What is a Schengen Visa and How Does it Work?

A Schengen visa, also known as a Europe visa, allows eligible individuals to travel freely within the 26 participating Schengen Area countries. This means Europe travelers will not be subject to border checks at internal Schengen borders.

Border checks remain in place for travelers crossing external borders, however. These are the borders between Schengen and non-Schengen states.

The following individuals are eligible for unrestricted travel in the Schengen Area:

•           Schengen-country citizens

•           Holders of a residence permit issued by a Schengen country

•           EU/EEA citizens

•           Non-EU individuals from eligible countries who are not required to obtain a Schengen visa for travel of 90 days or less

•           Non-EU individuals with a valid Schengen visa

Additional facts to keep in mind:

•           While you may not need a Europe visa, you will need a valid passport to enter any and all Schengen countries.

•           If you reside in a non-EU country, you will be required to obtain a stamp on your passport no matter what country you are entering. If you don’t have the stamps in your passport when you try to leave the Schengen Area, you may be required to prove how long you’ve been in Europe.

 

History of the Schengen Area

If you’re not at all familiar with the Schengen Area (or the Schengen Zone, as it’s sometimes called), here’s what you need to know:

 

In 1985, five European Union (EU) countries pledged to eliminate internal border controls. Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands signed the Schengen Agreement, and the Schengen Area was born.

 

Five years later, these countries signed again to officially implement the agreement, and in 1995 border controls between the nations were effectively abolished.

 

Named after the village in Luxembourg where its borders meet those of Germany and France, the Schengen Agreement cemented the rights of Schengen-country nationals and EU citizens to travel freely within the participating area countries.

 

Today, 26 Schengen countries (Schengen states) make up the Schengen Area, which sees about 1.25 billion visits each year from Europeans alone.