The Schengen Area (English: / ˈʃɛŋən / SHENG-ən, Luxembourgish: [ˈʃæŋən] ⓘ) is a system of open borders that encompass 29 European countries that have officially abolished border controls at their …

Comprehensive reference on the Schengen Area: legal framework under EU Regulation 810/2009, visa policy, border control mechanisms, travel & entry systems & all 29 member states. Authoritative …

Jun 16, 2025 · It started in 1985 as an intergovernmental project between five EU countries – France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg – and has gradually expanded to become the …

Aug 14, 2025 · The Schengen Area stands as a landmark achievement in European cooperation, creating a vast border-free travel zone that allows millions to move freely across 29 member …

Plan your trip through Europe with our U.S. citizen guide, covering Schengen travel, visa requirements, electronic travel authorizations, and passport needs.

Jun 14, 1985 · Schengen Agreement, international convention approved by Belgium, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands in Schengen, Luxembourg, on June 14, 1985.

The Schengen area guarantees free movement to more than 450 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes …

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 Cyprus, but not to EU …

Formally, the Schengen countries agreed on the free movement of persons. This means that national border controls within the Schengen zone have been abolished, so that persons without a visa or …

Jun 17, 2019 · The Schengen rules abolish internal border controls, while harmonising and reinforcing protection of the area's external borders. Once inside the Schengen area, people can travel from one …