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 …

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 …

Aug 14, 2025 · Learn what the Schengen Area is, how it works with border-free travel between member countries, the common visa policy, and external border controls ensuring security and freedom.

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

Explore all 29 Schengen Area countries. Learn about visa rules, ETIAS, border changes, and how to travel Europe freely with one visa.

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 …

A Schengen visa and visa-free travel to the Schengen area (for eligible non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals) are valid for only short stays (those that are 90 days or less within a 180-day period – for …