The Schengen Area is composed of 29 countries: 25 EU Member States and 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).Schengen guarantees free movement to more than 450 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes, anyone legally present in the EU. The Schengen rules abolish checks at the internal borders, while, among others, providing a single set of rules for entry conditions and for reinforced controls at the external borders.Schengen promotes shared responsibility and stronger collective security. Schengen countries work closely with each other on security and migration through a common visa policy, joint police operations, and real-time information exchanges between law enforcement agencies as well as procedures to return those with no legal right to stay. Cutting-edge IT systems, like the Schengen Information System (SIS), help identify threats and manage borders while safeguarding fundamental rights, including data protection. Therefore, the Schengen remains a cornerstone of European integration, as it facilitates smoother travel and trade while also promoting economic growth, cultural exchange, and enhanced security cooperation across Europe.Celebrate 40 years of Schengen Schengen areaThe Schengen area is an area without internal borders, where EU citizens, non-EU residents and visitors can travel safely and freely.Visa policyThe EU has a common list of countries whose citizens must have a Schengen visa for entering the EU, and a list of countries whose citizens are exempt from that requirement.Border crossingEU countries work together to secure EU’s external borders. Common rules apply for border checks and EU short-stay visas. Smart BordersEvery year millions of travellers from third countries cross the external borders of the Schengen States and estimations point to ever-increasing traveller flows.Visa Information System (VIS)The Visa Information System (VIS) collects, processes and shares information relevant to external border management among EU countries.Schengen Information System (SIS)The Schengen Information System (SIS) is an information sharing system for security and border management in the EU. Effective management of external bordersEffective management of EU external borders is a key element for a Schengen area without internal border checks.Travel and residence documentsPassports, residence permits and visas are used for travel purposes, to prove identity or to show a person’s right to stay in a country. Advanced security features and biometrics (facial image and fingerprints) help fight against the counterfeiting.InteroperabilityThe EU uses large-scale IT systems at its external borders. Interoperability aims to allow good data management between the Union’s IT systems in the field of borders, visa, police and judicial cooperation, asylum and migration. We are socialFollow us on XFollow us on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedInSign up to our NewsletterOther social networks
Schengen areaThe Schengen area is an area without internal borders, where EU citizens, non-EU residents and visitors can travel safely and freely.
Visa policyThe EU has a common list of countries whose citizens must have a Schengen visa for entering the EU, and a list of countries whose citizens are exempt from that requirement.
Border crossingEU countries work together to secure EU’s external borders. Common rules apply for border checks and EU short-stay visas.
Smart BordersEvery year millions of travellers from third countries cross the external borders of the Schengen States and estimations point to ever-increasing traveller flows.
Visa Information System (VIS)The Visa Information System (VIS) collects, processes and shares information relevant to external border management among EU countries.
Schengen Information System (SIS)The Schengen Information System (SIS) is an information sharing system for security and border management in the EU.
Effective management of external bordersEffective management of EU external borders is a key element for a Schengen area without internal border checks.
Travel and residence documentsPassports, residence permits and visas are used for travel purposes, to prove identity or to show a person’s right to stay in a country. Advanced security features and biometrics (facial image and fingerprints) help fight against the counterfeiting.
InteroperabilityThe EU uses large-scale IT systems at its external borders. Interoperability aims to allow good data management between the Union’s IT systems in the field of borders, visa, police and judicial cooperation, asylum and migration.
