Imagine being able to travel across Europe as freely as you move around your own city, without extra checks and borders. The Schengen Area unites 29 countries that have removed internal borders to make travel easier. But how exactly does it work? Let’s explore what the Schengen Area is, how it came to be, and what advantages it offers. We’ll also cover the main principles of the agreement and entry rules.
What the article is about:
- What’s that?
- History of its Creation and Why It Was Established
- Main Principles of the Agreement
- Full List of Participants
- Rules for Visiting and Staying
- Difference Between the Schengen Area and the European Union
- Technologies and Innovations
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Visa
- Interesting Facts
- Conclusion
What’s that?
Schengen is a group of European countries that have signed an agreement allowing people to move freely between these states without undergoing passport control. It includes almost all of the European Union (EU) countries as well as others like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
History of its Creation and Why It Was Established
It all started in 1985 when five European countries—France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—signed an agreement in the small village of Schengen in Luxembourg. Their goal was simple: to simplify the movement of people and goods in Europe. This decision helped remove many bureaucratic barriers, making tourism, trade, and economic cooperation easier.
In 1995, the agreement came into effect, and over time, other European countries joined. Today, this system covers most of the continent, including EU member states and some non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland.
Main Principles of the Agreement
These principles ensure the seamless movement of people and the creation of a unified, secure space.
- Freedom of Movement. The primary principle is the abolition of internal borders between member countries. This means that citizens and residents can travel across these territories without undergoing passport control.
- Common Visa. A Schengen visa allows its holder to visit all the countries that are part of the agreement.
- Security Cooperation. The removal of internal borders requires enhanced security cooperation. All Schengen members must share information and coordinate their actions to combat crime and terrorism. An important tool is the Schengen Information System (SIS), which allows data sharing about individuals who pose security threats.
- Enhanced External Border Control. The removal of internal borders is compensated by strengthened control at external borders. All participants are required to conduct thorough passport and customs checks at their external borders to prevent illegal crossings and ensure security.
- Unified Entry Policy. All participants harmonize their entry policies and requirements. This standardizes the visa issuance process.
- Simplification of Transport and Customs Procedures. Transport and customs procedures are simplified, facilitating the smooth movement of goods. This supports economic development and trade.
Full List of Participants
Here is the current list of countries included in this area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Croatia, Switzerland, Bulgaria, and Romania.
Non-members but allowing entry with a Schengen visa:
- Albania – Entry with a visa is possible for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Cyprus – Entry is allowed for up to 90 days.
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Rules for Visiting and Staying
To travel freely within the Schengen Area, you need to obtain a visa from one of the participating countries. There are several main types of visas you can get depending on the purpose of your trip.
Tourist Visa (Category C):
- This visa is intended for short-term trips for tourism, visiting relatives, or friends.
- The duration of stay with a tourist visa is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Work Visa:
- A work visa is required for those planning to work in one of the Schengen countries.
- Types of work visas can vary depending on the duration and type of work, such as short-term contracts, long-term contracts, seasonal work, etc.
Student Visa:
- A student visa is necessary for those planning to study at educational institutions.
- A student visa is usually issued for the duration of the study program and can be extended depending on the course.
Investor Visa:
- An investor visa is granted to individuals planning to invest significant funds in the economy of one of the member countries.
- These visas can grant the right to long-term stay and sometimes even residency.
Visa-Free Entry:
- Citizens of certain countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and others, can enter the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Travelers must comply with the stay regulations and have documents confirming the purpose of their trip (e.g., tourism, business, or personal visits).
We’ve already covered the most popular types of visas and residence permits in Europe here.
Difference Between the Schengen Area and the European Union
You’ve probably heard of both concepts, but do you know how they differ? Let’s break it down.
The Schengen Area is a zone consisting of 29 European countries that have abolished border control at their mutual borders. This means you can move freely between these territories as if they were one big country.
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union comprising 27 European countries. It was established to strengthen economic cooperation, ensure peace, and provide stability in Europe. The EU has its own parliament, laws, and even its own currency—the euro, used in 20 of the 27 countries. But the EU is about more than just the free movement of people; it encompasses unified economic, political, and legal standards.
Key Differences
- Purpose of Creation: The Schengen Area was created to simplify the movement of people. The EU, on the other hand, aims to create an economic and political union.
- Membership: Not all EU countries are part of the Schengen Area and vice versa. For example, Norway and Switzerland are not EU members but are part of Schengen. Conversely, the UK, which was an EU member, was never part of the Schengen Area.
- Rights and Obligations: The EU is more than just free movement; it involves common laws and principles, a unified foreign policy, and even a single currency. The Schengen Area is solely focused on the free movement of people.
In summary, Schengen is about free travel, while the EU is about uniting for mutual prosperity.
Technologies and Innovations
Modern technologies greatly facilitate travel and make it safer:
- SIS (Schengen Information System): This is a database that allows information sharing between law enforcement agencies of different countries. It helps quickly locate and apprehend criminals.
- Biometrics: Fingerprints and photographs help prevent visa forgery and illegal entries.
- e-Visa: Some countries have started using electronic visas, making the application process simpler and faster.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Visa
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a document that allows you to cross borders and move freely across the 29 countries in the Schengen Area. It is intended for short-term trips and is valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. There are several types of Schengen visas:
- Tourist Visa: For travel and sightseeing.
- Business Visa: For business trips, meetings, and conferences.
- Visa for Visiting Friends and Relatives: For visiting family or friends.
- Transit Visa: For transit through Schengen countries to a third country.
How to Obtain It?
Determine the Type of Visa: Choose the type of visa based on the purpose of your trip (tourism, business, visiting friends and relatives, transit).
Select the Country for Application: If you plan to visit multiple countries, apply for the visa at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time. Alternatively, apply in the country of first entry.
Gather Necessary Documents:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area).
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Travel medical insurance covering expenses over €30,000.
- Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements, employment letter).
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel booking or invitation).
- Return tickets or proof of further travel plans.
Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the consulate or visa application center of the country where you will submit your documents. This can be done on their website.
Submit Documents: Attend the appointment at the scheduled time. Submit your documents, pay the consular fee, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
Wait for the Decision: Processing time usually takes 7 to 15 working days, but it may vary depending on the country and season. You can track the status of your application on the website.
Collect the Visa: Pick up your passport with the visa at the consulate. Check the accuracy of the visa details.
Can I Work with This Visa in Another Country?
A Category C (tourist) visa does not grant the right to work. If you plan to work in the Schengen Area, you will need to apply for a work visa that allows you to work legally.
What If I Want to Stay Longer Than 90 Days?
If you plan to stay in a country for more than 90 days, you must apply for a long-term visa or residence permit. This can be a work, student, or investor visa, depending on the purpose of your stay.
What Happens If I Overstay?
It is highly advised not to overstay. However, if you do exceed the allowed stay, the consequences may include:
- Fines and deportation.
- Ban on entry for a certain period.
- Difficulties obtaining visas in the future.
Interesting Facts
- First Steps Towards Creation
The idea of a free movement area emerged in 1984. A meeting on board a riverboat cruising the Moselle River gathered leaders from France, Germany, and the Benelux countries. It was there that discussions about simplifying border crossings began. - Cultural Diversity
This zone brings together countries with diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. Traveling across Europe, you can visit places with rich histories and unique cultures, from sunny Spain to cold Norway. - Celebration of the Agreement Signing
Every year on June 14th, the Schengen Area celebrates the day the agreement was signed. Various events, exhibitions, and concerts dedicated to the history and achievements of the Schengen Area are held on this day. - Exceptions
Although Ireland and the United Kingdom are EU members, they are not part of the Schengen Area. Conversely, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, which are not EU members, are part of this zone. - Newest Candidates
Romania and Bulgaria were the latest countries to join in 2024. - Introduction of the Visa Code
It wasn’t until 2010 that the Visa Code was introduced, standardizing all instructions on how to issue visas across all participating countries. This significantly simplified the visa application process for travelers.
Conclusion
Now you know what the Schengen Area is, how it works, and which countries are part of it. Free movement, common visa rules, and security cooperation make this area a unique space. We hope this information was helpful and provided a better understanding of all its nuances.
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