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 …

Nov 24, 2025 · Plan your trip through Europe with our U.S. citizen guide, covering Schengen travel, visa requirements, electronic travel authorizations, and passport needs.

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.

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

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 …

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

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 …

Apr 25, 2017 · Schengen Countries comprise of 26 European nations that have abolished any border control at their borders. The Schengen area was established to allow free movement of people …