Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have no border controls between them. This means people can travel between these countries without showing their passports or other documents at the borders. The idea began with agreements signed in a town called Schengen in Luxembourg in 1985 and 1990.

Most countries in the European Union are part of the Schengen Area, but there are a few exceptions. For example, Cyprus and Ireland are not part of it yet, though Cyprus plans to join soon. Besides EU countries, some non-EU nations like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen Area. Small countries like Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, and Vatican City have open borders with the Schengen Area because they are very small and cannot manage their own border controls.

The Schengen Area is home to over 450 million people and covers an area of about 4.6 million square kilometers. It is the most popular travel zone in the world, with many visitors each year. People and goods move easily across borders, which helps trade and tourism grow. This system makes travel in Europe much simpler and more convenient for everyone.

History

European borders prior to Schengen

Main articles: Nordic Passport Union and Benelux

Before World War I, many European countries made travel easier. Wealthy travelers on trips called the Grand Tour found it simpler to move between countries.

After World War II, some European countries started working closer together. For example, the Nordic countries allowed free movement and residence between them in 1954, and the Benelux countries opened their borders in 1960. This showed a growing trend toward unity in Europe.

Schengen Agreement

Main article: Schengen Agreement

In 1985, five European countries signed the Schengen Agreement to remove border controls between them. These countries were the Benelux nations, France, and West Germany. The agreement was updated in 1990 with the Schengen Convention, which planned to remove internal border checks and create a shared visa policy. The Schengen Area officially began on 26 March 1995.

More European Union members joined over time. In 1997, the Amsterdam Treaty made the Schengen rules part of European Union law. However, not all European countries joined. The UK and the Republic of Ireland kept their own travel agreement, called the Common Travel Area, and chose not to fully join the Schengen Agreement. Ireland uses some parts of Schengen, like the Schengen Information System, because they find it helpful.

Common Schengen Visa Policy

Main article: Visa policy of the Schengen Area

The shared visa policy lets people from some countries visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180 days without needing a visa. Visitors from other countries must have a visa to enter.

Current members

The Schengen Area has 29 countries. They have no checks at borders between them. Four of these countries — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland — are not part of the European Union but follow the same rules. Romania and Bulgaria joined most recently. Air and sea travel without border checks started on 31 March 2024. Land borders opened on 1 January 2025.

Some smaller European countries like Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City also keep open borders with Schengen members. Ireland chose not to join Schengen and still has border controls, though it shares open travel with the United Kingdom and nearby islands.