Entering the Schengen Area

You will find information about the free movement of people within the Schengen Area in Europe here.

Avrupa’da Schengen Bölgesi içinde kişilerin serbest dolaşımı hakkında bilgileri burada bulabilirsiniz.

Town Hall and Square with fountain in Valencia, Spain

Entering the “Schengen Area” in Europe

The Schengen agreement regulates the free movement of people within the Schengen area. The agreement allows easier travel between the Schengen Member States. This means that there are no regular border checks between Schengen States.

However, all travelers (including children and infants) must be able to provide a valid travel document at all times (e.g. passport or ID card). Driving licenses, bank and credit cards or similar documents are not recognized as valid travel documents or proof of identity.

All foreign visitors (non EU nationals) may stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days from the day of entry (within a 180-day period). A visa might be required depending on the traveler’s nationality and the purpose of visit.

More information can be obtained at any Schengen Member states’ embassy. Detailed information about entry regulations, passport requirements and recent changes in specific countries is also available on the IATA Travel Centre website.

EES: The New Entry and Exit System of the European Union

The new Entry-Exit System (EES) is a key element of the European Union's Smart Borders program and applies to all non-EU citizens traveling to a European country for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The introduction is planned for November 2024 and aims to automate border control procedures and replace manual passport stamping.

Further information will be provided in due course.

List of current Schengen member states: