How does Schengen work? Automatic translate

Europe in the second half of the 20th century faced a paradox. After World War II, the continent’s countries sought economic integration, creating common markets and developing trade. However, physical borders between states remained a barrier to the free movement of people and goods. Queues at checkpoints, passport controls, and customs checks — all of this slowed movement and ran counter to the spirit of a united Europe.

On June 14, 1985, an event occurred that changed the face of European travel. Aboard a pleasure boat on the Moselle River, near the small Luxembourg town of Schengen, five countries signed a document that became the basis for an unprecedented experiment. Belgium, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands agreed to gradually abolish border controls at their common borders. The location of the signing was no coincidence — Schengen is located at the intersection of the three countries’ borders, symbolizing the idea of ​​European cooperation.

The 1985 agreement laid the foundation, but its practical implementation required time and further development. Five years later, on June 19, 1990, the same states signed the Schengen Convention, which defined specific mechanisms for the abolition of internal borders. The document provided for the complete elimination of systematic border controls between the parties and the introduction of a common visa policy. The Convention only entered into force on March 26, 1995, once the necessary technical and legal conditions had been established.

The initial five countries were quickly joined by other European states. Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece became members even before the zone’s official launch. Later, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and non-European states Iceland and Norway joined the agreement. Interestingly, the Schengen system initially developed separately from the structures of the European Union, as there was no consensus among EU members on the advisability of abolishing borders.

Integration into European law

The status of the Schengen Agreements changed dramatically in 1999, when the 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam entered into force. This document integrated the so-called Schengen acquis into the legal system of the European Union. From that moment on, Schengen ceased to be a separate intergovernmental initiative and became part of pan-European law. All EU member states, with the exception of Ireland and the United Kingdom, were obliged to join the Schengen Area upon fulfilling the technical requirements.

The Treaty of Amsterdam made external border control policy, visa policy, and asylum issues part of the European Union’s competence. Article 77 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union enshrined the goal of ensuring the absence of checks at internal borders for all persons, regardless of nationality. The treaty also provided for the introduction of an integrated external border management system.

The Schengen Area currently comprises 29 countries: 25 EU member states and four associated states — Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Romania and Bulgaria will become full members in early 2025, completing the long process of accession. The Schengen area covers over 4.5 million square kilometers and is home to over 450 million people.

Visa rules and types of permits

One of the cornerstones of the Schengen system is its unified visa policy. A Schengen visa entitles third-country nationals to travel to all participating states without additional permits. There are several types of visas, each designed for specific purposes.

The uniform Schengen visa type C is the most common category. It allows a stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa can be single-, double-, or multiple-entry. A single-entry visa allows one entry and is automatically cancelled upon exiting the area. A double-entry visa allows two entries into and out of the external border. A multiple-entry visa allows unlimited entries and exits during its validity, but the total length of stay cannot exceed 90 days.

The calculation of 90 days within 180 days is based on the "sliding window" principle. This means that the countdown is not from the beginning of the calendar half-year, but rather from the current day back 180 days. Travelers must carefully monitor the number of days spent to avoid exceeding the permitted period. The European Commission provides a special online calculator that allows you to accurately determine the remaining number of days of stay.

An airport transit visa (A-Visa) is required for citizens of certain countries to transit through the international area of ​​Schengen airports. As of 2024, this visa is mandatory for citizens of 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka. If a passenger needs to leave the international area of ​​the airport for a connecting flight, a C-Visa is required.

A national visa type D is intended for long-term stays of more than 90 days. It is issued for study, work, or permanent residence in a specific Schengen state. Holders of this visa can travel freely throughout the area, but their primary residence must be in the issuing country.

Citizens of many countries are exempt from visa requirements for short-term visits. The United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and approximately 60 other countries enjoy visa-free entry into the Schengen Area. Their citizens can stay in the area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without obtaining a visa. However, starting in late 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is planned to be implemented, requiring visa-exempt travelers to pre-register online.

External border control

The abolition of internal borders necessitated increased controls on the external perimeter of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Borders Code, adopted in 2006 and later updated, establishes uniform rules for checks at external borders. EU citizens are subject to minimal identity checks upon entry based on their travel documents. Third-country nationals undergo thorough checks, including document scanning, biometric data collection, and database checks.

Passports of third-country nationals are systematically stamped upon entry and exit from the Schengen Area. This allows for verification of compliance with the permitted length of stay. The absence of stamps may raise questions upon exit, although travelers can provide alternative proof of compliance with the conditions of stay.

The phased implementation of a new entry-exit system (EES) is planned for 2025. This automated system will record all external border crossings by third-country nationals. Upon initial entry, an electronic record is created containing passport data, biometric information (fingerprints and facial photograph), and entry and exit dates. The EES is designed to replace physical stamping and simplify visa compliance monitoring. Full implementation of the system at all border crossing points is planned for April 2026.

Schengen Information System

To compensate for the lack of internal borders, the Schengen Information System (SIS) was created. Launched in 1995, this database allows competent authorities of member states to exchange information on persons and objects of interest to law enforcement. SIS connects the national systems of all Schengen countries, providing real-time access to data.

The system records information on wanted persons, missing persons, individuals banned from entering the Schengen area, as well as stolen or lost documents, vehicles, and other items. Access to the SIS is available to police, border guards, customs authorities, judicial authorities, and visa-issuing consulates.

In 2013, the second-generation system, SIS II, was activated, expanding its data processing capabilities. The new version allowed for the entry of biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs, as well as information on new categories of objects, such as aircraft and vessels, containers, and stolen payment instruments. In 2023, the updated SIS-RECAST system, featuring additional security features, was introduced.

Data processing in the SIS is strictly regulated by personal information protection rules. Individuals whose data is entered into the system have the right to learn about this, access their data, and request its correction or deletion, if warranted.

Law enforcement cooperation

The abolition of border controls between Schengen countries necessitated the creation of mechanisms to address potential security threats. The Schengen Convention established several forms of police cooperation, allowing law enforcement agencies to operate effectively across national borders.

Cross-border surveillance allows police officers from one country to continue monitoring a suspect in another country. With prior permission from the authorities of the neighboring country, officers can cross the border and continue surveillance. In emergency situations, when there is no time to obtain permission, continued surveillance is permitted with immediate notification of the authorities of the other country.

The power of hot pursuit allows police officers pursuing a person caught in the act of committing a serious crime to continue the pursuit into the territory of a neighboring state without prior permission. Pursuing officers must be easily identifiable by uniform or special insignia. This power is limited to detaining the suspect until local police arrive.

Joint patrols and operations are conducted by forces from several countries to prevent crime in border areas. Such operations are particularly relevant during major international events, protecting high-ranking officials, or combating organized crime. Police cooperation centers have been established at the borders of many Schengen countries to coordinate interactions between law enforcement agencies of neighboring states.

In 2025, the European Commission proposed an EU Police Cooperation Code aimed at further improving cooperation. The proposal calls for the creation of common standards for joint operations, the definition of a common list of crimes that can be prosecuted across borders, and the establishment of clear deadlines for the exchange of information between law enforcement agencies.

Temporary restoration of border control

The Schengen Borders Code provides for the possibility of temporarily reinstating controls at internal borders in exceptional circumstances. States may impose such measures in the event of a serious threat to public order or internal security. Reinstating controls must be a measure of last resort, applied for a limited period, and proportionate to the threat.

After 2015, when Europe faced a massive influx of migrants, many countries began actively using this option. Germany, Austria, France, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway repeatedly extended temporary border checks, citing migration pressure, terrorist threats, and threats to public safety. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a large-scale reinstatement of borders across the Schengen area due to health concerns.

Several Schengen countries continue to implement temporary border checks. Updated regulations in 2024 allow states to impose controls for up to two years in the event of a serious threat to internal security or public order. Critics note that this practice undermines the fundamental principle of Schengen — free movement without borders.

Benefits of free movement

The Schengen Area has brought tangible benefits to both the citizens and economies of European countries. Over 400 million EU citizens can travel, live, work, and study freely in any Schengen country without visa restrictions. Around 3.5 million people cross the area’s internal borders daily, and Europeans make 1.25 billion trips within Schengen each year.

The economic benefits of free movement are significant. The absence of border controls expedites the transport of goods, reduces logistics costs, and facilitates trade. Approximately 1.7 million people live in one Schengen country while working in another. This cross-border labor mobility helps balance labor markets and fill vacancies in regions with skill shortages.

Tourism has received a major boost thanks to simplified travel. Tourists from third countries with a single visa can visit several European countries without additional formalities. Cultural exchanges, educational programs, and scientific cooperation have also benefited from the lack of borders. Students and researchers travel freely between universities and research centers in different countries.

Challenges and problems

The Schengen system faces a number of challenges in the current environment. The 2015 migration crisis demonstrated the area’s vulnerability to massive, uncontrolled flows of people. Differences in states’ approaches to managing external borders and welcoming migrants have created tensions between members. Some countries on the EU’s southern and eastern borders bear the brunt of receiving arrivals, while other states within the Schengen area experience secondary migration pressure.

Terrorist threats have become another factor driving states to restore borders. A series of terrorist attacks in Europe in 2015-2016 sparked debate about the balance between freedom of movement and security. Critics point out that criminals and terrorists could exploit the lack of internal controls to travel, although Schengen advocates emphasize the effectiveness of compensating measures such as SIS and police cooperation.

The expansion of the Schengen Area continues. Cyprus is technically preparing to join, although political obstacles currently prevent the lifting of border controls. Croatia will become a full member in 2023. After years of waiting, Romania and Bulgaria will gain full membership in 2025, completing their integration into the European system of free movement.

The future of Schengen depends on the ability of member states to balance freedom of movement with security. Digitalization of border control through the EES and ETIAS systems aims to improve border management efficiency without reverting to physical barriers. Strengthening coordination between national law enforcement agencies and improving information exchange mechanisms remain priorities for the system’s development.