossing is not required. There is no border control. |language=de |trans-title=Treaty between the Swiss Confederation and the Federal Republic of Germany regarding the inclusion of the municipality of Büsingen am Hochrhein in the Swiss customs territory |archive-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307063053/https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1967/1211_1251_1245/de |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|357022}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Germany}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1985|6|14}}<ref name="origsign"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1995|3|26}}<ref name="1995states"/>{{refn|For Büsingen am Hochrhein since 12 December 2008|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Greece}}{{refn|According to a legally non-binding declaration attached to the Greek accession agreement to the Schengen convention,<ref>{{Cite web| url = https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A42000A0922%2806%29| title = EUR-Lex – 42000A0922(06) – EN| website = EUR-Lex| publisher = Europa| access-date = 5 January 2023| archive-date = 16 November 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221116174750/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:42000A0922(06)| url-status = live}}</ref> the special status<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://e-spacio.uned.es/fez/eserv/bibliuned:BFD-2005-27-9F23C2CD/PDF |title=El estatuto especial del Monte Athos ante la tradición religiosa. El derecho eclesiástico griego y el derecho comunitario europeo |trans-title=The special status of Mount Athos before the religious tradition. Greek ecclesiastical law and European community law |last=Bonet Navarro |first=Jaime |journal=Boletín de la Facultad de Derecho |publisher=UNED |year=2005 |language=es |archive-date=2 July 2020 |access-date=22 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702222921/http://e-spacio.uned.es/fez/eserv/bibliuned:BFD-2005-27-9F23C2CD/PDF |url-status=live }}</ref> according to the Greek constitution<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/6483/file/Greece_Constitution_2008_eng.pdf |title= The Constitution of Greece |date= 27 May 2008 |website= Legislation online |access-date= 23 January 2021 |quote= Regime of Aghion Oros (Mount Athos) Article 105 |archive-date= 17 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210117130248/https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/6483/file/Greece_Constitution_2008_eng.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref> of Mount Athos has to be taken into account in the application and subsequent preparation of the Schengen acquis.|group=Note}} <br /><small>(including Mount Athos)</small> |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|131990}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Greece}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1992|11|6}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/005115.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Hellenic Republic to the Agreement between the Governments of the Member States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985, as amended by the Protocol signed at Paris on 27 November 1990 on the accession of the Government of the Italian Republic and by the Protocols signed at Bonn on 25 June 1991 on the accession of the Governments of the Kingdom of Spain and the Portuguese Republic |access-date=31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102051048/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/005115.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2000|1|1}}<ref name="Greece">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:31999D0848 |title=COUNCIL DECISION of 13 December 1999 on the full application of the Schengen acquis in Greece |date=9 December 2000 |access-date=27 October 2014 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=327/58 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113225529/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:31999D0848 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|The elimination of border controls took place from 1 January to 26 March 2000.<ref name="Greece"/> Greece had no land borders with any other country in the Schengen area until 1 January 2025, when Bulgaria eliminated land border controls with other Schengen states.|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Hungary}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|93030}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Hungary}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2003|4|16}}<ref name="2004enlarge"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|12|21}}<ref name="2004states"/>{{refn||name=2004states|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Iceland}}{{refn|EFTA state, which is outside the EU, that is associated with the Schengen activities of the EU,<ref name= "associated-states">This terminology is, for example, used in the [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:21999A0710(02) Final Act of the Agreement concluded by the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the latters' association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222135509/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:21999A0710(02):EN:NOT |date=22 February 2014 }}.</ref> and where the Schengen rules apply.|name=associated|group=Note}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|103000}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{UN_Population|Iceland}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1996|12|19}}<ref name="icenor1">{{cite web |url= https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007472.html |title= Cooperation agreement between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Italian Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the Portuguese Republic, the Hellenic Republic, the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden, i.e. the Contracting Parties to the Schengen Agreement and to the Schengen Convention, and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway, on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders |access-date= 1 November 2014 |publisher= Government of the Netherlands |archive-date= 1 April 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190401072954/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007472.html |url-status= live }}</ref><br />{{dts|format=dmy|1999|5|18}}<ref name="icenor2">{{cite web |url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=1999025 |title=Agreement with the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the latters' association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis |access-date=1 November 2014 |publisher=Council of the European Union |archive-date=20 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020171020/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=1999025 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|A second agreement, which replaced the first, was signed with Iceland and Norway following the incorporation of the Schengen Agreement into EU law with the Treaty of Amsterdam of 1997.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:21999A0710(02) |title=Agreement concluded by the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the latters' association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis |date=10 July 1999 |access-date=1 November 2014 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=176/36 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222135509/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:21999A0710(02):EN:NOT |url-status=live }}</ref>|name=icenor|group=Note}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2001|3|25}}<ref name="2001enlarge"/> |- |{{flag|Italy}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|301318}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Italy}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1990|11|27}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004288.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Italian Republic to the Agreement between the Governments of the Member States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985 |access-date=31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102051129/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004288.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1997|10|26}}<ref name="Acquis"/><ref name="Italy">{{cite web |url=http://www.interior.gob.es/ca/web/servicios-al-ciudadano/normativa/resoluciones/resolucion-de-26-de-mayo-de-1998-de-la-secretaria |title=Resolución de 26 de mayo de 1998, de la Secretaría General Técnica del Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores |date=10 July 1997 |access-date=1 November 2014 |archive-date=20 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020170931/http://www.interior.gob.es/ca/web/servicios-al-ciudadano/normativa/resoluciones/resolucion-de-26-de-mayo-de-1998-de-la-secretaria |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{refn|The elimination of border controls took place from 26 October 1997 to 31 March 1998.<ref name="Italy"/>|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Latvia}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|64589}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Latvia}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2003|4|16}}<ref name="2004enlarge"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|12|21}}<ref name="2004states"/>{{refn||name=2004states|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Liechtenstein}}{{refn||name=associated|group=Note}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|160}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Liechtenstein}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2008|2|28}}<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=2007007 |title= Protocol between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation's association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis |access-date= 1 November 2014 |publisher= Council of the European Union |archive-date= 20 October 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171020171054/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=2007007 |url-status= live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2011|12|19}}<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32011D0842 |title=COUNCIL DECISION of 13 December 2011 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen ''acquis'' in the Principality of Liechtenstein |date=5 December 2011 |access-date=27 October 2014 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=334/27 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113225251/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32011D0842 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |{{flag|Lithuania}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|65300}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Lithuania}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2003|4|16}}<ref name="2004enlarge"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|12|21}}<ref name="2004states"/>{{refn||name=2004states|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Luxembourg}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|2586}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Luxembourg}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1985|6|14}}<ref name="origsign"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1995|3|26}}<ref name="1995states"/> |- |{{flag|Malta}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|316}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Malta}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2003|4|16}}<ref name="2004enlarge"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|12|21}}<ref name="2004states"/>{{refn||name=2004states|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Netherlands}} <br /><small>(excluding Dutch Caribbean)</small> |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|41526}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Netherlands}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1985|6|14}}<ref name="origsign"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1995|3|26}}<ref name="1995states"/> |- |{{flag|Norway}}{{refn||name=associated|group=Note}} <br /><small>(excluding overseas territories and dependencies)</small><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A21999A0710%2802%29 |title=EUR-Lex – 21999A0710(02) – EN |website=EUR-Lex |publisher=Europa |access-date=5 January 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115165432/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:21999A0710(02) |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|323802}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{UN_Population|Norway}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1996|12|19}}<ref name="icenor1"/><br />{{dts|format=dmy|1999|5|18}}<ref name="icenor2"/>{{refn||name=icenor|group=Note}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2001|3|25}}<ref name="2001enlarge"/> |- |{{flag|Poland}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|312683}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Poland}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2003|4|16}}<ref name="2004enlarge"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|12|21}}<ref name="2004states"/>{{refn||name=2004states|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Portugal}}<br /><small>(including Azores and Madeira)</small> |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|92391}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Portugal}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1991|6|25}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004729.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Portuguese Republic to the Agreement between the Governments of the Member States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985, as amended by the Protocol on the accession of the Italian Republic signed at Paris on 27 November 1990 |access-date=31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050905/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004729.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1995|3|26}}<ref name="1995states"/> |- | |{{flag|Romania}} <br /> |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|238391}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Romania}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2005|4|25}}<ref name="2007enlarge"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2024|3|31}}<ref name="RomBulgAir"/><ref name=RomBulgLand/>{{refn|name=RomBulg|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Slovakia}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|49037}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Slovakia}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2003|4|16}}<ref name="2004enlarge"/> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|12|21}}<ref name="2004states"/>{{refn||name=2004states|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Slovenia}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|20273}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Slovenia}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2003|4|16}}<ref name="2004enlarge">{{cite web |url= https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?id=2003007 |title=Treaty between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Hellenic Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, Ireland, the Italian Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Austria, the Portuguese Republic, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Member States of the European Union) and the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovak Republic concerning the accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic to the European Union (Deposited with the Government of the Italian Republic) |access-date=17 January 2019 |publisher=Council of the European Union}}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|12|21}}<ref name="2004states"/>{{refn||name=2004states|group=Note}} |- |{{flag|Spain}} <br />{{small|(including Canary Islands,<br />special provisions for Ceuta and Melilla){{refn|The full Schengen acquis applies to all Spanish territories, but there are border checks on departure from Ceuta and Melilla to Peninsular Spain or other Schengen countries, because of specific arrangements for visa exemptions for Moroccan nationals resident in the provinces of Tétouan and Nador.<ref name="AccessionSpain">Declaration No. 1. on Ceuta and Melilla attached to the Final Act of the Accession Treaty of the Kingdom of Spain to the Schengen Agreement ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:42000A0922(04):EN:NOT OJ L 239, 22 September 2000, p. 69])</ref>|group=Note}}}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|505990}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Spain}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1991|6|25}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004727.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain to the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the Member States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders, as amended by the Protocol on the accession of the Italian Republic signed at Paris on 27 November 1990 |access-date=31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050810/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004727.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:42000A0922(04) |title=The Schengen acquis – Agreement on the Accession of the Kingdom of Spain to the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders signed at Schengen on 19 June 1990, to which the Italian Republic acceded by the Agreement signed at Paris on 27 November 1990 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |date=25 June 1991 |access-date=4 March 2021 |archive-date=10 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510211032/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:42000A0922%2804%29:EN:NOT |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1995|3|26}}<ref name="1995states"/> |- |{{flag|Sweden}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|449964}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Sweden}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1996|12|19}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007477.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 on the gradual abolition of controls at the contracting parties' common borders |access-date=31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050807/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007477.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2001|3|25}}<ref name="2001enlarge"/> |- |{{flag|Switzerland}}{{refn||name=associated|group=Note}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|41285}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{UN_Population|Switzerland}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2004|10|26}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=2004085 |title=Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation's association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis |access-date=1 November 2014 |publisher=Council of the European Union |archive-date=20 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020171105/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=2004085 |url-status=live }}</ref> |style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2008|12|12}}<ref name="switz">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32008D0903 |title=COUNCIL DECISION of 27 November 2008 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Swiss Confederation |date=5 December 2008 |access-date=27 October 2014 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=327/15 |archive-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507122305/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32008D0903 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|For sea and land borders; since 29 March 2009 also for air borders.<ref name="switz"/>|group=Note}} |- !{{flag|EU|name=Schengen Area}} !style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|4595131}} !style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|453234255}} !style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1985|6|14}}<ref name="origsign"/> !style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1995|3|26}}<ref name="1995states"/> |}
{|class="wikitable sortable" |+Non-Schengen states with open or semi-open borders |- ! State ! Area<br />(km<sup>2</sup>) ! Population{{UN_Population|ref}}<br />({{UN_Population|Year}}) |- |{{flag|Andorra}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|467.63}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Andorra}} |- |{{flag|Monaco}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|2.02}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Monaco}} |- |{{flag|San Marino}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|61.2}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|San Marino}} |- |{{flag|Vatican City}} |style="text-align:right;"|{{nts|0.49}} |style="text-align:right" |{{UN_Population|Holy See}} |}
=== Notes === {{Reflist|group="Note"|2}}
== Potential enlargement == <!-- Please do not add Gibraltar to this section. Access to Schengen does not mean membership. The status is described in a separate section below. -->
{{Supranational European Bodies|align=right|size=400px}} The procedure to join the Schengen Area is that the European Commission evaluates certain criteria. These criteria include border control legislation, infrastructure and organisation, personal data protection, visas, deportations, police cooperation and more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/eu-experts-due-in-cyprus-to-assess-schengen-acquis-implementation/|title=EU experts due in Cyprus to assess Schengen acquis implementation|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929211927/https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/eu-experts-due-in-cyprus-to-assess-schengen-acquis-implementation/|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a positive evaluation, the Schengen members of the Council of the European Union decides unanimously together with the European Parliament to accept the new member.
===Cyprus=== Cyprus as EU member state is committed by its Treaty of Accession to join the Schengen Area eventually. However, before fully implementing the Schengen rules, the state must have its preparedness assessed in four areas: air borders, visas, police cooperation, and personal data protection. This evaluation process involves a questionnaire and visits by EU experts to selected institutions and workplaces in the country under assessment.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/justice_freedom_security/free_movement_of_persons_asylum_immigration/l33020_en.htm |title= The Schengen Area and cooperation |publisher= Europa |date= 3 August 2009 |access-date= 11 September 2011 |archive-date= 18 May 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110518163743/http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/justice_freedom_security/free_movement_of_persons_asylum_immigration/l33020_en.htm |url-status= live }}</ref>
Although Cyprus, which joined the EU on 1 May 2004, is legally bound to join the Schengen Area, implementation has been delayed because of the Cyprus dispute. According to former Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Lillikas, "strict and full control based on Schengen will create a huge tribulation on a daily basis for the Turkish Cypriots" of Northern Cyprus, and it is unclear if this control is possible before the resolution of the dispute.<ref name="mfacy">{{cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/Embassies/BerlinEmbassy.nsf/All/9E3EA74BCAD066E5C125727D00493F03?OpenDocument&print |title=Foreign Minister says Cyprus not to join Schengen before 2010 |publisher=Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Berlin |access-date=3 February 2010 |archive-date=8 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908075812/http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/Embassies/BerlinEmbassy.nsf/All/9E3EA74BCAD066E5C125727D00493F03?OpenDocument&print |url-status=dead }}</ref> The British Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, a British Overseas Territory which is outside the EU, also needs "other handling and mechanisms".<ref name="mfacy"/> Akrotiri and Dhekelia has no border control to Cyprus, but has its own border control at its air base.
In November 2019, Cyprus's Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Christodoulides revealed that Cyprus formally began the process of joining the Schengen Area in September.<ref name="Charalambous">{{cite web | url = https://in-cyprus.com/cyprus-submitted-application-to-enter-schengen-area-in-september/ | title = Cyprus submitted application to enter Schengen area in September | date = 4 November 2019 | editor = Annie Charalambous | newspaper = In Cyprus | access-date = 20 November 2019 | archive-date = 5 November 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191105161023/https://in-cyprus.com/cyprus-submitted-application-to-enter-schengen-area-in-september/ | url-status = live }}</ref> In July 2023, Cyprus joined the Schengen Information System (SIS), which allows for cooperation on crime, immigration and other security-related matters within the Schengen Area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 July 2023 |title=Cyprus gains extra layer of access to Schengen, but not full membership |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/07/24/cyprus-gains-extra-layer-of-access-to-schengen-but-not-full-membership/ |access-date=22 August 2023 |website=cyprus-mail |language= |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202190054/https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/07/24/cyprus-gains-extra-layer-of-access-to-schengen-but-not-full-membership/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2023, the commission was to "verify that the necessary conditions for the application of the Schengen acquis in the field of the Schengen Information System have been met".<ref>{{cite web |title=State of Schengen report 2023 |work=European Commission |date=16 May 2023 |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0274 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123034738/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0274 |url-status=live }}</ref> During the May 2025 Europe Day celebrations, President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’s strategic ambition to join the Schengen Area by 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/05/11/we-will-join-the-schengen-zone-in-2026|title=‘We will join the Schengen zone in 2026’|date=11 May 2025|website=Cyprus Mail}}</ref>
Following a high-level meeting in February 2026, Christodoulides and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their commitment to a 'fast-track' accession, with France offering technical expertise to help Cyprus meet final requirements for external-border management. Diplomatic backing, combined with a positive evaluation by European Commissioner Magnus Brunner in January 2026, has shifted the 2026 target from a local expectation to a shared European objective, with a decisive Council vote anticipated by December 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/01/23/commission-fully-supports-cyprus-joining-schengen-zone|title=Commission ‘fully supports’ Cyprus joining Schengen zone|date=23 January 2026|website=Cyprus Mail}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-02-12/cy/christodoulides-macron-reaffirm-fast-track-for-cyprus-schengen-accession/|title=Christodoulides & Macron Reaffirm Fast-Track for Cyprus’ Schengen Accession|date=12 February 2026|website=VisaHQ}}</ref>
==Territories of Schengen states outside the Area== There are territories of Schengen member states that are exempted from the Schengen Agreement. The only areas of Schengen member states located in Europe but excluded are the Faroe Islands and Svalbard.
===Danish territories=== The Danish territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland are neither part of the European Union nor part of the Schengen Area, and visas to Denmark are not automatically valid in these territories. However, both of these territories lack border controls on arrivals from the Schengen Area, and the air or sea carriers are responsible for carrying out document checks before boarding, as is common for travel inside the Schengen Area. Citizens of EU/EFTA countries can travel to the Faroes using a passport or a national ID card<ref name="visitfaroeislands.com">{{Cite web |title=Passport and Visa |url=https://visitfaroeislands.com/en/plan-your-stay/before-you-arrive-in-the-faroe-islands/passport-and-visa |access-date=29 June 2022 |website=visitfaroeislands.com |language=en |archive-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630171713/https://visitfaroeislands.com/en/plan-your-stay/before-you-arrive-in-the-faroe-islands/passport-and-visa |url-status=live }}</ref> and to Greenland using a passport,<ref name="Grønlands Repræsentation">{{Cite web |title=To and from Greenland |url=https://grl-rep.dk/en/pas/ |access-date=29 June 2022 |website=Grønlands Repræsentation |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625041859/https://grl-rep.dk/en/pas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden can use any acceptable identification such as driving licences or bank ID cards; although this is advised against since aircraft might be diverted to Scotland in bad weather.<ref name="visitfaroeislands.com" /><ref name="Grønlands Repræsentation" />
===Dutch territories=== Only the Netherlands' European territory is part of the Schengen Area. Six Dutch territories in the Caribbean are outside the Area. Three of these territories – Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (collectively known as the BES islands) – are special municipalities within the Netherlands proper. The other three – Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten – are autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. All islands retain their status as overseas countries and territories and are thus not part of the European Union. The six territories have a separate visa system from the European part of the Netherlands and people travelling between these islands and the Schengen Area are subjected to full border checks, with a passport being required even for EU/Schengen citizens, including Dutch (national ID cards are not accepted).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/paspoort-en-identiteitskaart/vraag-en-antwoord/naar-welke-landen-reizen-met-nederlandse-identiteitskaart |title=Naar welke landen kan ik reizen met de Nederlandse identiteitskaart? |date=12 January 2017 |publisher=Rijksoverheid (Dutch government)}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
===French territories=== The French overseas departments of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion, and the overseas collectivity of Saint Martin are part of the European Union but do not form part of the Schengen Area; so one cannot travel there with a Schengen Visa. The freedom of movement provisions of the EU apply, but each territory operates its own visa regime for non-European Economic Area (EEA), non-Swiss nationals. While a visa valid for one of these territories will be valid for all, visa exemption lists differ.<ref>{{cite web|title=French Overseas Departments (DOM) and French Overseas Territories (TOM) |url=http://www.consulfrance-newyork.org/spip.php?article368 |publisher=Consulate General of France in New York |access-date=31 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706030116/http://www.consulfrance-newyork.org/spip.php?article368 |archive-date=6 July 2010}}</ref> A Schengen visa, even one issued by France, is not valid for these territories. A visa for Sint Maarten (which is valid for travelling to the Dutch side of the island of Saint Martin) is also valid for the French side.<ref>{{cite web|title=Visas for the French Overseas Departments and Territories |url=http://www.consulfrance-lecap.org/spip.php?article342#Visas-for-the-French-Overseas |publisher=French Consulate of Cape Town |access-date=29 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517004621/http://www.consulfrance-lecap.org/spip.php?article342 |archive-date=17 May 2011}}</ref> France also has several territories which are neither part of the EU nor the Schengen Area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.consulfrance-atlanta.org/IMG/html/visas_for_france.htm#tomUS |title=VISAS FOR FRANCE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826204433/http://www.consulfrance-atlanta.org/IMG/html/visas_for_france.htm |archive-date=26 August 2011}}</ref> These are: French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, New Caledonia, Saint Barthélemy, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, and Wallis and Futuna.
===Norwegian territories=== Svalbard is part of Norway and has a special status under international law. It is not part of the Schengen Area. There is no visa regime for Svalbard for entry, residence, or work,<ref name="svalbard">{{cite web|title=Entry and residence |url=http://www.sysselmannen.no/hovedEnkel.aspx?m=45270 |access-date=11 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723003904/http://www.sysselmannen.no/hovedEnkel.aspx?m=45270 |archive-date=23 July 2011}}</ref> but it is difficult to visit Svalbard without travelling through the Schengen Area,<ref name="svalbard"/> although there are charter flights from Russia. Since 2011, the Norwegian government has imposed systematic border checks on individuals wishing to enter and leave Svalbard, requiring a passport or national identity card.<ref name=FAQvisitsvalbard>{{cite web |url=https://en.visitsvalbard.com/visitor-information/faq |title=FAQ Visit Svalbard |publisher=Visit Svalbard |access-date=2026-01-21}}</ref> A double or multiple-entry visa is required for those who need a visa to enter Norway.<ref name=FAQvisitsvalbard/> As a result, the border between Svalbard and the rest of Norway is largely treated like any other external Schengen border.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spitsbergen-svalbard.net/2010/12/21/pass-control-in-longyearbyen.html |title=Pass control in Longyearbyen |publisher=Spitsbergen-svalbard.net |access-date=12 October 2013}}</ref>{{Request quotation|date=April 2024|reason=Seems to contradict other information; web server currently unreachable.}} A Schengen visa must be multiple-entry to allow return to Norway.<ref name="sysselmannen"/> There is no welfare or asylum system for immigrants on Svalbard, and people who are incapable of supporting themselves may be sent away.<ref name="sysselmannen">{{cite web|url=http://www.sysselmannen.no/hovedEnkel.aspx?m=45270|title=Entry and residence |access-date=11 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723003904/http://www.sysselmannen.no/hovedEnkel.aspx?m=45270 |archive-date=23 July 2011}}</ref>
==European microstates and Gibraltar <span class="anchor" id="European microstates"></span>== {{Main|Microstates and the European Union#Future of relations}}
Four European microstates — Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City — are not officially part of the Schengen Area, but are considered de facto within the Schengen Area, as they have open or semi-open borders and do not conduct systematic border controls with the Schengen countries that surround them. Some national laws have the text "countries against which border control is not performed based on the Schengen Agreement and the 562/2006 EU regulation", which then includes the microstates and other non-EU areas with open borders.<ref>[https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/Dokument-Lagar/Lagar/Svenskforfattningssamling/sfs_sfs-1978-302/ Passlag (1978:302)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012650/https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/Dokument-Lagar/Lagar/Svenskforfattningssamling/sfs_sfs-1978-302/ |date=5 March 2016 }} (in Swedish)</ref>
In 2015, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino began negotiating an Association Agreement with the EU. Monaco left the negotiations in 2023, while an agreement for Andorra and San Marino was expected to be concluded in 2024. Andorra's ambassador to Spain, Jaume Gaytán, stated in 2015 that he hoped that the agreement would include provisions to make the states associate members of the Schengen Agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thediplomatinspain.com/en-un-par-de-anos-andorra-podra-formar-parte-del-espacio-schengen/|title=En un par de años Andorra podrá formar parte del Espacio Schengen|access-date=26 October 2015|first=Alberto|last=Rubio|date=26 October 2015|archive-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020170939/http://thediplomatinspain.com/en-un-par-de-anos-andorra-podra-formar-parte-del-espacio-schengen/|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the final text only concerned free movement of people and not border control issues. However, on 30 May 2024, the Council of the European Union authorised the opening of negotiations for agreements between the European Union and Andorra and San Marino, respectively, in order to create a legal basis for the absence of border controls between these countries and the Schengen area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401693|title=COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2024/1693 of 30 May 2024 authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and the Principality of Andorra on several aspects in the field of border management|access-date=15 June 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615071537/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401693|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-9837-2024-INIT/en/pdf|title=COUNCIL DECISION authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and the Republic of San Marino on several aspects in the field of border management|access-date=15 June 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615171018/https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-9837-2024-INIT/en/pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Andorra=== [[File:The border between España and Andorra.jpg|thumb|The border checkpoint in La Farga de Moles on the Andorra–Spain border]]
Access to the Principality of Andorra is restricted to road or helicopter transport through the neighbouring Schengen Area members, France and Spain. While the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported in June 2024 that Andorra maintains ''de facto'' open borders, the country is not officially part of the Schengen Area nor the European Union.<ref name="amt.de">{{cite web |title=Schengener Übereinkommen |url=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/visa-und-aufenthalt/schengen/207786?enodia=eyJleHAiOjE3MTczMzYyNTYsImNvbnRlbnQiOnRydWUsImF1ZCI6ImF1dGgiLCJIb3N0Ijoid3d3LmF1c3dhZXJ0aWdlcy1hbXQuZGUiLCJTb3VyY2VJUCI6IjE5Mi40Mi4xMTYuMTgzIiwiQ29uZmlnSUQiOiI4ZGFkY2UxMjVmZDJjMzkzMmI5NDNiNTJlOWQyY2Q2NTA1NzU0ZTE2MjIxMmEyY2UxYmI1YWYxNWMwZDRiYmZlIn0=.Kmo7KJpPY6Jl7kyHVksveFQ4y_OtZZWpLfDh6My6ZXI=#content_6 |website=auswaertiges-amt.de |publisher=German Ministry of Foreign Affairs |access-date=2 June 2024 |language=de |archive-date=2 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602132826/https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/visa-und-aufenthalt/schengen/207786?enodia=eyJleHAiOjE3MTczMzYyNTYsImNvbnRlbnQiOnRydWUsImF1ZCI6ImF1dGgiLCJIb3N0Ijoid3d3LmF1c3dhZXJ0aWdlcy1hbXQuZGUiLCJTb3VyY2VJUCI6IjE5Mi40Mi4xMTYuMTgzIiwiQ29uZmlnSUQiOiI4ZGFkY2UxMjVmZDJjMzkzMmI5NDNiNTJlOWQyY2Q2NTA1NzU0ZTE2MjIxMmEyY2UxYmI1YWYxNWMwZDRiYmZlIn0=.Kmo7KJpPY6Jl7kyHVksveFQ4y_OtZZWpLfDh6My6ZXI=#content_6 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The country does not maintain its own visa requirements, EU citizens may enter with a national identity card or passport, while all other nationalities require a valid passport or equivalent. Travelers requiring a visa to enter the Schengen Area must possess a multiple-entry visa to visit Andorra, as entering the principality constitutes an exit from the Schengen zone and requires a new entry to return to France or Spain.<ref name="open">{{cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52012SC0388 |title=Obstacles to access by Andorra, Monaco and San Marino to the EU's Internal Market and Cooperation in other Areas |year=2012 |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-date=22 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022032640/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A52012SC0388 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://visitandorra.com/en/the-country/travelling-advice|title=Travelling advice|access-date=18 July 2013|publisher=Andorra Turisme SAU|archive-date=24 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324221549/http://visitandorra.com/en/the-country/travelling-advice/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Although systematic border controls are absent, checkpoints exist primarily for customs enforcement rather than immigration. These controls are more frequent for travellers departing Andorra due to the country's significantly lower tax rates, including a standard VAT of only 4.5%.
Andorra remains exempt from the European Union's biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) to ensure that road traffic between the principality and its neighbours remains fluid.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-03-31/es/andorra-secures-exemption-from-eu-entryexit-system-preserving-seamless-road-links-with-spain/|title=Andorra secures exemption from EU Entry/Exit System, preserving seamless road links with Spain|date=1 April 2026|website=VisaHQ}}</ref>
===Liechtenstein=== thumb|Borders of Liechtenstein and Switzerland The Principality of Liechtenstein has been a member of the Schengen Area since 2011. As a landlocked state without its own international airport, the country relies on its neighbours for primary transit. The heliport at Balzers does not maintain border checks, as all arriving and departing flights are restricted to destinations within the Schengen Area.
===Monaco=== [[File:Panoramio - V&A Dudush - Avenue Princesse Grace (1).jpg|thumb|Avenue Princesse Grace marks the open land entrance into Monaco]] The Principality of Monaco and France maintain an entirely open land border, which is facilitated by the 1963 Convention on Good Neighbourly Relations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Access by road |url=https://www.visitmonaco.com/en/plan-your-stay/access-and-transport/getting-to-the-principality/access-by-road |website=visit Monaco |quote=The Principality of Monaco is freely accessible via its land borders.}}</ref> Although Monaco is not an official member of the European Union or a formal signatory to the Schengen Agreement, its territory is administered as an integral part of the Schengen Area due to its longstanding customs union with France. The movement of persons and goods between the two nations occurs without permanent immigration checkpoints or physical barriers.
Despite the absence of land controls, both French and Monégasque authorities carry out coordinated security and immigration checks at Monaco’s seaport and the Fontvieille heliport. The maritime border is particularly scrutinized by the Maritime and Airport Police Division to ensure that vessels entering the Principality from outside the Schengen zone comply with European security standards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marine and Airport Police Division |url=https://www.gouv.mc/en/directory-of-government-departments/ministry-of-interior/police-department/marine-and-airport-police-division |website=Gouvernement Princier de Monaco}}</ref>
Additionally, while the country lacks its own visa policy, foreigners wishing to reside in Monaco for longer than three months must apply for a Monégasque residence permit, a process that requires close administrative cooperation with the French government.
===San Marino=== Republic of San Marino maintains an entirely open border with Italy, functioning as a de facto member of the Schengen Area despite not being a formal signatory of the agreement. Although it is not a member state of the European Union, there are no physical barriers or permanent immigration controls at the frontier, allowing for the free flow of pedestrians and vehicles between the two nations.
Due to its landlocked position and the absence of a commercial airport or seaport, San Marino depends exclusively on Italian infrastructure for international travel. As a result of this geographic integration and the open border policy, visitors crossing from Italy encounter no passport control and do not receive entry stamps.
Regulatory requirements apply for long-term visits, foreigners must hold a stay permit or residence in order to stay in San Marino for periods exceeding 30 days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Information for those who visit San Marino |url=https://www.esteri.sm/pub1/EsteriSM/en/Servizi-per-utenza/Informazioni-per-chi-visita-SMR.html |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs}}</ref>
===Vatican City=== thumb|The Arco delle Campane entrance to Vatican City from Italy
The Vatican City maintains an open border with Italy, though it remains a sovereign entity outside of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Because no formal customs union exists between the Holy See and Italy, all goods and vehicles crossing the border remain legally subject to customs oversight and potential inspections.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eeas.europa.eu/un-rome/european-union-and-holy-see_en|title=The European Union and the Holy See |date=12 September 2025|website=The Diplomatic Service of the European Union}}</ref> However, the implementation of traditional border infrastructure is considered impractical due to the state's total land area of only 0.49 km² and its massive influx of visitors, which can reach up to 25,000 daily during peak periods.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2025/07/31/overcrowded-vatican-city-and-other-european-micro-countries-top-overtourism-report/|title=Vatican City And Other European Micro Countries Top Overtourism Report |date=31 July 2025|website=Forbes}}</ref> As an enclave entirely surrounded by the city of Rome, the Vatican relies on a porous perimeter, most notably defined by a travertine line across St. Peter's Square, to accommodate millions of annual visitors.
The Vatican City has no airport or seaport, making it entirely dependent on Italian infrastructure for the transit of goods and people. While it possesses a small heliport for official use and a short railway connected to the Italian network, all international freight must arrive via Italian ports or airports before being transported by road into the enclave.
Vehicular entry is restricted to specific checkpoints, primarily the Sant'Anna Gate, which serves as the main commercial and logistical entrance, though other gates such as the Arco delle Campane and Porta del Perugino are also used for authorized traffic. At these points, the Pontifical Swiss Guard and the Corps of Gendarmerie verify authorizations. Due to the lack of formal immigration checkpoints at its borders, the Vatican does not issue stamps to passports for visitors entering the territory.
The Vatican City contains no hotels or commercial lodging for tourists or the general public. All visitors, pilgrims, and tourists stay in the surrounding city of Rome, as the only residents of the Vatican are clergy, Swiss Guards, and specific employees authorized to live within the walls.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.garfors.com/post/staying-overnight-in-the-country-with-no-hotels|title=Staying Overnight in the Country with no Hotels |date=27 November 2017|website=The Garfors Globe}}</ref>
===Gibraltar=== {{See also|Effect of Brexit on Gibraltar}} [[File:Gibraltar Border.jpg|thumb|The Gibraltar/Spain border in 2004 with the Rock of Gibraltar in the background]]
As a result of Brexit, Gibraltar ceased to be part of the European Union on 31 January 2020, although for most purposes it was treated as part of it during the transition phase until 31 December 2020. Like the United Kingdom, it had not been part of the Schengen Area but, unlike the United Kingdom, Gibraltar had also been outside of the EU customs union.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/uploads/Brexit%20Page/20200921-TN%20-%20FR%20-%20Border%20-%20Goods.pdf |publisher= Government of Gibraltar |title= Technical Notice (2): Getting ready for the end of the Transition Period. |date= 21 September 2020 |access-date= 14 January 2021 |archive-date= 17 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210117055427/https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/uploads/Brexit%20Page/20200921-TN%20-%20FR%20-%20Border%20-%20Goods.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> Owing to a declaration lodged by the United Kingdom with the EEC in 1982, in view of the entry into force of the British Nationality Act 1981, Gibraltarians had been counted as British nationals for the purposes of Community law, and as such they had enjoyed full free movement within the European Economic Area and Switzerland.<ref name="1982declaration">{{cite web | url=http://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?docid=46193&doclang=EN | title=Judgement of the court in Case C-192/99 | quote=In 1982, in view of the entry into force of the British Nationality Act 1981, the United Kingdom Government lodged with the Italian Government, as depositary of the Treaties, the 1982 Declaration, which replaced the 1972 Declaration with effect from 1 January 1983. The 1982 Declaration provides: 'As to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the terms "nationals", "nationals of Member States" or "nationals of Member States and overseas countries and territories", wherever used in the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community or the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community or in any of the Community acts deriving from those Treaties, are to be understood to refer to: (a) British citizens; (b) Persons who are British subjects by virtue of Part IV of the British Nationality Act 1981 and who have the right of abode in the United Kingdom and are therefore exempt from United Kingdom immigration control; (c) British Dependent Territories citizens who acquire their citizenship from a connection with Gibraltar. | access-date=2 January 2021 | archive-date=10 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110151620/https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?docid=46193&doclang=EN | url-status=live }}</ref> During the Brexit transition period until 31 December 2020, Gibraltar was still for most purposes treated as an EU territory.
An agreement reached on 11 June 2025 established a framework for Gibraltar's post-Brexit relationship with the European Union, notably removing physical border checks at the La Línea crossing to facilitate free movement for all travellers and streamline the 15,000 daily crossings made by workers and visitors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/uk-eu-agreement-on-gibraltar-what-has-been-agreed/|title=UK–EU agreement on Gibraltar: What has been agreed?|date=19 June 2025|website=The House of Commons Library - UK Parliament}}</ref> To facilitate this, Gibraltar's "external" borders, the airport and seaport, became the primary control points. At these locations, travellers from the United Kingdom and third countries must pass through two separate checkpoints: one operated by the Gibraltar Borders and Coastguard Agency and a second Schengen check conducted by Spanish officials.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/26/spanish-border-force-patrol-gibraltar-under-brexit-deal/|title=Spanish border force to patrol Gibraltar under Starmer Brexit ‘betrayal’|date=26 February 2026|website=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> For the first time in history, Spanish police have a permanent, legal role inside Gibraltar’s airport and port.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spain to check passports of Brits flying to Gibraltar under post-Brexit deal|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/gibraltar-treaty-eu-uk-spain-brexit-b2928043.html|first=Kate|last=Devlin|date=26 February 2026|newspaper=The Independent}}</ref>
Under the terms of the treaty, residents of Gibraltar are exempt from the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the 90-day Schengen stay limit. However, British citizens who are not residents of Gibraltar are treated as third-country nationals, consequently, they must undergo biometric registration under the EES and have their time in Gibraltar count toward their 90-day Schengen visa-free allowance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/gibraltar-schengen-area-spain-brexit-b2957900.html|title=Gibraltar to align with Schengen area in time for summer holidays following post-Brexit deal|date=15 April 2026|website=The Independent}}</ref>
The legal text was finalized on 12 December 2025, and by 1 April 2026, the COREPER agreed on the texts for provisional application.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chronicle.gi/negotiators-complete-work-on-treaty-text-european-commission-confirms/|title=Negotiators complete work on treaty text, European Commission confirms|date=17 December 2025|website=Gibraltar Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/04/01/eu-uk-relations-member-states-greenlight-eu-uk-deal-on-gibraltar/|title=EU-UK relations: member states greenlight EU-UK deal on Gibraltar|date=1 April 2026|website=Council of the European Union}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/press-releases/hmgog-celebrates-unanimous-treaty-approval-by-eu-member-states-and-welcomes-certainty-on-implementation-date-for-15th-of-july-2342026-11855|title=HMGoG Celebrates Unanimous Treaty Approval by EU Member States and Welcomes Certainty on Implementation Date for 15th of July - 234/2026|date=1 April 2026|website=HM Government of Gibraltar}}</ref> While expected to enter into force on 15 July 2026, the agreement still awaits formal ratification by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. While the agreement implements Schengen rules, Gibraltar will not officially become part of the Schengen Area.
==Opt-outs <span class="anchor" id="EU member states and former EU member states with opt-outs"></span>== {{further|opt-outs in the European Union}} When the Schengen Agreement was incorporated into the Treaties of the European Union, two current members and one former member negotiated opt-outs from some or all of its provisions.
===Denmark=== Denmark maintains a specific opt-out from the broader AFSJ policy area, but has adopted the Schengen acquis on an intergovernmental basis. The autonomous territories of Greenland and Faroe Islands are excluded from the application of these provisions. As a result of this opt-out, Denmark does not have voting rights for introductions and revocations of measures applied to the Schengen Area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Schengen, your gateway to free movement in Europe |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/66587/20230477_pdf_qc0423067enn_002.pdf |website=Council of the European Union}}</ref>
===Ireland=== [[File:British–European Union frontier in Ireland.svg|thumb|Republic of Ireland–United Kingdom border, Ireland and the UK keep their borders open through the Common Travel Area]]
When EU states were negotiating the Treaty of Amsterdam (that incorporated the Agreement into EU law), Ireland (and the United Kingdom, which was then a member of the EU) were the only member states that had not already signed the Agreement. The UK chose not to join Schengen and, as Ireland wished to maintain its Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom and associated islands (an arrangement that would be incompatible with Schengen membership while the UK remained out), Ireland also declined to join. As a result, both negotiated an opt-out from the part of the treaty which was to incorporate the Schengen ''acquis'' (rules) into EU Law when it came into effect on 1 May 1999.<ref>See Article 4 of Protocol (No 19) on the Schengen Acquis integrated into the framework of the European Union ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:12016E/PRO/19 Consolidated versions of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union]).</ref> Under the relevant protocol, Ireland may opt-in to participate in aspects of the Schengen {{lang|fr|acquis}} provided their request is approved by the Schengen states.<ref>See Article 4 of Protocol (No 19) on the Schengen Acquis integrated into the framework of the European Union ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:12016E/PRO/19 Consolidated versions of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110170123/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/HU/ALL/?uri=CELEX:12016ME/TXT |date=10 November 2022 }}) and the decision of the European Court of Justice in Cases [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:62005CJ0077 C-77/05] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417190729/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A62005CJ0077 |date=17 April 2022 }} and [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:62005CJ0137 C-137/05] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511211057/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A62005CJ0137 |date=11 May 2022 }} ''United Kingdom v Council''.</ref>
Despite Brexit, Ireland continues to operate the Common Travel Area and is unlikely to join the Schengen Area for the foreseeable future, because it wants to keep open its land border with the UK.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/britain-guarantees-common-travel-area-without-qualification-1.2957889 |title=Britain guarantees common travel area 'without qualification' |newspaper=The Irish Times |archive-date=11 November 2020 |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111200055/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/britain-guarantees-common-travel-area-without-qualification-1.2957889 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Ireland initially submitted a request to participate in the Schengen {{lang|fr|acquis}} in 2002, which was approved by the Council of the European Union,<ref>Council Decision (2002/192/EC) of 28 February 2002 concerning Ireland's request to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32002D0192 OJ L 64, 7 March 2002 p. 20] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020095637/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32002D0192 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref> that decision took nearly eighteen years to be put into effect. In February 2010 the Irish Minister for Justice, in response to a parliamentary question, said that: "The measures which will enable Ireland to meet its Schengen requirements are currently being progressed".<ref name="irishquestion09">[http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=DAL20091210.xml&Ex=All&Page=14 Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern, ''Dáil Debates'' volume 698 number 1: Priority Questions—International Agreements (10 December 2009)].</ref> Ireland joined the law enforcement aspect of SIS II on 1 January 2021 with plans to have "full operational capacity" two months later.<ref name="RTE201218">{{cite news | title= Ireland to join EU police database from 1 January as UK leaves | url= https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/1218/1185318-eu-security-system/ | author= Sean Whelan | work= RTE News | date= 18 December 2020 | access-date= 28 December 2020 | archive-date= 25 December 2020 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201225231700/https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/1218/1185318-eu-security-system/ | url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32020D1745 |title=COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2020/1745 of 18 November 2020 on the putting into effect of the provisions of the Schengen acquis on data protection and on the provisional putting into effect of certain provisions of the Schengen acquis in Ireland |publisher=EUR-Lex |access-date=4 March 2021 |archive-date=17 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817055540/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32020D1745 |url-status=live }}</ref> Henceforth, Ireland is connected to the SIS II, and systematically checks all identity documents on SIS II at airports and designated ports of entry (including flights from the UK).
===United Kingdom=== [[File:Eurotunnel Calais Terminal French Border Checkpoint.jpg|thumb|The French border checkpoints at the Eurotunnel Calais Terminal in Coquelles, where travellers undergo exit checks before leaving the Schengen Area for the United Kingdom]]
As noted above, the UK declined to participate in the Schengen agreement and secured an opt-out from it. In 1999, the UK formally requested participation in certain provisions of the Schengen {{lang|fr|acquis}}{{snd}}Title III relating to Police Security and Judicial Cooperation, and this request was approved by the Council of the European Union on 29 May 2000.<ref>Council Decision (2000/365/EC) of 29 May 2000 concerning the request of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32000D0365 OJ L 131, 1 June 2000, p. 43] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224204704/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32000D0365 |date=24 February 2021 }})</ref> The United Kingdom's formal participation in the previously approved areas of cooperation was put into effect by a 2004 Council decision that came into effect on 1 January 2005.<ref>Council Decision (2004/926/EC) of 22 December 2004 on the putting into effect of parts of the Schengen acquis by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32004D0926:EN:NOT OJ L 395, 31 December 2004, p. 70])</ref> Although the United Kingdom was not part of the Schengen passport-free area,<ref>{{cite web|title=Schengen Area|url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/index_en.htm|website=ec.europa.eu|publisher=European Commission|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-date=29 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129222243/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/index_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> it still used the Schengen Information System, a governmental database used by European countries to store and disseminate information on individuals and property. This allowed the UK to exchange information with countries that are a part of the Schengen agreement, often for the sake of liaising over law enforcement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Schengen Information System|url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen-information-system/index_en.htm|website=ec.europa.eu|publisher=European Commission|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122073210/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen-information-system/index_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union and the Schengen accords ceased to apply to it. The UK declared its intent to withdraw from these arrangements at the end of its transition period, and did so on 31 December 2020.
==Economics== Total trade between any two countries in the Schengen Area increases by approximately 0.1% per year. The same amount of increase in trade is gained again for every 1% annual increase in immigration between the countries.<ref name="TWE">{{Cite journal| title = The Positive Effects of the Schengen Agreement on European Trade| journal = The World Economy| volume = 37| issue = 11| pages = 1541–1557|vauthors=Davis D, Gift T | date = 24 March 2014| doi = 10.1111/twec.12158| s2cid = 154794917}}</ref><ref name="europarl">{{Cite web| title = The economic impact of suspending Schengen| author = European Parliamentary Research Service| date = March 2016| access-date = 15 June 2017| url = http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2016/579074/EPRS_ATA(2016)579074_EN.pdf| archive-date = 23 December 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221223191747/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2016/579074/EPRS_ATA(2016)579074_EN.pdf| url-status = live}}</ref> On average, at each border the removal of controls is equivalent to the removal of a 0.7% tariff, and the cost savings on a trade route increase with the number of internal borders crossed. Countries outside of the Schengen Area also benefit.<ref name="CEPR">{{Cite web| title = Trade costs of border controls in the Schengen area| vauthors = Felbermayr G, Gröschl J, Steinwachs T| work = Centre for Economic Policy Research| date = 27 April 2016| access-date = 15 June 2017| url = http://voxeu.org/article/trade-costs-border-controls-schengen-area| archive-date = 25 May 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220525032039/https://voxeu.org/article/trade-costs-border-controls-schengen-area| url-status = live}} See also: {{Cite web| title = The Trade Effect of Border Controls: Evidence from the European Schengen Agreement| vauthors = Felbermayr G, Gröschl J, Steinwachs T| date = March 2017| access-date = 15 June 2017| url = http://www.eria.org/ERIA-DP-2016-36.pdf| archive-date = 20 October 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171020170324/http://www.eria.org/ERIA-DP-2016-36.pdf| url-status = live}}</ref>
===Movement of people=== About 1.7 million people commute to work across a European border each day, and in some regions these people constitute up to a third of the workforce. For example, 2.1% of the workers in Hungary work in another country, primarily Austria and Slovakia. Each year, there are 1.3 billion crossings of Schengen borders in total. 57 million crossings are due to transport of goods by road, with a value of €2.8 trillion each year.<ref name="europarl"/><ref>{{Cite web| title = The Future of Schengen| author = European Council on Foreign Relations| date = 2016| access-date = 15 June 2017| url = http://www.ecfr.eu/specials/scorecard/schengen_flash_scorecard| archive-date = 26 June 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170626232022/http://www.ecfr.eu/specials/scorecard/schengen_flash_scorecard| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| title = Schengen's economic impact: Putting up barriers| newspaper = The Economist| date = 6 February 2016| access-date = 15 June 2017| url = https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21690065-permanent-reintroduction-border-controls-would-harm-trade-europe-putting-up-barriers| archive-date = 15 May 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180515144644/https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21690065-permanent-reintroduction-border-controls-would-harm-trade-europe-putting-up-barriers| url-status = live}}</ref> The trade in goods is affected more strongly than trade in services, and the decrease in the cost of trade varies from 0.42% to 1.59% depending on geography, trade partners, and other factors.<ref name="CEPR"/>
===Transit of goods=== The Single Administrative Document (SAD) is a customs declaration form used for goods entering or exiting the European Union. Traders and agents can use the SAD to assist with declaring import, export, transit and community status declarations in manual processing situations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/single-administrative-document-sad_en|title=The single administrative document (SAD) – European Commission|website=taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu|access-date=4 April 2024|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331035345/https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/single-administrative-document-sad_en|url-status=live}}</ref>
The TIR Convention procedure is used for transit operations that begin, end, or travel in a third, non-EU country that is a signatory to the convention.
A Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) can be produced at the point of departure or by an authorised consignor. It includes a barcode and the movement reference number that matches the transit declaration. This is useful if goods are diverted or delayed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2016-09/guidance_transit_info_changes_ucc_en.pdf|title=EU customs document TAXUD/A2/TRA/001/2016 -REV. 1-EN}}</ref>
EORI numbers are an official link to a specific registered address of a business concerned with arranging the export, import or movement of goods across the EU. It may also link to official records (Union Customs Code) describing the nature of the goods and the identity of vehicles or hauliers to be used.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/;ELX_SESSIONID=ybKbJYTfQqCQtzT0J0Pj8wfNTwRRkDJY2pDgT57yQkHZmnyTyH66!1423684890?qid=1423149246984&uri=CELEX:02013R0952-20131030 |title=Consolidated text: Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code (recast) |publisher=European Union |access-date=5 October 2024 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812172251/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/;ELX_SESSIONID=ybKbjYTfQqCQtzT0j0Pj8wfNTwRRkDjY2pDgT57yQkHzmnyTyH66!1423684890?qid=1423149246984&uri=CELEX:02013R0952-20131030 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Internal borders== thumb|200px|A Schengen internal border crossing looking into Germany from Austria. There is no border control post. A single common EU-state sign displays the name of the country being entered.
Before the implementation of the Schengen Agreement, most borders in Europe were patrolled and a vast network of border posts existed around the continent, to check the identity and entitlement of people wishing to travel from one country to another.
Since the implementation of the Schengen rules, border posts have been closed (and often entirely removed) between participating countries.
The ''Schengen Borders Code'' requires participating states to remove all obstacles to free traffic flow at internal borders.<ref>Article 22 of the former Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> Thus, road, rail and air passengers no longer have their identity checked by border guards when travelling between Schengen countries, although security controls by carriers are still permissible.<ref>{{nowrap|Article 21 (b)}} of the former Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> Per EU guidelines all EU citizens are advised to bring a passport or national identity card, as one may be required.
===Internal checks=== Although EU and EFTA nationals travelling within the Schengen Area are not required to show passports, national identity cards or other identity documents at an internal border, the laws of most countries still require them to carry national identity documents and to produce them to an authorised person on request.<ref name="entryexit">{{cite web|url=https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/index_en.htm |title=Documents you need for travel in Europe |access-date=27 December 2019}}</ref> Different rules apply to other nationals.<ref name="entryexit" /> It is the obligation of everyone travelling within the area to be able to show a fully valid form of personal identification accepted by other Schengen states, typically one issued by the state.<ref name="Travel documents for non-EU nationals">{{cite web |url=https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm |title=Travel documents for non-EU nationals |access-date=3 June 2018 |archive-date=15 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615080810/https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kefairport.is/English/Before-Departure/Passport-Control-Schengen/ |title=Passport Control & Schengen |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-date=22 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722022350/http://www.kefairport.is/English/Before-Departure/Passport-Control-Schengen/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
According to the Schengen rules, hotels and other types of commercial accommodation must register all foreign citizens, including citizens of other Schengen states, by requiring the completion of a registration form by their own hand. This does not apply to accompanying spouses and minor children or members of travel groups. In addition, a valid identification document has to be produced to the hotel manager or staff.<ref>Article 45 of the Schengen Convention.</ref> The Schengen rules do not require any other procedures; thus, the Schengen states are free to regulate further details on the content of the registration forms, and identity documents which are to be produced, and may also require the persons exempted from registration by Schengen laws to be registered. Enforcement of these rules varies by country.
The Schengen regulation on crossing internal borders<ref>[https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32006R0562 Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code)] See Title III Article 21</ref> describes the checks for foreigners done by the police at suitable places inside each country.{{clarify|date=June 2016}}
===Internal controls=== [[File:German-Danish Border.jpg|thumb|Temporary border controls conducted by the Danish Police in Kruså at the internal border with Germany]]
The European Union constitutes a customs union and a Value Added Tax area. However, not all Schengen states or all of the territory of Schengen states are part of the customs union or VAT area. Some countries therefore legally conduct customs controls targeted at illegal goods, such as drugs.
Security checks can legally be carried out at ports and airports. Also police checks can be conducted if they:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/399/oj/eng|title=EUR-Lex – 32016R0399 – EN – EUR-Lex|website=eur-lex.europa.eu|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=5 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105135251/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/399/oj/eng|url-status=live}}</ref> * do not have border control as an objective; * are based on general police information and experience regarding possible threats to public security and aim, in particular, to combat cross-border crime; * are devised and executed in a manner clearly distinct from systematic checks on persons at the external borders; * are carried out on the basis of spot-checks.
===Air travel=== [[File:RIX Schengen arrival.jpg|thumb|Schengen arrival gate at Rīga Airport (RIX)]] For flights within the Schengen Area (either between Schengen member states or within the same Schengen member state), law enforcement agencies, airport authorities and air carriers are permitted only to carry out ''security'' checks on passengers and may not carry out border checks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R0562|title=EUR-Lex – 32006R0562 – EN – EUR-Lex|website=eur-lex.europa.eu|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=25 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225025358/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R0562|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Commission report 2010">Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of Title III (Internal Borders) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52010DC0554 COM(2010) 554] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528051339/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52010DC0554 |date=28 May 2019 }}, pg 5–6</ref> Such security checks can be conducted through the verification of the passenger's passport or national identity card:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getAllAnswers.do?reference=E-2005-3037&language=EN |title=Answer given by Mr Frattini on behalf of the Commission |date=20 September 2005 |access-date=8 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/index_en.htm |title=Schengen, Borders & Visas |date=16 July 2012 |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-date=7 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207004503/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/index_en.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> such a practice must be used only to verify the passenger's identity (for commercial or transport security reasons) and not his or her immigration status.<ref name="Commission report 2010"/> However, before Romania and Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area, it was reported that undocumented refugees seeking to continue from Greece to other Schengen countries by air were not able to do so without fake identification documents.<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/flying-fake-id-refugees-path-less-travelled-europe-044652323.html Flying on a fake ID: refugees' path less travelled to Europe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307072608/https://news.yahoo.com/flying-fake-id-refugees-path-less-travelled-europe-044652323.html |date=7 March 2016 }} (Yahoo 21 October 2015)</ref> For this reason, law enforcement agencies, airport authorities and air carriers cannot require air passengers flying within the Schengen Area who are third-country nationals to prove the legality of their stay by showing a valid visa or residence permit.<ref name="Commission report 2010"/> In addition, according to European Commission guidelines, identity checks on air passengers flying within the Schengen Area should take place only either at check-in, or upon entry to the secured zone of the airport, or at the boarding gate: passengers should not be required to undergo a verification of their identity on more than one occasion before their flight within the Schengen Area.<ref name="Commission report 2010"/> The requirements as to which identity document to possess varies by country and airline. Normally a passport or EU national identity card is needed.{{citation needed|date=July 2025}}
Travellers boarding flights between Schengen countries, but originating from a third country outside the area, are required to go through Schengen entry border checks upon arrival in the Schengen Area. This is because the route originates outside the Schengen Area and the authorities at the final destination would have no way of differentiating between arriving passengers who boarded at the origin and those who joined in the middle. Additionally, travellers are required to process through Schengen exit border checks upon departure.
===Temporary border controls=== thumb|The yellow lines indicate internal Schengen land borders with ongoing temporary border controls and the red lines indicate the external Schengen land borders with full border controls.
A Schengen member state is permitted to reinstate border controls with another Schengen member state for a short period where there is a serious threat to that state's "public policy or internal security" or when the "control of an external border is no longer ensured due to exceptional circumstances".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20120608-european-union-schengen-border-control-migrants-refugees |title=EU agrees short-term border closures to block migrants |date=8 June 2012 |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-date=12 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712181401/http://www.france24.com/en/20120608-european-union-schengen-border-control-migrants-refugees |url-status=live }}</ref> When such risks arise out of foreseeable events, the state in question must notify the European Commission in advance and consult with other Schengen states.<ref>Chapter II of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref>
The introduction of temporary controls at internal borders is a prerogative of the member states. Although the European Commission may issue an opinion about the necessity and proportionality of introducing temporary controls at internal borders, it cannot veto or override such a decision if it is taken by a member state.<ref name="temporary_controls">{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/reintroduction-border-control/index_en.htm|title=Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control|date=6 December 2016|publisher=European Commission|access-date=24 May 2020|archive-date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122065253/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/reintroduction-border-control/index_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
In April 2022 the European Court of Justice clarified that temporary internal border controls cannot exceed a duration of six months for one and the same threat. Only in case of a new serious threat "the member state may apply such a measure afresh, even immediately after the six-month period has ended."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2022-04/cp220064en.pdf|title=Where there is a serious threat to its public policy or internal security, a Member State may reintroduce border control at its borders with other Member States, but without exceeding a maximum total duration of six months|date=26 April 2022|publisher=European Court of Justice|access-date=1 February 2024|archive-date=1 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201123403/https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2022-04/cp220064en.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=258262&pageIndex=0&doclang=EN&mode=lst&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=762043|title=ECLI:EU:C:2022:298, JUDGMENT OF THE COURT (Grand Chamber) in Joined Cases C‑368/20 and C‑369/20|date=26 April 2022|access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref> The ruling reinforced existing criticism of the quasi-permanent controls in several member states since 2015 as being an unlawful violation of the Schengen Code.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Salomon |first1=Stefan |last2=Rijpma |first2=Jorrit |date=2023 |title=A Europe Without Internal Frontiers: Challenging the Reintroduction of Border Controls in the Schengen Area in the Light of Union Citizenship |url=https://pure.uva.nl/ws/files/123714655/a_europe_without_internal_frontiers_challenging_the_reintroduction_of_border_controls_in_the_schengen_area_in_the_light_of_union_citizenship.pdf |journal=German Law Journal |volume=24 |issue=2 |pages=281–309 |doi=10.1017/glj.2021.60 |access-date=1 February 2024 |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214132843/https://pure.uva.nl/ws/files/123714655/a_europe_without_internal_frontiers_challenging_the_reintroduction_of_border_controls_in_the_schengen_area_in_the_light_of_union_citizenship.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://verfassungsblog.de/das-ende-von-schengen/ |title=Das Ende von Schengen? |last1=Mangold |first1=Anna Katharina |last2=Kompatscher |first2=Anna |journal=Verfassungsblog |date=23 February 2023 |doi=10.17176/20230223-185238-0 |access-date=1 February 2024 |archive-date=1 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201133343/https://verfassungsblog.de/das-ende-von-schengen/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Melchior |first=Sigrid |date=8 August 2022 |title=EU-experter: De svenska gränskontrollerna är olagliga |trans-title=EU Experts: The Swedish border controls are unlawful |url=https://www.dn.se/sverige/eu-experter-de-svenska-granskontrollerna-ar-olagliga/ |language=sv |work=Dagens Nyheter |location=Stockholm |access-date=1 February 2024 |archive-date=22 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922084842/https://www.dn.se/sverige/eu-experter-de-svenska-granskontrollerna-ar-olagliga/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Grenzkontrollen nach Dänemark laut Studie unverhältnismäßig |trans-title=Border controls on Danish border clearly disproportionate |url=https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/Grenzkontrollen-nach-Daenemark-laut-Studie-unverhaeltnismaessig,grenzkontrollen256.html |language=de |work=NDR |access-date=1 February 2024 |date=18 February 2023 |archive-date=1 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201133343/https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/Grenzkontrollen-nach-Daenemark-laut-Studie-unverhaeltnismaessig,grenzkontrollen256.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Temporary closures or the reinstatement of border controls within the Schengen Area have occurred during several significant events, most notably during the European migrant crisis in 2015, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
====Internal border controls currently in place====
The table below lists temporary internal border controls in place as of April 2026, according to the information that the member states have provided to the European Commission.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/schengen-area/temporary-reintroduction-border-control_en|title=Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control|date=13 October 2025|website=European Commission|access-date=4 April 2026}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable sortable" ! Member state ! Internal borders ! class=unsortable|Official reasons !colspan=2| Duration (currently planned)<!-- Please leave entries below blank until we have reliable source that reports that the controls have in fact ended. Wikipedia is not a crystal ball. The table footnote should be enough. --> |- |rowspan="2"|Austria |Land borders with Slovakia and Czech Republic |rowspan="2"|European migrant crisis, pressure on the asylum reception system, high migratory pressure at the EU's external border to Turkey and the Western Balkans, threat of arms trafficking and criminal networks due to the war in Ukraine, human smuggling |style="text-align:center;"|{{dts|16 April 2025}} |style="text-align:center;"|''{{dts|15 June 2026}}'' |- |Land borders with Hungary and Slovenia |style="text-align:center;"|{{dts|12 May 2025}} |style="text-align:center;"|''{{dts|15 June 2026}}'' |- |Denmark |Land and sea borders with Germany; all internal borders |European migrant crisis, Islamist terrorist threat, organised crime, smuggling, 2022 invasion of Ukraine, irregular migration along the Central Mediterranean route |style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|12 May 2025}} |style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|11 May 2026}}'' |- |France |Land borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain |Terrorism, European migrant crisis, 2022 invasion of Ukraine, increase in irregular entry flows at the external borders |style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|1 May 2025}} (renewed continuously since 13 November 2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ldh-france.org/retablissement-des-controles-aux-frontieres-interieures/|title=Rétablissement des contrôles aux frontières intérieures|date=17 October 2024|access-date=2 January 2025|archive-date=2 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102192633/https://www.ldh-france.org/retablissement-des-controles-aux-frontieres-interieures/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Notification to European Commission sent on 16 October 2015 (page 2): https://www.gisti.org/IMG/pdf/saisine_rep_prolongation-controle-frontieres-schengen.pdf</ref> |style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|30 April 2026}}'' |- |Germany |All internal borders |Terrorism, European migrant crisis, increase in irregular migration from Turkey through the Western Balkans, strain on the asylum reception system, human smuggling |style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|16 March 2026}} (renewed continuously since 16 September 2024)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-begins-expanded-border-controls-to-control-migration/a-70218944|title=Germany begins expanded border controls to control migration |website=Deutsche Welle }}</ref> |style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|15 September 2026}}'' |- |Italy |Land border with Slovenia |Gaza war, European migrant crisis, Islamist terrorist threat, security risks associated with the 2025 Jubilee |style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|19 June 2025}} |style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|18 June 2026}}'' |- |Netherlands |Land and air borders with Belgium and Germany |Irregular migration and migrant smuggling |style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|9 June 2025}} |style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|8 June 2026}}'' |- |Norway |Ports with ferry connections to the Schengen Area |2022 invasion of Ukraine, threat to critical on-shore and off-shore infrastructures |style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|12 May 2025}} |style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|11 May 2026}}'' |- |Poland |Land borders with Germany and Lithuania |Irregular migration and migrant smuggling |style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|6 August 2025}} |style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|1 October 2026}}'' |- |Slovenia |Land borders with Croatia and Hungary |Gaza war, 2022 invasion of Ukraine, European migrant crisis, Islamist terrorist threat, organised crime |style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|22 June 2025}} |style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|21 June 2026}}'' |- |Sweden |All internal borders |European migrant crisis, Islamist terrorist threat |style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|12 May 2025}} |style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|11 May 2026}}'' |}
==External borders== Participating countries are required to apply strict checks on travellers entering and exiting the Schengen Area. These checks are co-ordinated by the European Union's Frontex agency, and subject to common rules. The details of border controls, surveillance and the conditions under which permission to enter into the Schengen Area may be granted are exhaustively detailed in the Schengen Borders Code.<ref name="schengen borders code">Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref><ref name="Reg2016/399"/>
===Border checks=== [[File:Warsaw Spire 2019.jpg|thumb|200px|The Warsaw Spire, housing Frontex's headquarters]]
All persons crossing external borders—inbound or outbound—are subject to a check by a border guard. The only exception is for regular cross-border commuters (both those with the right of free movement and third-country nationals) who are well known to the border guards: once an initial check has shown that there is no alert on record relating to them in the Schengen Information System or national databases, they can only be subject to occasional "random" checks, rather than systematic checks every time they cross the border.<ref>Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 5.8 ([https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019, p. 45] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230025715/https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf |date=30 December 2020 }})</ref><ref>Annex VII of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref><ref>Annex VII, Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105080924/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 |date=5 November 2021 }})</ref>
Previously, EEA and Swiss citizens, as well as their family members enjoying the right of free movement, were subject only to a "minimum check" when crossing external borders. This meant that their travel document was subject only to a "rapid" and "straightforward" visual inspection and an optional check against databases for lost/stolen travel documents. Consultation of the Schengen Information System and other national databases to ensure that the traveller did not represent a security, public policy or health threat was only permitted on a strictly "non-systematic" basis where such a threat was "genuine", "present" and "sufficiently serious".<ref name="7-2-borders">Article 7(2) of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> In contrast, other travellers were subject to a "thorough check".<ref name="7-3-borders">Article 7(3) of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref>
However, after the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, at a meeting of the Council of the European Union on 20 November 2015, interior ministers from the Member States decided to "implement immediately the necessary systematic and coordinated checks at external borders, including on individuals enjoying the right of free movement".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/11/20/jha-conclusions-counter-terrorism/|title=Conclusions of the Council of the EU and of the Member States meeting within the Council on Counter-Terrorism|website=www.consilium.europa.eu|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=5 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105135247/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/11/20/jha-conclusions-counter-terrorism/|url-status=live}}</ref> Amendments were made to the Schengen Border Code to introduce systematic checks of the travel documents of EEA and Swiss citizens, as well as their family members enjoying the right of free movement, against relevant databases when crossing external borders.<ref name="Reg2017/458">Regulation (EU) 2017/458 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 amending Regulation (EU) 2016/399 as regards the reinforcement of checks against relevant databases at external borders ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32017R0458 OJ L 74, 18 March 2017, p.1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075400/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32017R0458 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref> The new regime came into force on 7 April 2017.
Where carrying out systematic checks against databases would have a disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic at an external border, such checks may be relaxed if, on the basis of a risk assessment, it is determined that it would not lead to a security risk.<ref name="Reg2017/458"/><ref name="Reg2016/399"/> {{how|date=September 2019}} <!-- add procedure here -->
In "exceptional" and "unforeseen" circumstances where waiting times become excessive, external border checks can be relaxed on a temporary basis.<ref>Article 9, Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105080924/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 |date=5 November 2021 }})</ref><ref>Article 8 of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> {{example needed|date=September 2019}}
Border guards carry out the following procedures when checking travellers who cross external borders:<ref name="Reg2017/458"/><ref name="Reg2016/399">Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105080924/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 |date=5 November 2021 }})</ref>
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%" |+List of checks performed at external borders ! rowspan=2|Procedure ! Rowspan=2|EU, EEA, Swiss citizens and family members with right of free movement ! colspan=2 | Third-country nationals |- ! (on entry) ! (on exit) |- |Checking the traveller's identity based on their travel document |{{Yes}} |{{Yes}} |{{Yes}} |- |Checking that the travel document is valid and has not expired |{{Yes}} |{{Yes}} |{{Yes}} |- |Checking the travel document for signs of falsification or counterfeiting |{{Yes}} |{{Yes}} |{{Yes}} |- |Checking the travel document for signs of falsification or counterfeiting using technical devices (e.g. UV light, magnifiers) |{{partial|Optional}} |{{partial|Optional}} |{{partial|Optional}} |- |Checking the authenticity of the data stored on the RFID chip (if the travel document is biometric) |{{partial|Optional}} |{{partial|Optional}} |{{partial|Optional}} |- |Checking the travel document against the list of stolen, misappropriated, lost and invalidated documents in the Schengen Information System, Interpol's SLTD database and other national databases |{{Yes}} |{{Yes}} |{{Yes}} |- |Consulting the Schengen Information System and other national databases to ensure that the traveller does not represent a threat to public policy, internal security, public health or international relations of any Schengen Member State |{{Yes}} |{{partial|Optional<br />(consultation of databases only "where necessary")}} |{{Yes}} |- |Registration in the EES: Passport scan and facial image capture (upon first entry, fingerprints taken as well for travellers aged 12 and over) |{{No}} |{{Yes}} |{{Yes}} |-
|Recording the traveller's entry/exit in a national database other than the EES |{{partial|Optional}} |{{partial|Optional}} |{{partial|Optional}} |- |Checking that the traveller has the appropriate visa/residence permit (if required) |{{No}} |{{Yes}} |{{partial|Optional}} |- |Checking the authenticity of the short-stay visa (if required) and the identity of its holder by consulting the Visa Information System<ref>This obligation does '''not''' apply to long-stay visas and residence permits, both of which are expressly outside the scope of [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32008R0767 Regulation (EC) No 767/2008 concerning the Visa Information System] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304083956/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=celex:32008R0767 |date=4 March 2021 }} (cf Article 4(1)).</ref> |{{No}} |{{Yes}} |{{partial|Optional}} |- |Verifying the traveller's point of departure and destination |{{No}} |{{Yes}} |{{No}} |- |Verifying the traveller's purpose of stay |{{No}} |{{Yes|Yes (with some exceptions)}}<ref name="Exempt TCNs">Some Schengen member states have exempted certain categories of travellers who are subject to a thorough check from the requirement to demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay, proof of onward/return journey and explaining their purpose of stay to the border guard at external border crossing points. For example, France exempts Andorran and Monégasque nationals, holders of residence permits and family reunification visas, diplomats, flight crew etc. from this requirement (see [http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/venir-en-france-22365/formalites-d-entree-en-france/article/controle-a-l-arrivee-en-france diplomatie.gouv.fr] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827092050/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/venir-en-france-22365/formalites-d-entree-en-france/article/controle-a-l-arrivee-en-france |date=27 August 2013 }}).</ref> |{{No}} |- |Verifying any documents/evidence to support the traveller's purported purpose of stay |{{No}} |{{partial|Optional (with some exceptions)}}<ref name="Exempt TCNs"/> |{{No}} |- |Verifying that the traveller has sufficient funds for their stay and onward/return journey (or that they are in a position to acquire such means lawfully) |{{No}} |{{Yes|Yes (with some exceptions)}}<ref name="Exempt TCNs"/> |{{No}} |}
[[File:20220630 Zapora na granicy polsko-białoruskiej 004.jpg|thumb|Polish Border Guard officers stationed by the Poland–Belarus border barrier]]
[[File:Daiga Mieriņa vizītē apmeklē valsts pierobežu 2024.gada 12.aprīlis - Daiga Mierina border visit, Latvia, 12 April 2024 - 3.jpg|thumb|A tall metal fence at the Latvia-Russia border]]
[[File:Lithuania_Belarus_border_barrier_in_2023.jpg|thumb|Barrier at the external border between Lithuania and Belarus]]
thumb|The Frontex patrol cars are equipped with thermal cameras, CO₂ sensors to detect hidden persons, and heartbeat detectors for cargo inspections
As shown by the table above, because many procedures are optional, border guards have discretion in deciding how rigorously they check travellers at external border crossing points. As a result, the length of time taken to perform checks differs between Schengen countries. Under the previous regime (whereby those with the right to freedom of movement were subject only to a "minimum check"), an entry check for an EEA or Swiss citizen took around five seconds on average in Italy, whilst in Norway, on average it took around 1 minute.<ref name="Entryexit2">{{cite web |url=http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-add2-09.pdf |title=Council of the European Union: Questionnaire on the possible creation of a system of electronic recording of entries and exits of third country nationals in the Schengen area (Replies from Bulgaria, France, Iceland, Italy, Norway and Portugal) |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-date=19 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219040346/http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-add2-09.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The disparities in checks on third-country nationals (who are subject to a more thorough check) are even greater. For example, an entry check for an Annex II national takes around 15 seconds on average in Greece, whilst it takes three to five minutes on average in Slovakia.<ref name="Entryexit1">{{cite web |url=http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-09.pdf |title=Council of the European Union: Questionnaire on the possible creation of a system of electronic recording of entries and exits of third country nationals in the Schengen area |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-date=19 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219035919/http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-09.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Entryexit3">{{cite web |url=http://www.statewatch.org/news/2012/mar/eeu-council-schengen-entry-exit-questionnaire-8552-add3-09.pdf |title=Council of the European Union: Questionnaire on the possible creation of a system of electronic recording of entries and exits of third country nationals in the Schengen area (Reply from Greece) |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-date=12 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412182303/http://www.statewatch.org/news/2012/mar/eeu-council-schengen-entry-exit-questionnaire-8552-add3-09.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Similarly, an entry check for an Annex I national on average lasts around 30–60 seconds in the Netherlands, whilst in Latvia, it lasts around two to five minutes on average.<ref name="Entryexit1"/>
[[File:Mounted policemen at Hungary-Serbia border barrier.jpg|thumb|Mounted Hungarian police officers patrolling the external border between Hungary and Serbia]]
When carrying out checks at external borders, border guards are, by law, required to respect the dignity of travellers (particularly in cases involving vulnerable persons)<ref>Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 OJ L 182, 29 June 2013, p. 5] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075944/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref> and are forbidden from discriminating against persons based on their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.<ref>Article 7, Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105080924/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 |date=5 November 2021 }})</ref>
[[File:Minister of State for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove, observes European Entry-Exit System (EES) operations at St Pancras International Station on 21 March 2024 - 1.jpg|thumb|EES self-service kiosks and tablets located at the Eurostar terminal in St Pancras International are designed to capture biometric data, specifically facial scans and fingerprints, from non-EU passengers]]
External border controls are located at roads crossing a border, at airports, at seaports and on board trains.<ref>Details are set out in Annex VI of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> Usually, there is no fence along the land border, but there are exceptions like the Ceuta border fence, and some places at the eastern border.<ref>For example, this place at the Lithuania-Belarus border: {{coord|54.275048|25.562439|display=inline}}, visible in Google Streetview.</ref> However, surveillance camera systems, some equipped with infrared technology, are located at some more critical spots, for example at the border between Slovakia and Ukraine, where at some points there is a camera every {{convert|186|m|yd|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cafebabel.co.uk/article/23469/smuggling-cigarettes-in-schengen-slovakia.html |title=Smuggling cigarettes in Schengen Slovakia |date=9 January 2008 |access-date=6 September 2011 |archive-date=10 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810161926/http://www.cafebabel.co.uk/article/23469/smuggling-cigarettes-in-schengen-slovakia.html |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
[[File:Nuijamaa Finland Border Crossing Point.jpg|thumb|Border checkpoint for vehicles operated by the Finnish Border Guard in Nuijamaa at the external border with Russia. The lane on the far right is for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens only, whereas the other lanes are for all travellers.]]
All travellers entering and leaving the Schengen Area by general aviation or on a pleasure boat have to make their first point of entry or final point of departure in an airport/aerodrome or a seaport that is designated as an external border crossing point. By way of derogation, travellers on board a pleasure boat are permitted to make their first port of call at a port that is not designated as an external border crossing point if they notify the port authorities and obtain authorisation from the border guards.<ref>Points 2.2–2.3 and 3.2.4–3.2.5, Annex VI, Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105080924/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 |date=5 November 2021 }})</ref> In practice, however, this is a loophole hard to check, and large-scale drug smuggling using private boats has been uncovered. Along the southern coast of the Schengen countries in the Mediterranean, coast guards make a substantial effort to prevent private boats from entering without permission.
[[File:Germany Munich Airport EasyPASS gates.jpg|thumb|EasyPASS self-service gates which eligible travellers can use to clear border control at Munich Airport, Germany]]
At many external border crossing points, there are special lanes for EEA and Swiss citizens (as well as their family members) and other lanes for all travellers regardless of nationality.<ref>Article 9 of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32006R0562 OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 8] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321182103/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R0562 |date=21 March 2021 }}).</ref> At some external border crossing points, there is a third type of lane for travellers who are Annex II nationals (i.e. non-EEA/Swiss citizens who are exempt from the visa requirement).<ref>Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 OJ L 182, 29 June 2013, p. 6] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075944/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref> Although Andorran and Sammarinese citizens are not EEA citizens, they are nonetheless able to use the special lanes designated for EEA and Swiss citizens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.exteriors.ad/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77&Itemid=39&lang=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501112729/http://www.exteriors.ad/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77&Itemid=39&lang=en|url-status=dead|title=Decision on the subject of Andorra and San Marino of the Strategic Committee on Immigration, Frontiers and Asylum (SCIFA) of the EU on 6 October 2004 (13020/1/04/REV1).|archive-date=1 May 2013}}</ref> Since 1 January 2021, British citizens are no longer permitted to use the EEA/Swiss lanes.
Some external border crossing points can only be used by certain travellers. For example, the border checkpoint in Veľké Slemence, Slovakia (on the border with Ukraine) can only be crossed by pedestrians or cyclists who are EEA, Swiss or Ukrainian citizens.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.minv.sk/?the-state-border-crossing |title=The state border crossing |publisher=Ministry of the Interior (Slovakia) |date=12 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417034328/https://www.minv.sk/?the-state-border-crossing |archive-date=17 April 2022}}</ref> The border checkpoint in Ramoniškiai, Lithuania (on the border with Russia) can only be crossed by residents of Lithuania and Russia; all other travellers (including EEA and Swiss citizens not resident in Lithuania/Russia) cannot use this border checkpoint.<ref>Update of the list of border crossing points as referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021XC0218(02) OJ C 58, 18 February 2021, p. 35–49] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417042749/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52021XC0218(02) |date=17 April 2022 }})</ref> Similarly, the border checkpoint of Pededze-Brunishevo, Latvia (on the border with Russia) is only open to Latvian and Russian citizens.<ref>Update of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52015XC0418(02) OJ C 126, 18 April 2015, p. 10–21] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226213114/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52015XC0418(02) |date=26 December 2022 }})</ref> The Narva 2 and Saatse border crossing points in Estonia (on the border with Russia) can only be used by residents of Estonia and Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politsei.ee/en/border-crossing-points |title=Border crossing points |publisher=Police and Border Guard Board |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417034742/https://www.politsei.ee/en/border-crossing-points |archive-date=17 April 2022}}</ref> The border checkpoint in Połowce-Pieszczatka, Poland (on the border with Belarus) can only be crossed by Polish and Belarusian nationals.<ref>Update of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52016XC0304(01) OJ C 84, 4 March 2016, p. 6] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226213113/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52016XC0304(01) |date=26 December 2022 }})</ref> In 2016, as a temporary measure for 180 days, the two northernmost border checkpoints of Raja-Jooseppi and Salla on the Finland–Russia border could only be crossed by Finnish, Russian and Belarusian citizens (as well as their family members); all other nationals, including non-Finnish EEA and Swiss citizens, were not permitted to use these border checkpoints.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-finland-russia/finland-and-russia-agree-on-temporary-border-restrictions-idUSKCN0WO32P |title=Finland and Russia agree on temporary border restrictions |work=Reuters |date=23 March 2016 |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-date=28 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928072729/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-finland-russia/finland-and-russia-agree-on-temporary-border-restrictions-idUSKCN0WO32P |url-status=live }}</ref> Further, the border crossing points of Haapovaara, Inari, Karttimo, Kurvinen, Leminaho and Parikkala (as well as the railway crossing point of Imatra) are only open to Finnish and Russian citizens.<ref>Update of the list of border crossing points as referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52016XC0730(03) OJ C 278, 30 July 2016, p. 47–48])</ref>
Sometimes, external border controls are located on non-Schengen territory. For example, the French Border Police operates border checks at juxtaposed controls on travellers departing the United Kingdom for the Schengen Area before they board their train or ferry at St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International railway stations, as well as at the Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel Folkestone Terminal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1993/1813/contents/made |title=Channel Tunnel (International Arrangements) Order 1993 |publisher=Legislation.gov.uk |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-date=31 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831085910/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1993/1813/contents/made |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/2818/made |title=The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (Juxtaposed Controls) Order 2003 |publisher=Legislation.gov.uk |date=16 July 2010 |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-date=30 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230200735/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/2818/made |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Short-stay and transit visas === {{Main|Visa policy of the Schengen Area}} thumb|upright=1.8|{{legend|#003399|Schengen Area}} {{legend|#00A4E9|Other EU members and territories of Schengen countries outside the Schengen Area with freedom of movement in the Schengen Area}} {{legend|#22B14C|Visa not required for short stays in the Schengen Area}} {{legend|#ADADAD|Visa required to enter the Schengen Area, and to transit some Schengen countries in some cases}} {{legend|#878787|Visa required to enter or transit any Schengen country}}
The rules applicable to short-term entry visas into the Schengen Area are set out in EU regulations which contain two lists: a list of the nationalities (or classes of travel document holder) which require a visa for a short-term stay (the ''Annex I list'') and a list which do not (the ''Annex II list'').<ref name="visa regulations">Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32001R0539:EN:NOT OJ L 81, 21 March 2001, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208233640/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32001R0539:EN:NOT |date=8 December 2013 }}).</ref>
Visitors from visa exempt countries will be required to submit their details for approval via the ETIAS system. Being listed in the visa-free list will sometimes but not always exempt the listed nationality or class from the requirement to obtain a work permit if they wish to take up employment or self-employed activity during their stay; business trips are not normally considered employment in this sense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bundesrecht.juris.de/aufenthv/__17.html |title=Section 17 of the German Aufenthaltsverordnung |language=de |date=25 November 2004 |access-date=28 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222171653/http://bundesrecht.juris.de/aufenthv/__17.html |archive-date=22 December 2007}}</ref>
An application for a Schengen visa should be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the country which the traveller intends to visit. If a traveller plans to visit multiple countries in the Schengen Area, the application should be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the main destination. If the main destination cannot be determined, the traveller should apply for the visa at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen member state of first entry.<ref>Article 5 of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32009R0810 OJ L 243, 15 September 2009, p. 1–58] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227164027/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=celex%3A32009R0810 |date=27 February 2021 }})</ref> Often, external service providers are contracted by certain diplomatic missions to process, collect and return visa applications.<ref>Article 43 of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32009R0810 OJ L 243, 15 September 2009, p. 1–58] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227164027/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=celex%3A32009R0810 |date=27 February 2021 }})</ref>
The standard application fee for a Schengen visa is €80. There is a reduced visa application fee of €40 for children aged 6 to 12. The visa application fee is waived for children under the age of 6. Where an application is submitted to an external service provider, an additional service fee may have to be paid. The visa application fee (and the additional service fee, if applicable) are not refundable regardless of the outcome of the application.<ref>Article 16 of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), as amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32019R1155 OJ L 188, 12 July 2019, p. 25–54] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020083118/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32019R1155 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref>
=== Entry conditions for third-country nationals === A Schengen visa or a visa exemption does not entitle the traveller to enter the Schengen Area, but rather allows the traveller to seek entry at the border crossing point. The Schengen Borders Code lists requirements which third-country nationals must meet to be allowed into the Schengen Area. For this purpose, a third-country national is a person who does ''not'' enjoy the right of free movement (i.e. a person who is not an EEA citizen or Swiss, nor a family member of such a person).
The entry requirements for third country nationals who intend to stay in the Schengen Area for not more than 90 days in any 180-day period are as follows:<ref>Article 5 of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> * The traveller is in possession of a valid travel document or documents authorising them to cross the border (a visa is not considered a travel document in this sense); the acceptance of travel documents for this purpose remains within the domain of the member states;<ref>See Article 6 of Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32001R0539:EN:NOT OJ L 81, 21 March 2001, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208233640/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32001R0539:EN:NOT |date=8 December 2013 }}).</ref> * The travel document must be valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area (although in a justified case of emergency, this obligation may be waived) and must have been issued within the previous 10 years;<ref>Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 OJ L 182, 29 June 2013, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075944/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref> * The traveller either possesses a valid visa (if required) or a valid residence permit; * The traveller can justify the purpose and conditions of the intended stay and has sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to his or her country of origin or transit to a third country into which the traveller is certain to be admitted, or is in a position to acquire such means lawfully; * The Schengen Information System does not contain a refusal of entry alert concerning the traveller, and * The traveller is not considered to be a threat to public policy, internal security, public health or the international relations of any of the Schengen states.
However, even if the third-country national does not fulfil the criteria for entry, admission may still be granted:<ref>Articles 3 and 5 of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> * On humanitarian grounds * On grounds of national interests * On grounds of international obligations * If the person is not in possession of a visa, but fulfils the criteria for being issued a visa at the border * If the person holds a residence permit or a re-entry visa issued by a Schengen state
=== Carrier's responsibility === Schengen rules require that all carriers conveying passengers across the Schengen external border must check, before boarding, that passengers have the correct travel documents and visas required for entry.<ref>Article 26(1)(b) of the Schengen Convention.</ref> Carriers that transport third-country nationals without the correct travel documents are imposed with financial penalties and are required to transport those refused entry back to the point of departure.<ref>Council Directive 2001/51/EC of 28 June 2001 supplementing the provisions of Article 26 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 (Carriers Liability Directive) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32001L0051 OJ L 187, 10 July 2001, p. 45] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225063353/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32001L0051 |date=25 February 2021 }})</ref> The aim of this measure is to prevent illegal immigration. Further, since immigrants have the right to apply for asylum at border control at ports of entry in the EU, though such applications must be made in person in the country where asylum status is sought, this measure has the effect of preventing prospective asylum seekers from boarding public transportation to the Schengen Area (unless they have already obtained a Schengen visa or are visa-exempt).
===Stays in excess of 90 days=== For stays in the Schengen Area as a whole which exceed 90 days, a third-country national will need to hold either a long-stay visa for a period no longer than a year, or a residence permit for longer periods. A long-stay visa is a national visa but is issued in accordance with a uniform format. It entitles the holder to enter the Schengen Area and remain in the issuing state for a period longer than 90 days but no more than one year. If a Schengen state wishes to allow the holder of a long-stay visa to remain there for longer than a year, the state must issue him or her with a residence permit.
The holder of a long-stay visa or a residence permit is entitled to move freely within other states which compose the Schengen Area for a period of up to three months in any half-year.<ref>Regulation (EU) No 265/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 March 2010 amending the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement and Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 as regards movement of persons with a long-stay visa ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32010R0265:EN:NOT OJ L 85, 31 March 2010, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014123658/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32010R0265:EN:NOT |date=14 October 2013 }})</ref> Third-country nationals who are long-term residents in a Schengen state may also acquire the right to move to and settle in another Schengen state without losing their legal status and social benefits.<ref>Council Directive 2003/109/EC concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32003L0109:EN:NOT OJ L 16, 23 January 2004, p.44] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106152829/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32003L0109:EN:NOT |date=6 January 2014 }}).</ref>
Asylum seekers who request international protection under the Geneva Convention from a Schengen member state are not issued a residence permit, but are instead issued, within three days of the application being lodged, an authorisation to remain on the territory of the member state while the application is pending or being examined. This means that, whilst their application for refugee status is being processed, asylum seekers are only permitted to remain in the Schengen member state where they have claimed asylum and are not entitled to move freely within other states which compose the Schengen Area.<ref>Article 6 of the Council Directive 2003/9/EC laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32003L0009 OJ L 31, 27 January 2003, p. 20] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515191844/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32003L0009 |date=15 May 2021 }})</ref> Successful applicants who have been granted international protection by a Schengen member state are issued residence permits which are valid for at least three years and renewable, whilst applicants granted subsidiary protection by a Schengen member state are issued residence permits valid for at least one-year and renewable, unless there are compelling reasons relating to national security or public order. Family members of beneficiaries of international or subsidiary protection from a Schengen member state are issued residence permits as well, but their validity can be shorter.<ref>Article 24 of the Council Directive 2004/83/EC of 29 April 2004 on minimum standards for the qualification and status of third country nationals or stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection and the content of the protection granted ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32004L0083:EN:NOT OJ L 304, 29 April 2004, p. 12])</ref> Applicants who have been granted temporary protection by a Schengen member state (as well as their reunited family members) are issued residence permits valid for the entire period of temporary protection.<ref>Articles 8 and 15 of the Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32001L0055 OJ L 212, 20 July 2001, p. 12])</ref>
However, some third-country nationals are permitted to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days without the need to apply for a long-stay visa. For example, France does not require citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City to apply for a long-stay visa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/F16162.xhtml |title=Visas de long séjour pour la France |publisher=Vosdroits.Service-public.fr |date=8 April 2011 |access-date=12 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126151919/http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/F16162.xhtml |archive-date=26 January 2013}}</ref> In addition, Article 20(2) of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement allows for this 'in exceptional circumstances' and for bilateral agreements concluded by individual signatory states with other countries before the Convention entered into force to remain applicable. As a result, for example, New Zealand citizens are permitted to stay for up to 90 days in ''each'' of the Schengen countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland) which had already concluded bilateral visa exemption agreements with the New Zealand Government prior to the Convention entering into force without the need to apply for long-stay visas, but if travelling to other Schengen countries the 90 days in a 180-day period time limit applies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/new_zealand/eu_travel/visa/index_en.htm |title=Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand: Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=Eeas.europa.eu |date=13 February 2009 |access-date=18 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118232230/http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/new_zealand/eu_travel/visa/index_en.htm | archive-date=18 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/europetips.shtml |title=NZ government travel advisory – travel tips to Europe |publisher=Safetravel.govt.nz |date=13 September 2013 |access-date=12 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929010623/http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/europetips.shtml |archive-date=29 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Visa for New Zealand passport holders | publisher = Embassy of Switzerland in Wellington | date = 12 December 2021 | url = https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/new-zealand/en/home/visa/entry-ch/visa-new-zealand-passport-holders.html | access-date = 17 April 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220417035556/https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/new-zealand/en/home/visa/entry-ch/visa-new-zealand-passport-holders.html | archive-date = 17 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Visa-free travel | publisher = Danish Immigration Service | date = 13 February 2019 | url = https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Short-stay-visa/Visa-free-visits | access-date = 13 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200413101133/https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Short-stay-visa/Visa-free-visits | archive-date = 13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Visa | publisher = Embassy of Italy in Wellington | url = https://ambwellington.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Wellington/en/informazioni_e_servizi/visti/visti.html | access-date = 13 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200413102202/https://ambwellington.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Wellington/en/informazioni_e_servizi/visti/visti.html | archive-date = 13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Fact Sheet: Austria-New Zealand Bilateral Agreement on Visa Free Short Stays | publisher = Austrian Embassy in Canberra | url = https://www.bmeia.gv.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Vertretungen/Canberra/Austria_New_Zealand_Bilateral_Agreement_on_Visa_Free_Short_Stays_-_Fact_sheet.pdf | access-date = 13 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200413102420/https://www.bmeia.gv.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Vertretungen/Canberra/Austria_New_Zealand_Bilateral_Agreement_on_Visa_Free_Short_Stays_-_Fact_sheet.pdf | archive-date = 13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Visa | publisher = Embassy of Hungary in Wellington | url = https://wellington.mfa.gov.hu/eng/page/visa | access-date = 13 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200413102710/https://wellington.mfa.gov.hu/eng/page/visa | archive-date = 13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ambafrance-nz.org/IMG/pdf/Border_controls_in_Europe.pdf |title=Border controls in Europe |publisher=Embassy of France in New Zealand |archive-date=3 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403144100/https://nz.ambafrance.org/spip.php?action=api_docrestreint&arg=0%2F0%2Fpdf%2FBorder_controls_in_Europe.pdf |access-date=13 November 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=Embassy of Spain in Wellington |date=29 April 2009 |url=http://www.maec.es/subwebs/Embajadas/Wellington/es/MenuPpal/faqs/Paginas/faqs.aspx |access-date=1 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204191718/http://www.maec.es/subwebs/Embajadas/Wellington/es/MenuPpal/faqs/Paginas/faqs.aspx |archive-date=4 December 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiregelverk.no/en/documents/udi-guidelines/udi-2010-080/ |title=UDI 2010-080 Bortvisningspraksis for borgere fra stater Norge har inngått bilaterale visumfrihetsavtaler med |publisher=Norwegian Directorate of Immigration |date=28 November 2019 |language=no |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413105136/https://www.udiregelverk.no/en/documents/udi-guidelines/udi-2010-080/ |archive-date=13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiregelverk.no/en/documents/udi-guidelines/udi-2010-080/udi-2010-080v1/ |title=UDI 2010-080V1 Liste over visumfrie borgere som er omfattet |publisher=Norwegian Directorate of Immigration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413105042/https://www.udiregelverk.no/en/documents/udi-guidelines/udi-2010-080/udi-2010-080v1/ |archive-date=13 April 2020 |date=28 November 2019 |language=no}}</ref>{{excessive citations inline|date=September 2020}}
===Entry conditions for family members of EEA and Swiss citizens=== {{Hatnote|EEA includes the EU}} Third-country nationals who are family members of EEA and Swiss citizens exercising their right of free movement and who hold a residence card of a family member of a Union citizen issued by their EEA host country can visit another EEA member state or Switzerland without a visa for a short stay of up to three months in each member state.<ref>Article 5(2) of Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32004L0038 OJ L 158/77, 30 April 2004, p. 46-61])</ref><ref>Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 2.1.2 ([https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019, p. 17-18])</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-family/index_en.htm |title=Travel documents for non-EU family members |publisher=European Commission |date=25 February 2020 |access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref><ref>Decision of the EEA Joint Committee No 158/2007 of 7 December 2007 amending Annex V (Free movement of workers) and Annex VIII (Right of establishment) to the EEA Agreement ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:22007D0158:EN:NOT OJ L 124, 8 May 2008, p. 20]).</ref> A 'family member' is defined as the spouse/partner, any of their children below age 21 or dependents (including those of the spouse/partner) and dependent parents (including those of the spouse/partner).<ref>Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part I, Point 7 ([https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019, p. 8])</ref>
Holders of a residence card of a family member of a Union citizen issued by a Schengen member state can travel to another Schengen member state without a visa, regardless of whether they are travelling independently, or accompanying or joining their EEA/Swiss citizen family member. However, holders of a residence card of a family member of a Union citizen issued by non-Schengen countries like Cyprus, Ireland, and the UK can travel to the Schengen Area without a visa only if they are accompanying or joining their EEA/Swiss citizen family member.<ref>{{cite book |title= Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 2.8, C (2019) 7131| url= https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf |date=8 October 2019 | page= 22}}</ref> British citizens had until 30 June 2021 to apply for the card.
If the non-EEA family member is an Annex I national who presents themself at the border without a residence card of a family member of a Union citizen nor an entry visa, but can show their family ties with the EEA/Swiss citizens by other means, then a visa must be issued at the border free of charge and entry permitted.<ref>{{cite web |title=Article 5(4) of Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States (OJ L 158/77) |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32004L0038 |date= 30 April 2004 |pages =46–61}}</ref>
However, as of December 2008, the right of entry of family members of EEA/Swiss citizens laid down in Articles 5(2) and 5(4) of Directive 2004/38/EC has been incorrectly transposed into Belgian, Latvian and Swedish law, and not transposed at all by Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Lithuania, Germany, and Slovenia.<ref name="application of directive">Point 3.2 in {{cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52008DC0840:EN:NOT |title=Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member States |date=10 December 2008 |access-date=22 January 2012}}</ref> Five member states do not follow the Directive to the effect that non-EEA family members may still face difficulties (denial of boarding the vessel by the transport company, denial to enter by border police) when travelling to those states using their residence card issued by another EU member state. A visa or other document(s) may still be required.<ref name="application of directive"/>
===Local border traffic at external borders=== thumb|External Schengen or EU borders which have local border traffic permits. Schengen states which share an external land border with a non-EU member state are authorised by virtue of the EU Regulation 1931/2006 to conclude or maintain bilateral agreements with neighbouring third countries for the purpose of implementing a local border traffic regime.<ref>Corrigendum to Regulation (EC) No 1931/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 laying down rules on local border traffic at the external land borders of the Member States and amending the provisions of the Schengen Convention ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R1931R(01):EN:NOT OJ L 29, 3 February 2007, p. 3]).</ref> Such agreements define a border area which may extend to a maximum of {{convert|50|km|mi}} on either side of the border, and provide for the issuance of local border traffic permits to residents of the border area. Permits may be used to cross the EU external border within the border area, are not stamped on crossing the border and must display the holder's name and photograph, as well as a statement that its holder is not authorised to move outside the border area and that any abuse shall be subject to penalties.
Permits are issued with a validity period of between one and five years and allow for a stay in the border area of up to three months. Permits may only be issued to lawful residents of the border area who have been resident in the border area for a minimum of one year (or longer if specified by the bilateral agreement). Applicants for a permit have to show that they have legitimate reasons to cross frequently an external land border under the local border traffic regime. Schengen states must keep a central register of the permits issued and have to provide immediate access to the relevant data to other Schengen states.
Holders of local border traffic permits are able to spend up to 3 months ''every time'' they enter the border area of the country which has issued the permit (this time limit is far more generous than the "90 days in a 180-day period" normally granted to third-country nationals visiting the Schengen Area).<ref>{{cite web|title=Judgement of the European Court of Justice of 21 March 2013, Case C‑254/11, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg Megyei Rendőrkapitányság Záhony Határrendészeti Kirendeltsége v Oskar Shomodi|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:62011CJ0254:EN:NOT |publisher=Eur-lex.europa.eu|access-date=31 July 2015}}</ref>
Before the conclusion of an agreement with a neighbouring country, the Schengen state must receive approval from the European Commission, which has to confirm that the draft agreement is in conformity with the Regulation. The agreement may only be concluded if the neighbouring state grants at least reciprocal rights to EEA and Swiss nationals resident on the Schengen side of the border area, and agrees to the repatriation of individuals found to be abusing the border agreement.
{{As of|June 2017}}, ten local-traffic agreements have come into force. * Hungary–Ukraine from January 2008.<ref name="local traffic 2011"/> * Slovakia–Ukraine from September 2008.<ref name="local traffic 2011"/> * Poland–Ukraine in July 2009.<ref name="local traffic 2011">{{cite news|first1=Anne |last1=Eckstein |title=Cross-border travel to become easier in Kaliningrad area |date=29 July 2011 |newspaper=Europolitics |url=http://www.europolitics.info/europolitics/cross-border-travel-to-become-easier-in-kaliningrad-area-art310843-46.html |access-date=27 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002131024/http://www.europolitics.info/europolitics/cross-border-travel-to-become-easier-in-kaliningrad-area-art310843-46.html |archive-date=2 October 2011}}</ref> * Romania–Moldova from October 2010.<ref name="local traffic 2011"/> * Latvia–Belarus from February 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://naviny.by/rubrics/english/2012/02/02/ic_articles_259_176699/ |title=Consulates in Belarus, Latvia begin issuing local border traffic permits |publisher=Naviny.by |date=23 August 2010 |access-date=12 October 2013}}</ref> * Norway–Russia from May 2012.<ref name="notifications_under_article_19_en"/> * Poland–Russia (Kaliningrad Area) from July 2012<ref>{{cite web|last=Staalesen |first=Atle |url=http://www.barentsobserver.com/en/borders/more-russians-get-visa-free-travelling-29-06 |title=More Russians get visa-free travelling |publisher=Barentsobserver.com |date=29 June 2012 |access-date=12 October 2013}}</ref> (suspended since July 2016)<ref>{{cite news|title=Kaliningrad: visa-free border traffic suspended |date=18 October 2016 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |url=https://www.dw.com/en/kaliningrad-visa-free-border-traffic-suspended/av-36079843 |access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> * Latvia–Russia from June 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yeliseyeu |first=Andrei |date=October 2013 |title=Latvian Visa-Free Border Zones With Russia And Belarus: What Are They And Why |url=https://liia.lv/en/publications/latvian-visa-free-border-zones-with-russia-and-belarus-what-are-they-and-why-326 |access-date=2026-03-10 |website=Latvian Institute of International Affairs |language=en}}</ref> * Romania–Ukraine from May 2015.<ref name="notifications_under_article_19_en">{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/notifications_under_article_19_en.pdf|title=Member States notified the following bilateral agreements|website=European Commission|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105082017/https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/notifications_under_article_19_en.pdf|archive-date=5 January 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> * An agreement between Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina is applied on provisional basis, pending ratification.<ref name="notifications_under_article_19_en"/>
On 28 April 2014, Moldova was classified as an 'Annex II' nationality. On 11 June 2017, Ukraine was classified as an 'Annex II' nationality. Therefore, Moldovan and Ukrainian citizens who hold biometric passports no longer require a visa to enter the Schengen Area, thus obviating the need to apply for a local border traffic permit (unless they wish to spend more than 90 days in a 180-day period permitted by the visa exemption, given that local border traffic permit holders are allowed to stay for 3 months in the border area on each entry).
There are or have been plans for Lithuania–Russia, Poland–Belarus, Bulgaria–Serbia and Bulgaria–North Macedonia local border traffic agreements.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/local-border-traffic-at-external-land-borders.html|title=EUR-Lex – l14506 – EN – EUR-Lex|website=eur-lex.europa.eu |date=4 July 2016 }}</ref> The agreement between Poland and Belarus had been due to enter into force by 2012,<ref>Second report on the implementation and functioning of the local border traffic regime set up by Regulation No 1931/2006 ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52011DC0047:EN:NOT COM/2011/0047 final])</ref> but was delayed by Belarus,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://visa-free-europe.eu/2012/05/belarus-plays-the-border-security-card-with-the-eu/ |title=Belarus Plays The Border Security Card with the EU |publisher=Visa-free-europe.eu |access-date=12 October 2013}}</ref> with no implementation date set (as of Oct 2012).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eapmigrationpanel.org/page40541.html |title=Belarus not ready for small border traffic agreement with Poland |publisher=Eapmigrationpanel.org |date=18 October 2012 |access-date=12 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422024104/http://eapmigrationpanel.org/page40541.html |archive-date=22 April 2014}}</ref>
In late 2009, Norway began issuing one-year multiple-entry visas, without the usual requirement of having family or a business partner in Norway, called Pomor-Visas, to Russians from Murmansk Oblast, and later to those from Arkhangelsk Oblast.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikunews.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928075653/http://www.sikunews.com/News/International/Traffic-flows-from-Murmansk-to-Kirkenes-8033|url-status=dead|title=sikunews.com|archive-date=28 September 2010|website=www.sikunews.com}}</ref> Finland is not planning border permits, but has issued over one million regular visas for Russians in 2011, and many of them multiple-entry visas. The EU was planning to allow up to 5-year validity on multiple-entry visas for Russians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/06/03/51241897.html |title=5 years in Schengen for Russians |publisher=English.ruvr.ru |date=3 June 2011 |access-date=12 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609043150/http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/06/03/51241897.html |archive-date=9 June 2011}}</ref>
There is also a similar system for local border traffic permits between Spain and Morocco regarding Ceuta and Melilla. This system is older and was included in the 1991 accession treaty of Spain to the Schengen Area.<ref name="AccessionSpain"/> In this case there are identity checks for anyone travelling to other parts of the Schengen Area (possible by boat and air only). Such checks are not the rule for other local border traffic zones.
===Western Balkan states=== thumb|The European Union has made a commitment to accept the countries of the Western Balkans as full EU members.
Citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia can enter the Schengen Area without a visa. On 30 November 2009, the EU Council of Ministers for Interior and Justice abolished visa requirements for citizens of Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=11&dd=30&nav_id=63395 |title=EU lifts visa restrictions for Serbia |date=30 November 2009 |access-date=30 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203073930/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=11&dd=30&nav_id=63395 |archive-date=3 December 2009}}</ref> while on 8 November 2010 it did the same for Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE6A70RO.htm|title=EU lifts visa rules for Bosnia, Albania|date=8 November 2010|access-date=8 November 2010|archive-date=11 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111023341/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE6A70RO.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The former took effect on 19 December 2009,<ref name="visa regulations"/> and the latter on 15 December 2010.<ref>Regulation (EU) No 1091/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32010R1091 OJ L 329, 14 December 2010, p. 1])</ref>
Visa liberalisation negotiations between the EU and the Western Balkans (excluding Kosovo) were launched in the first half of 2008, and ended in 2009 (for Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) and 2010 (for Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina). Before visas were fully abolished, the Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) had signed "visa facilitation agreements" with the Schengen states in 2008. The visa facilitation agreements were, at the time, supposed to shorten waiting periods, lower visa fees (including free visas for certain categories of travellers), and reduce paperwork. In practice, however, the new procedures turned out to be longer, more cumbersome, more expensive, and many people complained that it was easier to obtain visas before the facilitation agreements entered into force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.novosti.rs/vesti/naslovna/aktuelno.69.html:209867-Nevidljivi-Sengen-popust|title=Nevidljivi Šengen popust|work=NOVOSTI |language=sr|date=3 February 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nezavisne.com/komentari/nezavisnistav/Vizne-olaksice-32938.html|title=Vizne olakšice|language=sr|date=22 November 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,3834057,00.html|title=Nevolje sa vizama |language=bs|date=28 November 2008}}</ref>
The European Commission launched a visa liberalisation dialogue with Kosovo on 19 January 2012. In June 2012, the Commission handed over a roadmap on visa liberalisation to the Kosovo authorities, which identified the legislation and institutional measures that Kosovo needed to adopt and implement to advance towards visa liberalisation. On 4 May 2016, the European Commission proposed visa-free travel for the citizens of Kosovo. The European Commission has proposed to the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament to lift the visa requirements for the people of Kosovo by transferring Kosovo to the visa-free list for short-stays in the Schengen Area. The EU approved the visa exemption for nationals of Kosovo, effective from 1 January 2024.
===National security risk=== Hungary allows entry to the Schengen Area for persons from countries such as Belarus and Russia with limited security screening, resulting in a national security risk for the Schengen Area.<ref name="i463">{{cite web | last=Másolva | first=Link | title=Kémbank utáni kiskapu? Családostul, átvilágítás nélkül jöhetnek az orosz és belarusz "vendégmunkások" Magyarországra | website=Forbes.hu | date=25 July 2024 | url=https://www.forbes.hu/tarsadalom/orosz-belarusz-vendegmunkas-magyarorszag-racz-andras/ | language=hu | access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref>
==Police and judicial co-operation== [[File:GNR Mitsubishi Outlander.jpg|thumb|Spanish and Portuguese police vehicles at the Spain-Portugal police co-operation centre (Spanish: ''Comisaría Conjunta Hispano-Lusa''; Portuguese: ''Centro de Cooperação Policial'') in Tui on the Portugal–Spain border]] To counter the potentially aggravating effects of the abolition of border controls on undocumented immigration and cross-border crime, the Schengen ''acquis'' contains compensatory police and judicial measures.<ref name="EC-Schengen">{{cite web |title=The Schengen area and cooperation |date=26 March 1995 |publisher=European Commission |url=http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/justice_freedom_security/free_movement_of_persons_asylum_immigration/l33020_en.htm |access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref> Chief among these is the Schengen Information System (SIS),<ref name="EC-Schengen"/> a database operated by all EU and Schengen states and which by January 2010 contained in excess of 30 million entries and by January 2014 contained in excess of 50 million entries, according to a document published in June 2015 by the Council of the European Union.<ref name="consilium.europa.eu">{{cite book|url=https://doi.org/10.2860/56411 |title='Schengen', June 2015, General Secretariat for the Council of the European Union|year=2015|doi=10.2860/56411|author1=Council of the European Union. General Secretariat of the Council|publisher=Publications Office|isbn=9789282446683}}</ref> Around 1 million of the entries relate to persons, 72% of which were not allowed to enter and stay in the Schengen Area. Only 7% of persons listed on the SIS database were missing persons.
The vast majority of data entries on the SIS, around 49 million, concern lost or stolen objects. The European Council reports that in 2013 an average of 43 stolen vehicles a day were detected by authorities using the SIS database.<ref name="consilium.europa.eu"/>
A list of EU authorities with access to SIS is published annually in the Official Journal of the European Union. As at 24 June 2015, 235 authorities can use the SIS database.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52015XC0624(01)|title=List of competent authorities which are authorised to search directly the data contained in the second generation Schengen Information System pursuant to Article 31(8) of Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Article 46(8) of Council Decision 2007/533/JHA on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System|date=1 January 2015}}</ref> The SIS database is operationally managed by eu-LISA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eulisa.europa.eu/AboutUs/WhoWeAre/Pages/default.aspx|title=Pages – Who We Are|website=www.eulisa.europa.eu}}</ref>
The Schengen Agreement also allows police officers from one participating state to follow suspects across borders both in hot pursuit<ref name="BBC-Schengen">{{cite web|title=Q&A: Schengen Agreement|date=12 March 2012 |publisher=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13194723 |access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref> and to continue observation operations, and for enhanced mutual assistance in criminal matters.<ref>Title III, Chapter 2 of the Schengen Convention.</ref>
The Schengen Convention also contained measures intended to streamline extradition between participating countries however these have now been subsumed into the European Arrest Warrant system.<ref>Originally contained in Articles 59 to 66 of the Schengen Convention.</ref>
==Border management systems== ===Entry/Exit System=== {{main|Entry/Exit System}} [[File:At Valencia 2025 394 - EES kiosks.jpg|thumb|right|EES terminals at Valencia Airport, Spain]]
On 12 October 2025, the European Union started to implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system designed to register travellers from third countries each time they cross an EU external border. Since 10 April 2026, the system has been fully operational and is in use at all external border crossings of the Schengen Area.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/entryexit-system-ees-fully-operational-2026-04-10_en | title=Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational | work=European Commission | date=10 April 2026 | access-date=10 April 2026 | url-status=live }}</ref> This system replaced the traditional passport stamping method as it uses facial recognition and fingerprint scans to record entries and exits. The aim of the system is to improve border security by accurately tracking overstays and combating identity fraud.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/12/05/all-the-new-travel-rules-in-europe-for-2025-border-checks-tourist-taxes-and-behaviour-crac|title=All the new travel rules in Europe for 2025: Border checks, tourist taxes and behaviour crackdowns|date=5 December 2025|website=Euronews}}</ref>
In the event of a technical failure of the EES or a lack of connectivity to the Central System, border guards are mandated to manually stamp the travel document. This serves as a fallback to ensure the date and place of entry/exit are recorded when digital registration is impossible.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02016R0399-20251012 | title= Schengen Borders Code - Article 9 | work=European Parliament and the Council | date=12 October 2025 | access-date=10 April 2026 | url-status=live }}</ref>
=== ETIAS === {{main|European Travel Information and Authorisation System}} The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a planned electronic travel authorisation system for visa-exempt visitors from current Annex II countries (except citizens of the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City) to travel to the Schengen Area and to other EU member states,<ref name="etias-ec-faq">{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/MEMO_18_4362|title=Security union: A European Travel Information and Authorisation System - Questions & answers|website=European Commission|date=5 July 2018|access-date=14 August 2021}}</ref> except Ireland, which remains in the Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom and other British Islands.<ref>{{cite web|title=Will you need a visa to visit Ireland in 2021?|url=https://www.irishcentral.com/news/visa-visit-ireland-2021|website=IrishCentral|date=8 March 2019|access-date=15 August 2021}}</ref>
Foreign visitors will be required to complete an online application in advance and pay a processing fee of €20 for travellers between ages 18 and 70 (fee is waived for children).<ref>{{Cite web |agency=AFP |date=2025-07-18 |title=EU to triple travel permit fee to €20 under delayed ETIAS system |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/eu-triple-travel-permit-fee-20-delayed-etias-system.1113318 |access-date=2025-07-22 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb}}</ref> The application is to be done over the internet and need to be made a few days before entering the Schengen Area. The authorisation will be valid for three years. It is imagined as a system similar to the ESTA system of the United States or the ETA system of Canada. The system aims to enhance security by pre-screening travellers.
ETIAS is scheduled to come into force in the last quarter of 2026, approximately a year after implementation of the EES.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Revised timeline for the EES and ETIAS - European Union |url=https://travel-europe.europa.eu/revised-timeline-ees-and-etias-2025-03-07_en |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=travel-europe.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref>
=== Single online visa application platform (EU VAP) === The European Commission is planning to introduce a single online visa application platform at the EU level (EU VAP), replacing the separate national platforms. The platform will be built by eu-LISA, based on a system that was successfully piloted in some embassies in 2020–2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eulisa.europa.eu/Publications/Reports/eu-LISA%20-%20Seamless%20Travel%20Report%202022.pdf|title=Enabling Seamless Travel to the European Union - Research Monitoring Report|access-date=5 November 2024|archive-date=4 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704111503/https://www.eulisa.europa.eu/Publications/Reports/eu-LISA%20-%20Seamless%20Travel%20Report%202022.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is scheduled to be introduced by 2028.<ref>[https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/switzerland-adapts-laws-for-digitalisation-of-schengen-visa-application/ Switzerland Adapts Laws for Digitalisation of Schengen Visa Application], Schengen Visa Info, 9 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/everything-you-need-know-schengen-visa-digitalisation-2023-12-01_en Everything you need to know on the Schengen visa digitalisation], European Commission, 1 December 2023</ref> A transition period for all member states to migrate to the single platform is scheduled to be up to 7 years after the platform starts.<ref name=digitalisation>[https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/QANDA_22_2583 Questions and Answers – Visa Digitalisation: Visa travel to the EU becomes easier], European Commission, 27 April 2022.</ref>
The proposal was approved by the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs in February 2023 by a margin of 34–5.<ref>[https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2023-0025_EN.html Report - A9-0025/2023], European Parliament, 7 February 2023.</ref> A formal regulation was adopted and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 7 December 2023.<ref>[https://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-promoting-our-european-way-of-life/file-digitalisation-of-visa-procedures Legislative Train Schedule - Digitalisation of visa procedures], European Parliament.</ref><ref>[https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/03/29/schengen-visa-council-agrees-negotiating-mandate-on-the-digitalisation-of-the-visa-procedure/ Schengen visa: Council agrees negotiating mandate on the digitalisation of the visa procedure], European Council.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3220|title=Schengen visa: Political agreement on digitalisation of visa application|website=European Commission - European Commission}}</ref>
=== EU digital travel application === The European Commission is developing an EU digital travel application, a mobile app designed to allow travellers to create and store digital travel credentials before crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area. On 19 November 2025, the Council of the European Union adopted its negotiating position on the regulation, which aims to modernize border checks and facilitate smoother travel. The application will be an optional tool that enables both EU and non-EU citizens to submit their travel data and documents in advance.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/11/19/council-adopts-negotiating-position-on-new-law-that-introduces-eu-digital-travel-application/ | title=Council adopts negotiating position on new law that introduces EU digital travel application | work=European Council | date=19 November 2025 | access-date=10 April 2026 | url-status=live }}</ref>
The proposal was approved by the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs in December 2025 by a margin of 42–13.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-10-2025-0258_EN.html | title=Report - A10-0258/2025 | work=European Parliament | date=13 December 2025 | access-date=22 April 2026 | url-status=live }}</ref>
==Legal basis== {{see also|Schengen acquis}}
===Provisions in the treaties of the European Union=== The legal basis for Schengen in the treaties of the European Union has been inserted in the Treaty establishing the European Community through Article 2, point 15 of the Treaty of Amsterdam. This inserted a new title named "Visas, asylum, immigration and other policies related to free movement of persons" into the treaty, currently numbered as Title IV, and comprising articles 61 to 69.<ref>Article 2(15) of the Amsterdam Treaty ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:11997D/TXT OJ C 340, 10 November 1997]). {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324144736/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/treaties/dat/11997D/htm/11997D.html |date=24 March 2010 }}</ref> The Treaty of Lisbon substantially amends the provisions of the articles in the title, renames the title to "Area of freedom, security and justice" and divides it into five chapters, called "General provisions", "Policies on border checks, asylum and immigration", "Judicial cooperation in civil matters", "Judicial cooperation in criminal matters", and "Police cooperation".<ref>Article 2(63) to (68) of the Lisbon Treaty ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:12007L/TXT OJ C 306, 17 December 2007, p. 57]).</ref>
===The Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Convention=== The Schengen Area originally had its legal basis outside the then European Economic Community, having been established by a sub-set of member states of the Community using two international agreements: * The 1985 '''Schengen Agreement''' – Agreement between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders. * The 1990 '''Schengen Convention''' – Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders.
On being incorporated into the main body of European Union law by the Amsterdam Treaty, the Schengen Agreement and Convention were published in the Official Journal of the European Communities by a decision of the Council of Ministers.<ref>Council Decision (1999/435/EC) of 20 May 1999 concerning the definition of the Schengen ''acquis'' for the purpose of determining, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaty on European Union, the legal basis for each of the provisions or decisions which constitute the ''acquis'' ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31999D0435:EN:NOT OJ L 176, 10 July 1999, p. 1]).</ref> As a result, the Agreement and Convention can be amended by regulations.
==See also== {{Portal|European Union|Europe}}
* {{Annotated link |Open Balkan}} * {{Annotated link |Central America-4 Border Control Agreement}} * {{Annotated link |Common Travel Area}} *{{Annotated link|eu-LISA}} * {{Annotated link |2015 European migrant crisis}} * {{Annotated link |FADO}} * {{Annotated link |Mechanism for Cooperation and Verification}} * {{Annotated link |Nordic Passport Union}} * {{Annotated link |Prüm Convention}} * {{Annotated link |Public Register of Travel and Identity Documents Online}} * {{Annotated link |Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement}} * {{Annotated link | Compact of Free Association}} * {{Annotated link | Southern Common Market}}
==Notes== {{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category multi|Internal Schengen borders|Schengen zone passport stamps}} {{Wikivoyage|Travelling around the Schengen Area}} * [http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/index_en.htm Schengen, Borders & Visas], [https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/visa-policy_en Visa policy] (europa.eu) * [http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/border-crossing/schengen_calculator_en.html Calculator of travel days remaining under a Schengen short-stay visa] (ec.europa.eu) Retrieved 2 March 2014. * {{cite web |url=http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/justice_freedom_security/free_movement_of_persons_asylum_immigration/l33020_en.htm |title=The Schengen area and cooperation |work=europa.eu |date=3 August 2009|access-date=11 September 2011}} * The Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Convention ** Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:42000A0922(02):EN:NOT OJ L 239, 22 September 2000, p. 19]). (Consolidated version). ** Agreement between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:42000A0922(01):EN:NOT OJ L 239, 22 September 2000, p. 13]). * European Union regulations ** Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1]). ** Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32001R0539:EN:NOT OJ L 81, 21 March 2001, p. 1]). ** Council Regulation (EC) No 693/2003 of 14 April 2003 establishing a specific Facilitated Transit Document (FTD), a Facilitated Rail Transit Document (FRTD) and amending the Common Consular Instructions and the Common Manual ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32003R0693:EN:NOT OJ L 99, 17 April 2003, p. 8]). ** Council Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 of 29 May 1995 laying down a uniform format for visas ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31995R1683:EN:NOT OJ L 164, 14 July 1995, p. 1]). ** Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32009R0810:EN:NOT OJ L 243, 15 September 2009, p. 1]). ** Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32006R1987 OJ L 381, 28 December 2006, p. 4]). ** Council Decision 2008/615/JHA of 23 June 2008 on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32008D0615:EN:NOT OJ L 210, 6 August 2008, p. 1]). ** Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 EUR-Lex – 32016R0399 – EN – EUR-Lex])
{{Visa policies in the European Union}} {{Europe topics (small)}} {{Reach of the European Union|state=collapsed}} {{European Border and Coast Guard}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Schengen Area Category:1995 establishments in Europe Category:Expedited border crossing schemes Category:International border crossings Category:International travel documents Category:Law enforcement in Europe Category:Multi-speed Europe Category:Transport and the European Union