Entry into the “Schengen Area” in Europe
The Schengen Agreement regulates freedom of movement of people within the Schengen Area. The Agreement simplifies travel between the Schengen member states. This means there are no regular border controls between the Schengen states.
However, all travellers (including children and babies) must be able to provide a valid travel document (such as a passport or ID card) at all times. Driving licences, bank or credit cards or similar documents are not accepted as valid travel documents or proof of identity.
All foreign visitors (non-EU nationals) are permitted to stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days from the date of arrival (within a period of 180 days). A residence permit (visa) may be required, depending on the traveller’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 Centre website.
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 programme 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 the manual stamping of passports. The exact date of its introduction is not yet known.
More information will follow in due course.
List of current Schengen member states:
Important note:
for all other European countries which are not part of the Schengen Area, contact the embassy of the respective country, or visit the IATA Travel Centre website for further information.