Entry into the Schengen Area
Here you can find information regarding the free movement of people within Europe’s Schengen Area.
Entry into the “Schengen Area” in Europe
The Schengen Agreement regulates the freedom of movement of people within the Schengen Area. The Agreement simplifies travel between the Schengen member states. This means that there are no regular border controls within the Schengen states.
However, all travelers (including children and infants) must be able to present a valid travel document at all times (e.g. a passport or ID card). Driving licenses, bank or credit cards, or similar documents are not accepted as valid travel documents/proof of identity.
All foreign visitors (non-EU citizens) may stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days from their date of arrival (within a period of 180 days). A residence permit (visa) may be required, depending on the traveler’s nationality and the purpose of their trip.
You can get more information from the embassy of any Schengen member state. Detailed information about entry requirements, passport regulations and changes in some countries is also available on the IATA Travel Center website.
Please note that with this link you are visiting an external website that may not follow the same privacy, security or accessibility policies.
EES: The European Union’s New Entry/Exit System
The new Entry/Exit System, abbreviated to EES, is a central element of the European Union’s Smart Borders program and affects all non-EU citizens who travel to a European country for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The aim of the EES is to automate border control processes and replace manual passport stamping. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start on 12 October 2025. European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.
Further information will follow in due course.
List of Current Schengen Member States:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Important Notice
For all other European countries outside the Schengen Area: contact the relevant embassy, or visit the IATA Travel Center website for more information.
Please note that with this link you are visiting an external website that may not follow the same privacy, security or accessibility policies.