Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is an agreement between a group of countries in Europe that have abolished their internal borders, allowing for the free movement of people within the area. It was established by the Schengen Agreement in 1985. The countries within the Schengen Area have implemented a common visa policy, which means that passport control is eliminated at their mutual borders, allowing individuals to travel freely between Schengen countries.

The countries that are part of the Schengen Area include: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Liechtenstein.

The free movement within the Schengen Area applies to both citizens of Schengen countries and third-country nationals traveling to Schengen countries. By entering one Schengen country, an individual can travel to other Schengen countries without undergoing passport control at the borders.

However, the free movement within the Schengen Area does not mean that borders are completely open. Schengen countries collaborate to protect their external borders and ensure security. They have established a common database called the Schengen Information System (SIS), which allows for the exchange of information on lost or stolen passports, wanted individuals, or objects sought by governments. This enhances border security within the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area also includes some non-European Union (EU) countries. These countries can join the Schengen Area by becoming signatories to the Schengen Agreement or by negotiating special agreements with the EU. For example, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein are part of the Schengen Area despite not being EU members.

The Schengen Area promotes tourism, trade, and economic integration in Europe by enabling the free movement of people and the elimination of border controls. However, due to security concerns and migration crises, some controls and restrictions may be implemented within the Schengen Area.