The Schengen Area represents a zone where 29 European countries have officially abolished all passport and any other type of border control at their mutual borders. Functioning essentially as a single state for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. Internal border controls have been eliminated, enabling passport-free movement between Schengen countries.
Who Can Travel Freely Within Schengen?
EU citizens have the right to enter and exit the Schengen area through any Schengen country. To ensure the security of external borders, they undergo a limited number of checks upon entry and exit, which are carried out efficiently with the help of automated border gates.
Schengen Visa for Third-Country Nationals
Nationals from third countries that require a visa to enter Schengen need to apply for a Schengen visa. These visas are processed and issued by Schengen States, in accordance with harmonised standards and requirements. Holders of Schengen visas can enter the Schengen area and are subject to entry and exit checks.
These checks, which rely on systems like the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS), are carried out at the external border where the person is entering but are done on behalf of all Schengen States. These systems will soon be complemented by the Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to further strengthen security while making travel to the Schengen area easy, efficient and safe.
Security Measures and Border Controls
While the Schengen area has a wide range of tools to guarantee security, without limiting freedom of movement, countries may temporarily reintroduce internal border controls as a measure of last resort in cases of a serious threat to public policy or internal security. If such controls are reintroduced, the country concerned has to inform the Council (and thus, other Schengen countries), the European Parliament and the European Commission as well as the public.
The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a crucial element. It is a large-scale, centralized information system that supports border control and law enforcement cooperation in the Schengen States. It allows border guards, police officers, and customs officials to access alerts on persons or objects of interest.
The Visa Information System (VIS) allows Schengen States to exchange visa data. It mainly consists of a central database, connected to the national visa systems. The VIS enables border guards to verify that a person holding a visa is who they claim to be and that the visa is authentic.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering travellers from third-countries, both visa-exempt and visa holders, each time they cross an EU external border. The system records the person’s name, type of the travel document, biometric data and the date and place of entry and exit, and respects fundamental rights and data protection.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a fully electronic system which allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. In a similar way to the United States’ ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), it will gather information about travellers ahead of their travel, to identify potential security or irregular migration risks.
Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control
Despite the open border policy, Schengen countries retain the right to temporarily reinstate border controls under exceptional circumstances. This measure is typically invoked when there’s a demonstrable threat to public policy or internal security. Any such reintroduction of border controls must be communicated to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the general public, ensuring transparency and accountability.
More information on the current reintroductions of internal border controls: Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control.
In conclusion, the Schengen Area facilitates free movement within its borders, while maintaining security through coordinated information systems and the possibility of temporary border control reintroduction. It balances freedom and security for travelers and residents alike.
