115-473: The Schengen Agreement ( English: / ˈ ʃ ɛ ŋ ə n / SHENG -ən , Luxembourgish: [ˈʃæŋən] ) is a treaty which led to the creation of Europe's Schengen Area , in which internal border checks have largely been abolished. It was signed on 14 June 1985, near the town of Schengen, Luxembourg , by five of the ten member states of the then European Economic Community . It proposed measures intended to gradually abolish border checks at
230-418: A common visa policy . The Schengen Area operates very much like a single state for international travel purposes with external border controls for travellers entering and exiting the area, and common visas, but with no internal border controls. It currently consists of 29 European countries covering a population of over 400 million people and an area of 4,312,099 square kilometres (1,664,911 sq mi). Originally,
345-485: 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 EU/EEA/Swiss citizen family member. However, holders of a residence card of a family member of a Union citizen issued by Cyprus and Ireland can travel to the Schengen Area without
460-640: A 180-day period. The visa-free time restriction for entering and staying in Cyprus is calculated separately from the one for the Schengen Area . According to a table compiled by the European Commission, some Schengen countries permit certain nationals to work during their visa-free stay: Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen state or Monaco may also travel to other Schengen states, without an additional visa, for
575-509: A Cypriot visa. However, visas and residence permits issued by Cyprus are not valid for travel to the Schengen Area. Individuals of any nationality who are family members of EU single market nationals and are in possession of a residence card indicating their status are exempt from the requirement to hold a visa when entering the EU single market when they are accompanying their EU single market family member or are seeking to join them. Holders of
690-706: A core part of EU law, and all EU member states without an opt-out which have not already joined the Schengen Area are legally obliged to do so when technical requirements have been met. Several non-EU countries are included in the area through special association agreements. Free movement of people was a core part of the original Treaty of Rome and, from the early days of the European Economic Community , nationals of EEC member states could travel freely from one member state to another on production of their passports or national identity cards . However, systematic identity controls were still in place at
805-558: 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. The British Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia , a British Overseas Territory which is outside the EU, also needs "other handling and mechanisms". Akrotiri and Dhekelia has no border control to Cyprus, but has its own border control at its air base. As of 2018 no date has been fixed for implementation of
920-567: A parliamentary question regarding "what obstacles remain in the path of Romanian accession to the Schengen area 15 years after joining the EU" as fulfilment of the accession criteria was recognised on 9 June 2011. A second attempt for Romania's accession to Schengen was to be established in the Justice and Home Affairs Council from 8–9 December 2022, with the EC announcing the topics on the agenda of
1035-644: A part of the Schengen agreement, often for the sake of liaising over law enforcement. In 2020, the UK declared its intent to withdraw from these arrangements at the end of its transition period , and did so on 31 December 2020. In contrast, while Ireland initially submitted a request to participate in the Schengen acquis in 2002, which was approved by the Council of the European Union, that decision took nearly eighteen years to be put into effect. In February 2010
1150-560: A police station within 3 working days of crossing an internal border. This requirement varies by country and can usually be performed by hotels instead. Since the global loosening of COVID-19 lockdown rules and the rebound in travel demand, Schengen nation embassies have come under immense criticism for long visa processing times and unavailability of visa appointments. The general lack of competition for visa outsourcing contracts, which are dominated by companies such as VFS Global , BLS International and TLScontact, has also been blamed for
1265-412: A questionnaire and visits by EU experts to selected institutions and workplaces in the country under assessment. Notes The procedure to enter the Schengen Area is that European Commission evaluates certain criteria. These criteria include border control legislation, infrastructure and organisation, personal data protection, visas, deportations, police cooperation and more. After a positive evaluation
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#17327656513761380-468: A result, the border between Svalbard and the rest of Norway is largely treated like any other external Schengen border. A Schengen visa must be multiple entry to allow returning to Norway. There is no welfare or asylum system for immigrants on Svalbard, and people incapable of supporting themselves may be sent away. The Danish territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland are neither part of
1495-528: 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). Svalbard is part of Norway and has a special status under international law . It is not part of the Schengen Area. There
1610-433: A stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Short-stay visas issued by a Schengen state are also valid for all other Schengen states unless marked otherwise. Holders of a double or multiple-entry visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen state or Monaco may also travel to Cyprus without an additional visa, for a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, except nationals of Turkey and Azerbaijan , who still need
1725-448: A valid passport , passport card , or national identity card can enter, reside and work in each other's territory without a visa. If they are unable to present a valid passport or national identity card at the border, they must nonetheless be afforded every reasonable opportunity to obtain the necessary documents or have them brought to them within a reasonable period of time or corroborate or prove by other means that they are covered by
1840-517: A value of €2.8 trillion. 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. States in the Schengen Area have strengthened border controls with non-Schengen countries. Before the First World War , most countries of the world, including Europe, had lax border policies, facilitating such educational trips as
1955-426: A visa ( transit privilege ). This only applies if the transfer is possible without leaving the international transit area, which depends on the connecting flight and airport layout. However, on 5 April 2010, common visa requirements for airport transit were introduced by the European Union. Nationals of the following 12 countries are required to hold an airport transit visa (ATV) when transiting through any airport in
2070-454: A visa either upon arrival or in transit. While Bulgaria and Romania, which joined the EU on 1 January 2007, were legally bound to join the Schengen Area, implementation had been delayed. On 15 October 2010, Bulgaria and Romania joined SIS II for law enforcement cooperation. On 9 June 2011, the Council of Ministers concluded that the evaluation process had been completed successfully and that
2185-594: A visa for the Schengen Area or Cyprus and who are visiting for the purpose of study and/or educational training are waived the visa application fee (but are still required to submit the relevant supporting documents). Currently the local border traffic regulation agreements exist with Belarus (with Latvia since 2011), Moldova (with Romania since 2010), Russia (with Norway since 2012, with Latvia since 2013 and Poland 2012-2016 ) and Ukraine (with Hungary and Slovakia since 2008, Poland since 2009 and Romania since 2015). Agreement between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
2300-416: A visa only if they are accompanying or joining their EU/EEA/Swiss citizen family member. A family member of an EU single market national satisfying the above conditions can also enter Cyprus for a stay of up to 90 days. In theory, a family member of an EU single market national who does not fulfil the above conditions does not have to apply for a visa in advance, and can instead obtain a visa on arrival at
2415-425: A visa to enter and, in some cases, transit through the Schengen area. The Schengen Area consists of 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries that are members of EFTA : Iceland , Liechtenstein , Norway and Switzerland . Cyprus , while an EU member state, is not yet part of the Schengen Area but, nonetheless, has a visa policy that is partially based on the Schengen acquis . Ireland has opted out of
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#17327656513762530-436: A visa to enter the Schengen Area need a multiple-entry visa to visit Andorra, because entering Andorra means leaving the Schengen Area, and re-entering France or Spain is considered a new entry into the Schengen Area. Andorran citizens do not receive a passport stamp when they enter and leave the Schengen Area. Andorra's ambassador to Spain, Jaume Gaytán, has said that he hopes that the agreement will include provisions to make
2645-567: Is EUR 90. There is a reduced fee of EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 12, and no fee for children under age 6, for applicants intending to undertake study, educational training or scientific research, and for applicants under age 25 representing non-profit organisations. In some cases the visa fee may be waived for children under age 18, for holders of diplomatic and service passports, and for applicants under age 25 participating in events by non-profit organisations, and may be waived or reduced in order to 'promote cultural or sporting interests, interests in
2760-524: Is also valid for the French side. France also has several territories which are neither part of the EU nor the Schengen Area. These are: French Polynesia , French Southern and Antarctic Lands , New Caledonia , Saint Barthélemy , Saint-Pierre and Miquelon , and Wallis and Futuna . Only the Netherlands' European territory is part of the Schengen Area. Six Dutch territories in the Caribbean are outside
2875-462: Is an area encompassing 29 European countries that have officially abolished border controls at their mutual borders. Being an element within the wider area of freedom, security and justice 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
2990-467: Is being implemented or negotiated in Poland and Lithuania regarding Belarus and Russia (Kaliningrad area), and has also been implemented in a 30 km border zone between Norway and Russia in 2012. See Schengen Area#Local border traffic at external borders . There is also a tendency to allow more and more one-year multiple-entry visas to Russians – especially by Finland. There are plans in
3105-424: Is defined as 3 months during a 6-month period from the date of first entry, due to a visa waiver agreement between the EU and Brazil using such definition. Any time spent by an Annex II national in the Schengen Area on a long-stay visa or a residence permit does not count towards the visa exemption period limit of 90 days. All Annex II nationals can also enter Cyprus without a visa for a maximum of 90 days in
3220-469: Is legally obliged to join in the future, while Ireland maintains an opt-out and operates its own visa policy . Denmark also maintains an opt-out from the wider AFSJ policy area, but has adopted the Schengen acquis on an intergovernmental basis. Denmark does not have voting powers for introductions and revocations of measures applied to the Schengen area as a result of this opt-out. In addition to
3335-411: Is less controversial from a migrant control perspective, because airlines are already required to check identity documents before boarding. Due to anti-terrorism legislation, this has long been common practice, even for routes within the same country. On 22 November 2024, Austria agreed to lift its veto on Bulgaria and Romania's full accession. The final decision is expected at a meeting of the Council of
3450-475: Is no visa regime in existence for Svalbard either for entry, residence or work, but it is difficult to visit Svalbard without travelling through the Schengen Area, 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 for non-Norwegian citizens. As
3565-403: Is normally attained after 5 years of residence), the member state can only expel the person on serious grounds of public policy or public security. Where the person has resided for 10 years or is a minor, the member state can only expel the person on imperative grounds of public security (and, in the case of minors, if expulsion is necessary in the best interests of the child, as provided for in
Schengen Agreement - Misplaced Pages Continue
3680-623: Is pending ratification but is applied on provisional basis. Holders of local border traffic permits are able to spend up to 3 months every time they enter the border area of the Schengen 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). A local border traffic permit scheme has been implemented in Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia for Ukrainian nationals,
3795-610: 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 . During the Brexit transition period until 31 December 2020, Gibraltar was still for most purposes treated as an EU territory. On 31 December 2020, the governments of Spain and of
3910-630: The Convention on the Rights of the Child ). Expulsion on public health grounds must relate to diseases with 'epidemic potential' which have occurred less than 3 months from the person's date of arrival in the member state where entry is sought. Since 2001, the European Union has issued a list of countries whose nationals need visas ( Annex I ) and a list of those who do not ( Annex II ). The two lists are also adopted by Cyprus , despite not being part of
4025-614: 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. Andorra is landlocked and does not have an airport or seaport, but there are several heliports. Visitors to the country can gain access only by road or helicopter through Schengen members France or Spain. Andorra has no border controls with either France or Spain. Border control points exist and border controls may be carried out in
4140-581: The EC structures , but led to the creation of the Schengen Area on 26 March 1995. 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
4255-532: The European Communities (EC), the predecessor of the EU, was established in the 1950s for economic cooperation, though it did not deal with border control issues. 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
4370-557: The Grand Tour amongst the upper classes. Visas became commonplace during the interwar period , as did border controls. After the Second World War , 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 abolished their mutual borders in 1960. This reflected a greater trend towards European integration;
4485-543: The Schengen Agreement and instead operates its own visa policy , as do certain overseas territories of Schengen member states. Nationals of EU single market countries are not only visa-exempt but are legally entitled to enter and reside in each other's countries. However, their right to freedom of movement in each other's countries can be limited in a reserved number of situations, as prescribed by EU treaties. Nationals of all EU single market states holding
4600-419: The Schengen Area unless marked otherwise. Cyprus also accepts double and multiple-entry Schengen visas, for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, except for nationals of Turkey and Azerbaijan. However, visas issued by Cyprus are not valid for travel to the Schengen Area. The Schengen Convention and Schengen Borders Code permit member states to require third-country nationals to report their presence to
4715-510: The Schengen Area yet. Nationals of the following countries and territories holding ordinary passports may enter the Schengen Area and Cyprus without a visa, for short stays (usually 90 days within any 180-day period): Nationalities exempt from visas in all EU member states, for holders of ordinary passports for short stays not including study or work (additional nationalities were exempt for only some EU member states): Nationalities exempt from visas in all EU member states, except Ireland and
Schengen Agreement - Misplaced Pages Continue
4830-687: The Schengen Information System (SIS) (participation in the SIS allows for cooperation on crime, immigration and other security-related matters within the Schengen Area). 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". As a result of Brexit , Gibraltar ceased to be part of
4945-491: 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
5060-411: The juxtaposed controls at Eurostar stations, although he admitted the situation there is slightly different. On 31 December 2020, Spain's foreign minister, Arancha González Laya said that she anticipated that it would take about six months to negotiate and conclude a treaty but that in the meantime Spain would work to ensure that mobility at the border would be "as fluid as possible". Apart from
5175-430: The legislative procedure of the EU under EU treaties . Ratification by the former agreement signatory states is not required for altering or repealing some or all of the former Schengen acquis . Legal acts setting out the conditions for entry into the Schengen Area are now made by majority vote in the EU's legislative bodies. New EU member states do not sign the Schengen Agreement as such, instead being bound to implement
5290-420: The 1990 Schengen Convention , both signed in Schengen, Luxembourg . Of the 27 EU member states , 25 are members of the Schengen Area. Bulgaria and Romania , the newest members, have had air and maritime borders open since March 2024, with land border controls expected to be lifted no earlier than 1 July 2025. The only EU member states that are not part of the Schengen Area are Cyprus and Ireland . Cyprus
5405-620: 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
5520-553: The Agreement was supplemented by the Schengen Convention which proposed the abolition of internal border controls and a common visa policy . It was this Convention that created the Schengen Area through the complete abolition of border controls between Schengen member states, common rules on visas, and police and judicial cooperation. The Schengen Agreement and its implementing Convention were enacted in 1995 only for some signatories, but just over two years later during
5635-568: The Agreement. While not signing the Schengen Treaty, the Republic of 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 . 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
5750-625: The Amsterdam Intergovernmental Conference, all European Union member states except the United Kingdom and Ireland had signed the Agreement. It was during those negotiations, which led to the Amsterdam Treaty , that the incorporation of the Schengen acquis into the main body of European Union law was agreed along with opt-outs for Ireland and the United Kingdom (which subsequently withdrew from
5865-599: 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
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#17327656513765980-509: The Common Travel Area and not join the Schengen Area for the foreseeable future , because it wants to keep open its land border with the UK . In 1999, the UK formally requested participation in certain provisions of the Schengen acquis – 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. The United Kingdom's formal participation in
6095-422: The EU agreed to include Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen Area, with Austria no longer vetoing the enlargement of the area. Air and sea ports no longer conduct border checks from 31 March 2024, while the end of land border checks require further discussions. Schengen Area The Schengen Area ( English: / ˈ ʃ ɛ ŋ ən / SHENG -ən , Luxembourgish: [ˈʃæŋən] )
6210-463: 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. 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 )
6325-457: The EU by the Treaty of Amsterdam , Ireland and the United Kingdom were the only member states that had not signed the Agreement. The UK did not want to join and 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. As a result, both negotiated an opt-out from
6440-533: The EU had the jurisdiction to abolish border controls, and in part because those ready to implement the idea did not wish to wait for others (at this time there was no enhanced co-operation mechanism). The Agreement provided for harmonisation of visa policies, allowing residents in border areas the freedom to cross borders away from fixed checkpoints, the replacement of passport checks with visual surveillance of vehicles at reduced speed, and vehicle checks that allowed vehicles to cross borders without stopping. In 1990,
6555-419: The EU in 2020), which were to remain outside of the Schengen Area. In December 1996 two non-EU member states, Norway and Iceland , signed an association agreement with the signatories of the Agreement to become part of the Schengen Area. While this agreement never came into force, both countries did become part of the Schengen Area after concluding similar agreements with the EU. The Schengen Convention itself
6670-476: The EU to allow up to 5 years validity on multiple-entry visas for Russians, partly to relieve the work load at embassies. There are no common visa lists for holders of diplomatic and official passports . States may still maintain different policies on these. Holders of diplomatic and official passports of Annex II countries (listed above) do not need a visa for a short stay of 90 days, except for: In addition, holders of diplomatic and official passports of
6785-545: The European Union The visa policy of the Schengen Area is a component within the wider area of freedom, security and justice policy of the European Union . It applies to the Schengen Area and to other EU member states except Ireland . The visa policy allows nationals of certain countries to enter the Schengen Area via air, land or sea without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Nationals of certain other countries are required to have
6900-400: 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
7015-421: The European Union on 12 December 2024, potentially enabling Bulgaria and Romania to become full members of the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025. However, land borders controls between Hungary and Romania and between Romania and Bulgaria will be maintained for at least for six more months. The Schengen Area consists of 29 countries, including four which are not members of the European Union (EU). Two of
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#17327656513767130-510: 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 . Owing to a declaration lodged by the United Kingdom with the EEC in 1982, in view of the entry into force of
7245-466: The Faroes and back using a passport or a national ID card and to Greenland using a passport only, while 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). When EU states were negotiating subsuming the Schengen Agreement into
7360-463: 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". Ireland joined the law enforcement aspect of SIS II on 1 January 2021 with plans to have "full operational capacity" two months later. Four European microstates — Andorra , Monaco , San Marino and
7475-574: The Schengen Agreement. The only areas of Schengen member states located in Europe but excluded are the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. 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 French Schengen Visa. The freedom of movement provisions of
7590-471: The Schengen Area also includes four European micro-states – Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City ;– that maintain open or semi-open borders with other Schengen member countries. One EU member state – Ireland – negotiated opt-outs from Schengen and continues to operate border controls with other EU member states, while at
7705-546: The Schengen Area due to their small size and difficulty of maintaining active border controls. The Schengen Area has a population of more than 450 million people and an area of 4,595,131 square kilometres (1,774,190 sq mi). About 1.7 million people commute to work across an internal European border each day, and in some regions these people constitute up to a third of the workforce. In 2015, there were 1.3 billion crossings of Schengen borders in total. Fifty-seven million crossings were due to transport of goods by road, with
7820-558: The Schengen Area in 2023, with border control-free travel by air planned for October 2023, followed by the abolition of land border controls by 1 January 2024. In a resolution, which members of the European Parliament called on the Council to approve Romania and Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen free-travel area by the end of 2023, adopted on 12 July with 526 votes in favour, 57 votes against, and 42 abstaining, Parliament stresses that "both countries have already fulfilled
7935-776: The Schengen Area or Cyprus, even if they remain airside: However, nationals of the above countries are exempt from airport transit visas if they hold a visa or residence permit issued by an EU single market country, Andorra, Canada, Japan, Monaco, San Marino or the United States, are family members of an EU single market national, hold a diplomatic passport, or are flight crew members. Additionally, individual Schengen countries can impose airport transit visa requirements for nationals of other countries in urgent cases of mass influx of illegal immigrants . For example, nationals of Syria need ATVs for many but not all Schengen countries. Schengen visas can be issued by any member state of
8050-499: The Schengen Area. UK citizens who are not residents of Gibraltar will be subjected to third-country national checks when they enter Gibraltar through the Gibraltar port or airport. It is anticipated that the third-country national check will entail two controls, one by Gibraltar's Borders and Coastguard Agency , giving entry into Gibraltar, and one by Frontex , giving entry into the Schengen Area. Picardo likened this arrangement to
8165-449: The Schengen Area. Liechtenstein does not issue visas and as such recommends visitors apply for a visa in another Schengen country, e.g. Switzerland. Monaco has an open border with France. Schengen laws are administered as if it were part of the EU as a result of bilateral agreements with France, and Schengen visas are accepted. Both French and Monégasque authorities carry out checks at Monaco's seaport and heliport. Visa policy in
8280-614: The Schengen Area. Travellers must apply to the embassy or consulate of the country which they intend to visit. In cases of travellers visiting multiple countries in the Schengen Area, travellers must apply to their main destination's embassy or consulate. If the main destination cannot be determined, the traveller should apply for the visa at the embassy of the Schengen member state of first entry. Often, external service providers are contracted by certain diplomatic missions to process, collect and return visa applications. Schengen visa applications may not be submitted more than six months prior to
8395-493: The Schengen members of the Council of the European Union decides unanimously together with the European Parliament to accept the new member. 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
8510-414: The Schengen rules as part of the pre-existing body of EU law, which every new entrant is required to accept. This situation means that non-EU Schengen member states have few formally binding options to influence the shaping and evolution of Schengen rules; their options are effectively reduced to agreeing or withdrawing from the agreement. However, consultations with affected countries are conducted prior to
8625-485: The Schengen rules by Cyprus. Cyprus has less potential benefit from an implementation of Schengen, for it has no land border with another EU member; air travel or around 12 hours of sea travel is needed to the nearest EU member. In November 2019, Cyprus's Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Christodoulides revealed that Cyprus formally began the process of joining the Schengen Area in September. In July 2023, Cyprus joined
8740-463: The Schengen treaties and the rules adopted under them operated independently from the European Union . However, in 1999 they were incorporated into European Union law by the Amsterdam Treaty , while providing opt-outs for the only two EU member states that had remained outside the Area: Ireland and the United Kingdom (which subsequently withdrew from the EU in 2020). Schengen is now
8855-673: The United Kingdom (advised by the Government of Gibraltar ) came to an agreement in principle on a framework for a UK-EU treaty on aspects of Gibraltar's future relationship with the European Union. Both Spain and the Head of the UK Mission to the European Union subsequently indicated with the European Commission their desire that such an agreement be negotiated and that the EU should seek a mandate for that purpose. Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo stated that he anticipates that
8970-417: The United Kingdom, and in non-EU states part of the Schengen Area (exemptions were harmonised): The above Annex II nationals can enter the Schengen Area as a whole for pleasure or for business without the need to apply for a visa for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period (which entails considering the 180-day period preceding each day of stay). For nationals of Brazil , the maximum visa-free stay
9085-627: The accession of Bulgaria. In Romania, the Austrian veto caused strong indignation. As a result of the veto, relations between the two states were reduced following the withdrawal of Romania's ambassador to Austria from Vienna . A boycott against Austria by Romanian companies, entrepreneurs, museums and universities also began, and anti-Austrian inscriptions also appeared in branches of Austrian banks in Romania. According to Euractiv , European institutions prepared to admit Bulgaria and Romania in
9200-746: The adoption of particular new legislation. In 2016, border controls were temporarily reintroduced in seven Schengen countries (Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, and Sweden) in response to the European migrant crisis . Portugal reintroduced checks several times along its border with Spain, during the UEFA Euro 2004 championships and when Portugal hosted the NATO 2010 Lisbon summit . Portugal also reintroduced border checks from 10 May 2017 to 14 May 2017, during Pope Francis 's visit to Fátima, Portugal . Border controls were reintroduced throughout
9315-591: The area during the COVID-19 pandemic . On 8 December 2022 the Justice and Home Affairs Council voted to admit Croatia to the Schengen Area, but rejected Bulgaria and Romania. Austria and the Netherlands voted against the inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania, with Austria claiming that there had been a rapid increase in the number of migrants using the West Balkan route to enter the EU illegally. On 30 December 2023
9430-473: The arrangement, which will apply for an initial period of four years, will make Gibraltar's port and airport entry points to the Schengen Area. These entry points will be managed by a Frontex operation. Spain, as the neighbouring Schengen member state, will be responsible as regards the European Union for the implementation of the Schengen acquis. Residents of Gibraltar, regardless of their nationality, are anticipated to enjoy maximised and unrestricted mobility to
9545-534: The border between most member states. Disagreement between member states led to an impasse on the abolition of border controls within the Community, but in 1985 five of the then ten member states – Belgium, France , Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany – signed an agreement on the gradual abolition of common border controls. The agreement was signed on the Princess Marie-Astrid boat on
9660-475: The border checkpoint of a Schengen country or Cyprus by presenting evidence of the familial relationship. Even though a school pupil fulfilling all of the above conditions is exempt from having to obtain a visa to enter the Schengen Area and Cyprus, he or she is nonetheless required to have a valid travel document. However, he or she is exempt from having to carry a valid travel document if: School pupils (of any nationality and resident in any country) who require
9775-413: The consular officers. If biometric identifiers have been provided within the past 59 months, the applicant may not be required to provide biometric identifiers again. Providing that the visa application is admissible and there are no issues with the application, a decision must be given within 15 calendar days of the date on which the application was lodged. The standard application fee for a Schengen visa
9890-437: The death or sudden serious illness of a close relative or of another close person). People trying this way to travel to the Schengen Area can be denied boarding by the airline because of the carrier's responsibility , which penalises airlines if they carry passengers who do not have the correct documentation. In exceptional cases, Schengen states may issue visas with limited territorial validity (LTV), either specifically naming
10005-508: The digital application system and for cryptographically signed visas. In almost all cases, applications for Schengen visas will be made through a single website. In April 2024, the EU made a decision to grant multiple entry Schengen visas with 5-year validity to the nationals of [REDACTED] Bahrain , [REDACTED] Oman , and [REDACTED] Saudi Arabia . It was announced that this decision took immediate effect and nationals of these countries those apply for visas for
10120-531: The field of foreign policy, development policy and other areas of vital public interest, or for humanitarian reasons or because of international obligations'. If the applicant's country of nationality is considered not to be cooperating on the readmission of irregular migrants, the visa fee may be increased up to EUR 180, except for children under age 12. If a visa application is submitted to an external service provider, an additional service fee up to EUR 120 may be required. Schengen visas are valid for any country in
10235-672: The first time are also eligible for this privilege. This decision however does not cover other visa required nationals, including nationals of the EU membership candidates , and applications filed by nationals from these countries continue to be processed with existing constraints. The EU has concluded visa facilitation agreements with several countries, which allow facilitated procedures for issuing visas for both EU citizens and nationals of partner countries. The facilitated procedures include faster visa processing times, reduced or no fees, and reduced list of supporting documents. These agreements are also linked to readmission agreements that allow
10350-399: The following countries do not need a visa for: Holders of a United Nations laissez-passer , regardless of nationality, do not need a valid visa for up to 90 days in the Schengen Area and Cyprus . In general, a passenger who transits through one single airport in the Schengen Area and Cyprus while remaining airside in the international transit area less than one day will not require
10465-422: The meeting, which failed following opposition by Austria, as officials considered Bulgaria and Romania to be a transit route for most immigrants to the country . Romania disputes that assessment, and had unsuccessfully attempted to convince the Austrian government to vote for Romania's accession to Schengen. Despite having declared support for Romania, the Netherlands also voted against due to its opposition for
10580-487: 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. Moreover, the territory of four microstates – Andorra , Monaco , San Marino and Vatican City – is de facto included in
10695-519: The microstates and other non-EU areas with open borders. The three microstates cannot issue Schengen visas and with the exception of Monaco, are not formally part of the Schengen Area. As of 2015 , Andorra, Monaco and San Marino were negotiating an Association Agreement with the EU. Monaco left the negotiations in 2023, while an agreement for Andorra and San Marino is expected to be concluded in 2024. The agreement only concerns free movement of people and not border control issues. However, on 30 May 2024,
10810-584: The necessary requirements to be admitted into Schengen". However, in September 2023 Austria reiterated its objection to admitting the countries to the Schengen Area. In response, Romania threatened to challenge Austria's veto at the European Court of Justice to claim financial compensation. On 30 December 2023, an agreement was reached for Bulgaria and Romania to join the Schengen Area for air and sea travel on 31 March 2024, with land borders to be discussed later that year. Lifting air and sea borders
10925-582: The non-EU members – Iceland and Norway – are part of the Nordic Passport Union and are officially classified as states associated with the Schengen activities of the EU. Switzerland was allowed to participate in the same manner in 2008, and Liechtenstein in 2011. Bulgaria and Romania , the newest members of the Schengen Area, have had air and maritime borders open since March 2024, with land border controls expected to be lifted on 1 January 2025. De facto ,
11040-435: The other direction, but these are more focused on customs control ( Andorra has considerably lower taxes than its neighbours, with for example a standard VAT rate of just 4.5% ). Andorra does not have any visa requirements. Citizens of EU countries need either a national identity card or passport to enter Andorra, while anyone else requires a passport or equivalent. Schengen visas are accepted, but those travellers who need
11155-444: The part of the treaty which was to incorporate the Schengen rules (or acquis ) into EU Law when it came into effect on 1 May 1999. Under the relevant protocol, either may request to participate in aspects of the Schengen acquis but this is subject to the approval of the Schengen states. On 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union and the protocol ceased to apply to it. Ireland will continue to operate
11270-486: The poor service. This has partly spurred the EU to further digitalise the process. It is planning to introduce a unified online visa application platform at the EU and Schengen level, replacing the separated national platforms. The platform will be built by eu-LISA and is scheduled to be introduced in 2026. A transition period for all member states to migrate to the single platform is scheduled to last until 2031. The European Parliament voted on 18 October 2023 to introduce
11385-445: The previously approved areas of cooperation was put into effect by a 2004 Council decision that came into effect on 1 January 2005. Although the United Kingdom was not part of the Schengen passport-free area, 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
11500-537: The proposed date of entry into the Schengen Area. All countries' embassies may require applicants to provide biometric identifiers (ten fingerprints and a digital photograph) as part of the visa application process to be stored on the Visa Information System (VIS). Biometric identifiers are not collected from children under the age of 12. Travellers applying for a Schengen visa for the first time must apply in person and are subject to an interview by
11615-436: The regular criteria for the issuing of a Schengen visa. However, if the individual requesting a Schengen visa at the border falls within a category of people for which it is necessary to consult one or more of the central authorities of other Schengen states, they may only be issued a visa at the border in exceptional cases on humanitarian grounds, on grounds of national interest or on account of international obligations (such as
11730-533: The return of people irregularly residing in the EU. Many EU/Schengen countries have signed bilateral Working Holiday Visas for non-EU/Schengen countries which allows the nationals of those countries to work and travel up to one year in the country they applied for. Those agreements are usually reciprocal with other countries allowing some EU/Schengen countries to work and travel outside the EU/Schengen countries. Those visas are bilateral and not multilateral for
11845-408: The right of free movement. However, EU single market states can refuse entry to any EU single market national on public policy, public security or public health grounds where the person presents a "genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society". If the person has obtained permanent residence in the country where entry is sought (a status which
11960-574: The river Moselle near the town of Schengen, Luxembourg, where the territories of France, Germany and Luxembourg meet. Three of the signatories, Belgium , Luxembourg , and the Netherlands , had already abolished common border controls as part of the Benelux Economic Union . The Schengen Agreement was signed independently of the European Union , in part owing to the lack of consensus amongst EU member states over whether or not
12075-620: The same time being part of the open-border Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom (a former EU member that had held a similar opt-out) and the Crown Dependencies . The remaining EU member state – Cyprus – is obliged by its Treaties 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
12190-408: The signatories' common borders, including reduced-speed vehicle checks which allowed vehicles to cross borders without stopping, allowing residents in border areas freedom to cross borders away from fixed checkpoints, and the harmonisation of visa policies. In 1990, the Agreement was supplemented by the Schengen Convention which proposed the complete abolition of systematic internal border controls and
12305-658: The state(s) for which it is valid or, inversely, the state(s) for which it is not valid. According to the Schengen Visa Code, member states may issue LTV visas when a consulate deems it justifiable to overcome the three-month limitation in six months, when a member state considers it necessary due to pressing circumstances to derogate from entry conditions as set by Schengen Borders Code, to overcome objections of other member states, or in cases of urgency. Schengen visas are only issued on travel documents of UN member states , Kosovo , Palestine , Taiwan , Vatican City ,
12420-493: The states associate members of the Schengen Agreement . As of June 2024, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that Andorra has a de facto open border with Spain and France. Liechtenstein is landlocked and does not have an international airport. It has been a member of the Schengen Area since 2011. It does not have a border check at Balzers heliport, as flights to and from Balzers must be to or from
12535-428: The then ten EEC member states. These five countries entered into 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. The Agreements and the rules adopted under them continued to be separate from
12650-594: The two countries can become part of the Schengen Area and stop systematic border checks with neighbouring EU countries must be taken unanimously by all sides of the European Council ." On 11 December 2018, the European Parliament voted for the resolution in favour of accepting both countries, requiring the Council of the European Union to "act swiftly" on the matter. On 3 March 2022, Romanian MEP Eugen Tomac officially requested an answer through
12765-459: The two countries fulfilled all technical accession criteria. Bulgaria's and Romania's bids to join the Schengen Area were approved by the European Parliament in June 2011 but rejected by the Council of Ministers in September 2011, with the Dutch and Finnish governments citing concerns about shortcomings in anti-corruption measures and in the fight against organised crime. Although the original plan
12880-814: The unrestricted mobility of persons, the negotiations will also seek to address maximised and unrestricted mobility of goods between Gibraltar and the European Union, and consider matters related to the environment, the level playing field, social security coordination, citizens’ rights, data, and matters related to continued document recognition. On 6 October 2021, the EU agreed to open formal negotiations with UK anticipating an agreement on Gibraltar, and negotiations started soon after. They were ongoing as of February 2022; hopes were they would finish during spring 2022. As of December 2022 , negotiations were continuing, but appeared to be deadlocked over policing of passport control at Gibraltar airport. Notes There are territories of Schengen member states that are exempted from
12995-459: The whole EU/Schengen countries. All EU/Schengen countries have some Working Holiday Visa programs except Lichtenstein and Bulgaria. In exceptional cases, single-entry Schengen visas valid for up to 15 days may be issued on arrival at the border. These visas are reserved for individuals who can prove that they were unable to apply for a visa in advance due to time constraints arising out of 'unforeseeable' and 'imperative' reasons as long as they fulfil
13110-481: Was for the Schengen Area to open its air and sea borders with Bulgaria and Romania by March 2012, and its land borders by July 2012, continued opposition from Germany, Finland and the Netherlands has delayed the two countries' entry to the Schengen Area. On 4 October 2017, the European Parliament voted for access of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Information System , on which they gained full access on 1 August 2018. Moreover, "the final political decision whether
13225-427: Was not open for signature by non-EU member states. In 2009, Switzerland finalised its official entry to the Schengen Area with the acceptance of an association agreement by popular referendum in 2005. Now that the Schengen Agreement is part of the acquis communautaire , it has, for EU members, lost the status of a treaty, which could only be amended according to its terms. Instead, amendments are made according to
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