Schengen Area

Key Objectives of the Schengen Agreement

The Schengen Area aims to achieve several key objectives:

• Free Movement: Enable citizens and legal residents to travel freely between member countries without border checks.
• Economic Growth: Boost economic activity by facilitating easier trade and tourism across borders.
• Enhanced Security: Improve internal security through better cooperation and information sharing among member states.
• Unified Border Control: Strengthen external border controls while eliminating internal ones.
• Visa Harmonization: Implement a common visa policy for short-term stays within the Schengen zone.
• European Integration: Foster a sense of European unity and shared identity among participating nations.

These goals collectively work towards creating a more unified and efficiently functioning European space, balancing freedom of movement with security concerns.

Schengen Area Countries that are not Part of the EU

The following countries are part of the Schengen Area but are not members of the European Union:

• Iceland
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Liechtenstein

These four countries participate in the Schengen Agreement, allowing free movement within the Schengen Area, but they are not members of the European Union. They have special arrangements with the EU that allow them to be part of the Schengen Area while maintaining their status as non-EU countries.

Non-Schengen EU Countries

While most European Union members are part of the Schengen Area, a few remain outside this borderless zone. The countries list is:

• Ireland
• Cyprus

For a country to join the Schengen Area, it must meet several key requirements. These criteria ensure that the new member can effectively participate in the Schengen system and maintain the area's security standards. The main requirements include:

1. Control external borders effectively
2. Issue Schengen visas
3. Cooperate with law enforcement in other Schengen countries
4. Apply the common set of Schengen rules (the "Schengen acquis")
5. Connect to and use the Schengen Information System (SIS)

The decision-making process for Schengen membership requires unanimous approval from existing members, which can be lengthy. Additionally, some countries may have internal debates about the implications of open borders or need more time to implement necessary systems and procedures.

It's important to note that the situation can change, and countries may progress towards Schengen membership. The recent additions of Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area (with varying degrees of implementation) demonstrate that the zone continues to expand.

How to Obtain a Permit to Enter the Schengen Area

The process for entering the Schengen Area depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Here are the general steps:

1. Check if you need a visa:
   • Citizens of EU countries, EEA countries, and some other nations can enter without a visa.
   • Others may need to apply for a Schengen visa.
2. Determine the type of visa you need:
   • Short-stay visa (up to 90 days)
   • Long-stay visa (more than 90 days)
   • Transit visa
3. Gather required documents:
   • Valid passport
   • Passport-sized photos
   • Proof of accommodation
   • Proof of sufficient funds
   • Travel itinerary
   • Travel insurance
4. Submit your application:
   • Apply at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to enter first
   • Pay the visa fee
   • Attend an interview if required
5. Wait for processing:
   • Processing times vary, but usually take 15 days
   • Some applications may take up to 30 or 60 days

Note: Requirements may vary based on your country of origin and the specific Schengen country you're visiting. Always check the most current information from official sources. Also you can read our article about the basic information regarding the Schengen visa.