Entry into the Schengen Area
Here you can find information about the free movement of people within Europe’s Schengen Area.
Entry into the “Schengen Area” in Europe
The Schengen Agreement regulates freedom of movement of people within the Schengen Area. The Agreement simplifies travel between the Schengen member states. This means that there are no regular border controls within the Schengen states.
However, all travellers (including children and infants) must be able to present a valid travel document at all times (e.g. a passport or ID card). Driving licences, bank or credit cards or similar documents are not accepted as valid travel documents and proof of identity.
All foreign visitors (non-EU citizens) may stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days from their date of arrival (within a period of 180 days). A residence permit (visa) might be required, depending on the traveller’s nationality and the purpose of their trip.
You can get more information from the embassy of any Schengen member state. Detailed information about entry requirements, passport regulations and changes in some countries is also available on the IATA Travel Centre website.
EES: the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System
The new Entry/Exit System, abbreviated to EES, is a central element of the European Union’s Smart Borders programme and affects all non-EU citizens who travel to a European country for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The aim of the EES is to automate border control processes and replace manual passport stamping. The exact date of introduction is not yet known.
Further information will follow in due course.
List of current Schengen member states: