Schengen Area: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=NovemberJanuary 20202025}}

| GDP_nominal = {{Increase}}{{Spaces}}$19.213 trillion<ref name="GDP">{{Cite web |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2023 |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=122,124,918,960,935,128,939,172,132,134,174,944,176,136,941,946,137,181,138,142,964,182,968,936,961,184,144,146,&s=NGDP_RPCH,NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,LP,&sy=2022&ey=2024&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |access-date=31 March 2024 |website=IMF.org |publisher=International Monetary Fund |archive-date=31 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331004100/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=122,124,918,960,935,128,939,172,132,134,174,944,176,136,941,946,137,181,138,142,964,182,968,936,961,184,144,146,&s=NGDP_RPCH,NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,LP,&sy=2022&ey=2024&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The '''Schengen Area''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|ˈ|ʃ|ɛ|ŋ|ən}} {{respell|SHENG|ən}}, {{IPA-ltz|lb|ˈʃæŋən|Lang|Lb-Schengen.ogg}}) is an area encompassingencompasses {{SCHENGENnum}} [[Europe]]an countries that have officially abolished [[border control]]s at their mutual borders. BeingAs an element within the wider [[area of freedom, security and justice]] (AFSJ) policy of the [[European Union]] (EU), it mostly functions as a single jurisdiction under [[visa policies in the European Union|a common visa policy]] for international travel purposes. The area is named after the 1985 [[Schengen Agreement]] and the 1990 [[Schengen Convention]], both signed in [[Schengen, Luxembourg|Schengen]], Luxembourg.

Of the 27 [[Member state of the European Union|EU member states]], 25 are members of the Schengen Area. [[BulgariaCyprus]] and [[Romania]],Republic the newest members, have had their air and maritime borders open since March 2024, with land border controls lifted on 1 January 2025.<ref>{{Cite webof Ireland|title=RomaniaIreland]] &are Bulgaria to Join Schengen; Land Checks for 6 Months|url=https://www.romaniajournal.ro/politics/romania-land-checks-for-6-months/ |website=Romania Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Schengen: Council decides to lift land border controls with Bulgaria and Romania |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/12/12/schengen-council-decides-to-lift-land-border-controls-with-bulgaria-and-romania/ |website=}}</ref> Thethe only EU member states that are not part of the Schengen Area are [[Cyprus]] and [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]].; Cyprus is committed by treaty to join in the future, but its participation is complicated due to theits prevailing geopolitical situation prevailing since the invasion and occupation of [[Northern Cyprus]] by Turkey [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus|since 1974]], whilewhilst Ireland maintains an [[Opt-outs in the European Union|opt-out]] and operates [[Visa policy of Ireland|its own visa policy]]. [[Denmark]] also maintains an [[OptDanish opt-outs infrom the European Union|opt-out]] from the wider [[Area of freedom, security and justice|AFSJ]] policy area, but has adopted the [[Schengen acquis]] on an intergovernmental basis, however with an exemption for the autonomous territories of [[Greenland]] and [[Faroe Islands]]. Denmark does not have voting powersrights for introductions and revocations of measures applied to the Schengen Area as a result of this opt-out.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Schengen, your gateway to free movement in Europe |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/66587/20230477_pdf_qc0423067enn_002.pdf |website=Council of the European Union}}</ref>

In addition to the member states of the European Union, all member states of the [[European Free Trade Association]], namely [[Iceland]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Norway]] and [[Switzerland]], have signed association agreements with the EU to be part of the Schengen Area. Moreover, the territoryterritories of four [[Microstates and the European Union|microstates]]{{snd}}[[Andorra]],<ref name="amt.de">{{cite web |title=Schengener Übereinkommen |url=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/visa-und-aufenthalt/schengen/207786?enodia=eyJleHAiOjE3MTczMzYyNTYsImNvbnRlbnQiOnRydWUsImF1ZCI6ImF1dGgiLCJIb3N0Ijoid3d3LmF1c3dhZXJ0aWdlcy1hbXQuZGUiLCJTb3VyY2VJUCI6IjE5Mi40Mi4xMTYuMTgzIiwiQ29uZmlnSUQiOiI4ZGFkY2UxMjVmZDJjMzkzMmI5NDNiNTJlOWQyY2Q2NTA1NzU0ZTE2MjIxMmEyY2UxYmI1YWYxNWMwZDRiYmZlIn0=.Kmo7KJpPY6Jl7kyHVksveFQ4y_OtZZWpLfDh6My6ZXI=#content_6 |website=auswaertiges-amt.de |publisher=[[German Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] |access-date=2 June 2024 |language=de |archive-date=2 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602132826/https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/visa-und-aufenthalt/schengen/207786?enodia=eyJleHAiOjE3MTczMzYyNTYsImNvbnRlbnQiOnRydWUsImF1ZCI6ImF1dGgiLCJIb3N0Ijoid3d3LmF1c3dhZXJ0aWdlcy1hbXQuZGUiLCJTb3VyY2VJUCI6IjE5Mi40Mi4xMTYuMTgzIiwiQ29uZmlnSUQiOiI4ZGFkY2UxMjVmZDJjMzkzMmI5NDNiNTJlOWQyY2Q2NTA1NzU0ZTE2MjIxMmEyY2UxYmI1YWYxNWMwZDRiYmZlIn0=.Kmo7KJpPY6Jl7kyHVksveFQ4y_OtZZWpLfDh6My6ZXI=#content_6 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Monaco]], [[San Marino]] and [[Vatican City]]{{snd}}isare ''[[de facto]]'' included in the Schengen Area due to their small size and difficulty of maintaining active border controls.<ref name="Swift Tourism">{{cite web |url=http://www.swifttourism.com/visit-europe.html |title=Tourist, Student and Work visa to Europe |publisher=Swift Tourism |year=2010 |access-date=14 September 2011 |archive-date=5 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905071334/http://www.swifttourism.com/visit-europe.html |url-status=dead}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024}}</ref><!-- Please do not add Gibraltar. As of January 2021, there are checks at the border. Multiple sources say that passports are required. -->

The Schengen Area has a population of more than 450 million people and an area of {{convert|4595131|km2|sqmi|0}}4,595,131 square kilometres (1,774,190 sq mi). About 1.7 million people commute to work across an internal European border each day, and in some regions these peopleinternational commuters constitute up to a third of the workforce. In 2015, there were 1.3 billion crossings of Schengen borders in total. Fifty-seven million crossings were due to the transport of goods by road, with a value of €2.8 trillion.<ref name="europarl"/><ref name="ECFR">{{cite web |title=The Future of Schengen |author=European Council on Foreign Relations |date=2016 |access-date=15 June 2017 |url=http://www.ecfr.eu/specials/scorecard/schengen_flash_scorecard |archive-06-15date=26 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626232022/http://www.ecfr.eu/specials/scorecard/schengen_flash_scorecard |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="barriers">{{cite news |title=Schengen's economic impact: Putting up barriers |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |date=6 February 2016-02-06| |access-date=15 June 2017 |url=https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21690065-06permanent-reintroduction-border-controls-would-harm-trade-europe-putting-up-barriers |archive-date=15 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515144644/https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21690065-permanent-reintroduction-border-controls-would-harm-trade-europe-putting-up-barriers |url-status=live }}</ref> The decrease in the cost of trade due to Schengen varies from 0.42% to 1.59% depending on geography, trade partners, and other factors. Countries outside of the Schengen Area also benefit.<ref name="CEPR"/> States in the Schengen Area have strengthened border controls with non-Schengen countries.<ref>{{cite web |title=The refugee crisis: Fixing Schengen is not enough |url=https://www.cer.eu/insights/refugee-crisis-fixing-schengen-not-enough |access-date=14 December 2018 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215065850/https://www.cer.eu/insights/refugee-crisis-fixing-schengen-not-enough |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== European borders prior to Schengen ===

Before the [[First World War]], most countries of the world, including Europe, had lax border policies, facilitating such educational trips as the [[Grand Tour]] amongst the upper classeswealthy.

Visas became commonplace during the [[interwar period]], as did border controls. After the [[Second World War]], however, customs unions arose between various European countries. The [[Nordic Passport Union|Nordic countries allowed free movement and residence between them in 1954]], and the countries of [[Benelux]] opened their mutual borders in 1960. This reflected a greater trend towards European integration; the [[European Communities]] (EC), the predecessor of the EU, waswere established in the 1950s for economic cooperation, though itthey did not deal with border control issues.

=== Schengen Agreement ===

The first move towards the abolition of border controls between [[Member states of the European Union|EC member states]] took place on 14 June 1985 with the signing of the Schengen Agreement by five [[European Economic Community|EEC]] members -– the Benelux countries as well as France and West Germany -– of the then ten EEC member states.<ref name="BBCWorld">{{citation |title=Fortress Europe |publisher=[[BBC World Service]] |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/theneweurope/wk22.htm |access-date=4 December 2012 |archive-date=17 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117232512/http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/theneweurope/wk22.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> These five countries entered into the Schengen Agreement separately from the [[European Communities]], because consensus could not be reached among all EEC member states.

The Agreement was supplemented in 1990 by the Schengen Convention, which proposed the abolition of internal border controls and a common visa policy.<ref name="Baltic Legal">{{citation |title=Schengen area by Latvian Law Firm |publisher=Baltic Legal |url=http://www.immigration-residency.eu/counsel/schengen-area/ |access-date=19 September 2013 |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331233054/http://www.immigration-residency.eu/counsel/schengen-area/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Agreements and the rules adopted under them continued to be separate from the [[Institutions of the European Union|EC structures]], and led to the creation of the Schengen Area on 26 March 1995.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://biblio.ucv.ro/bib_web/bib_pdf/EU_books/0056.pdf |title=The Schengen Area |publisher=[[European Commission]] |access-date=15 September 2011 |archive-date=7 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807020152/http://biblio.ucv.ro/bib_web/bib_pdf/EU_books/0056.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Common Schengen Visa Policy ====

''De facto'', the Schengen Area also includes four European micro-states{{snd}} Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City{{snd}}that maintain open or semi-open borders with other Schengen member countries.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.schengenvisas.com/list-of-non-schengen-countries-that-can-be-visited-with-a-schengen-visa/ |title= List of non-Schengen countries that can be visited with a Schengen visa |publisher= YOYO TRAVELS, Dubai |date= 14 January 2021 |access-01date= 24 April 2023 |archive-14date= 24 April 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230424172340/https://www.schengenvisas.com/list-of-non-schengen-countries-that-can-be-visited-with-a-schengen-visa/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.exteriors.ad/en/travel-to-andorra |title= Travel to Andorra |publisher= Govern d'Andorra |access-date= 24 April 2023 |archive-date= 18 May 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230518055346/http://www.exteriors.ad/en/travel-to-andorra |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.andorraresorts.com/blog/2022/andorra-schengen-area |title= Andorra and the Schengen Area |publisher= Andorra Resorts |date= 8 March 2022 |access-03date= 24 April 2023 |archive-08date= 29 April 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230429091920/https://www.andorraresorts.com/blog/2022/andorra-schengen-area/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

One EU member state{{snd}}[[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]{{snd}}negotiated opt-outs from Schengen and continues to operate border controls with other EU member states, while at the same time being part of the open-border [[Common Travel Area]] with the [[United Kingdom]] (a [[United Kingdom membership of the European Union|former EU member]] that had held a similar opt-out) and the [[Crown Dependencies]]. The remaining EU member state{{snd}}Cyprus{{snd}} is committed by its [[Treaty of Accession|Treaties of Accession]] to join the Schengen Area eventually. However, before fully implementing the Schengen rules, the state must have its preparedness assessed in four areas: [[Controlled airspace|air borders]], [[visa (document)|visas]], police cooperation, and [[Information privacy|personal data protection]]. This evaluation process involves a questionnaire and visits by EU experts to selected institutions and workplaces in the country under assessment.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/justice_freedom_security/free_movement_of_persons_asylum_immigration/l33020_en.htm |title= The Schengen Area and cooperation |publisher= Europa |date= 3 August 2009 |access-08date= 11 September 2011 |archive-03date= 18 May 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110518163743/http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/justice_freedom_security/free_movement_of_persons_asylum_immigration/l33020_en.htm |url-status= live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1995|4|28}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/006127.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Republic of Austria to the Agreement between the Governments of the Member States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985, as amended by the Protocols of 27 November 1990, 25 June 1991 and 6 November 1992 on the accession of the Governments of the Italian Republic, the Kingdom of Spain and the Portuguese Republic and the Hellenic Republic, respectively |access-date=2014-10-31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331223648/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/006127.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1997|12|1}}<ref name="Austria">{{cite web |url=https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10006000 |title=Beschluß des Exekutivausschusses zur Inkraftsetzung des Schengener Durchführungsübereinkommens in Österreich |language=de |trans-title=Resolution of the Executive Committee on the implementation of the Schengen Convention in Austria |date=7 October 1997-10-07 |access-date=1 November 2014 |archive-11date=1 April 2019 |archive-01url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401044817/https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10006000 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Acquis">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:31999D0435 |title=Council Decision of 20 May 1999 concerning the definition of the Schengen acquis for the purpose of determining, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaty on European Union, the legal basis for each of the provisions or decisions which constitute the acquis |date=1999-07-10 July 1999 |access-date=1 November 2014-11-01 |journal=[[Official Journal of the European Union]] |volume=L |number=176/1 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113225242/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:31999D0435 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|The elimination of border controls took place from 1 December 1997 to 31 March 1998.<ref name="Austria"/>|group=Note}}

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1985|6|14}}<ref name="origsign">{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/000058.html |title=Agreement between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the Gradual Abolition of Checks at their Common Borders |access-date=2014-10-31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401053411/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/000058.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1995|3|26}}<ref name="1995states">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:41994D0029 |title=Decision of the Executive Committee of 22 December 1994 on bringing into force the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 19 June 1990 |date=1994-12-22 December 1994 |access-date=2014-10-31 October 2014 |journal=[[Official Journal of the European Union]] |volume=L |number=239/130 |archive-date=9 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409234206/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:41994D0029 |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2005|4|25}}<ref name="2007enlarge">{{cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/treaties-agreements/agreement/?id=2005017|title=Treaty between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Estonia, the Hellenic Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, Ireland, the Italian Republic, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Poland, the Portuguese Republic, the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Member States of the European Union) and the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania, concerning the Accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union (Deposited with the Government of the Italian Republic)|access-date=17 January 2019|publisher=[[Council of the European Union]]|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030171318/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/treaties-agreements/agreement/?id=2005017|url-status=live}}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2024|3|31}}<ref name="RomBulgAir">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202400210 |title=Council Decision (EU) 2024/210 of 30 December 2023 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania |date=4 January 2024-01-04 |access-date=3 January 2024 |journal=[[Official Journal of the European Union]] |volume=L |number=2024/210 |archive-01date=4 January 2024 |archive-03url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104024146/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202400210 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=RomBulgLand>{{cite journal|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024D3212&qid=1735774686770|title=Council Decision (EU) 2024/3212 of 12 December 2024 setting the date for the lifting of checks on persons at internal land borders with and between the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania|date=23 December 2024|accessdate=1 January 2025|journal=[[Official Journal of the European Union]] |volume=L |number=2024/2103212}}</ref>{{refn|name=RomBulg|For air and sea borders, 1 January 2025 for land borders.|group=Note}}

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2011|12|9}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2012.112.01.0006.01.ENG#L_2012112EN.01001001 |title=TREATY CONCERNING THE ACCESSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA TO THE EUROPEAN UNION |access-date=9 December 2022-12-09 |publisher=EU |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209025716/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2012.112.01.0006.01.ENG#L_2012112EN.01001001 |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2023|1|1}}<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2022.320.01.0041.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2022%3A320%3ATOC |title=Council Decision (EU) 2022/2451 of 8 December 2022 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Republic of Croatia |date=2022-12-14 December 2022 |access-date=15 December 2022-12-15 |journal=[[Official Journal of the European Union]] |volume=L |number=320/41 |archive-date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216040150/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2022.320.01.0041.01.ENG&toc=OJ:L:2022:320:TOC |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/12/08/schengen-area-council-decides-to-lift-border-controls-with-croatia/ |title=Schengen area: Council decides to lift border controls with Croatia |access-date=9 December 2022 |publisher=EU |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209002053/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/12/08/schengen-09area-council-decides-to-lift-border-controls-with-croatia/ |publisherurl-status=EUlive }}</ref>{{refn|For land and sea borders, 26 March 2023 for air borders.|group=Note}}

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|12|21}}<ref name="2004states">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32007D0801 |title=COUNCIL DECISION of 6 December 2007 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic |date=8 December 2007-12-08 |access-date=2014-10-27 October 2014 |journal=[[Official Journal of the European Union]] |volume=L |number=323/34 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113225430/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32007D0801 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|For land and sea borders, 30 March 2008 for air borders.<ref name="2004states"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eu2008.si/en/News_and_Documents/Press_Releases/March/0325MNZschengen.html |publisher=Slovenia's EU Presidency |title=The final step of Schengen enlargement—controls at internal air borders to be abolished in late March |date=25 March 2008 |access-date=7 February 2009 |archive-date=22 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722085712/http://www.eu2008.si/en/News_and_Documents/Press_Releases/March/0325MNZschengen.html |url-status=live }}</ref>|name=2004states|group=Note}}

|{{flag|Denmark}} <br /><small>(excluding [[Greenland]] and the [[Faroe Islands]]){{refn|Greenland and the Faroe Islands are not included in the Schengen Area. However, persons travelling between the Faroe Islands, Greenland and the Schengen Area are not subject to border checks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A42000A0922%2808%29|title=EUR-Lex -– 42000A0922(08) -– EN -– EUR-Lex|website=eur-lex.europa.eu}}</ref> The list of countries whose citizens require a visa for Greenland or the Faroe Islands is the same as for the Schengen Area,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://naalakkersuisut.gl/en/About-government-of-greenland/About-Greenland/Coming-to-Greenland/Schengen-and-Tourists |title=Schengen and Tourists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725121707/http://naalakkersuisut.gl/en/About-government-of-greenland/About-Greenland/Coming-to-Greenland/Schengen-and-Tourists |archive-date=25 July 2017 |website=[[Government of Greenland]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.government.fo/foreign-relations/visa-and-work-permit/ |title=Visa and Work Permit |website=[[Government of the Faroe Islands]] |access-date=14 June 2017 |archive-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924104617/http://www.government.fo/foreign-relations/visa-and-work-permit |url-status=live }}</ref> but a Schengen visa will not allow the holder access to either territory, only a Danish visa stamped with either "Valid for the Faroe Islands" or "Valid for Greenland", or both.<ref name="greenland-faroe">{{cite web |title=General Information on Schengen Short-Term Visas |publisher=Royal Danish Embassy in London |date=4 June 2009 |url=http://www.amblondon.um.dk/en/menu/consularservices/visas/shorttermvisas |access-date=1 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110021548/http://www.amblondon.um.dk/en/menu/ConsularServices/Visas/ShortTermVisas |archive-date=10 January 2010}}</ref>|group=Note}}</small>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1996|12|19}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007473.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Agreement on the gradual abolition of controls at the contracting parties' common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985 |access-date=2014-10-31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401144313/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007473.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2001|3|25}}<ref name="2001enlarge">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32000D0777 |title=COUNCIL DECISION of 1 December 2000 on the application of the Schengen acquis in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, and in Iceland and Norway |date=9 December 2000-12-09 |access-date=2014-10-27 October 2014 |journal=[[Official Journal of the European Union]] |volume=L |number=309/24 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113225506/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32000D0777 |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1996|12|19}}<ref>{{cite web |url= https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007475.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Republic of Finland to the Agreement on the gradual abolition of controls at the contracting parties' common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985 |access-date=2014-10-31 October 2014 |publisher=[[Government of the Netherlands]] |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102051126/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007475.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

|{{flag|France}} <br /><small>(excluding [[Overseas France]]){{refn|The [[Overseas France|overseas departments and collectivities of France]] are not part of the Schengen Area. However, when travelling by air from [[metropolitan France]] directly to [[French Guiana]], [[Guadeloupe]], [[Martinique]], [[Mayotte]] and [[Réunion]], border checks by the [[French Border Police]] only take place at the departure airport, not at the arrival airport (where passengers walk past the passport control booths, which will be unstaffed). This arrangement does not, however, apply to direct flights from other Schengen member states, such as the past Charleroi-Guadeloupe and Charleroi-Martinique flights by Air Belgium. On the other hand, passengers flying from French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Réunion directly to metropolitan France have to undergo border checks by the French Border Police both on departure and on arrival (an arrangement known as 'double contrôle').<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.senat.fr/questions/base/2018/qSEQ180706288.html |title=Doubles contrôles aux frontières dans les aéroports de la capitale pour les Français des Antilles |language=fr |trans-title= Double border controls at the capital's airports for French people from the West Indies |publisher=[[Senate (France)|Senate of France]] |date=20 September 2018 |access-date=15 March 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920175726/https://www.senat.fr/questions/base/2018/qSEQ180706288.html |url-status=live }}</ref>|group=Note}}</small>

|{{flag|Germany}}{{refn|East Germany became part of the Federal Republic of Germany, joining Schengen, on 3 October 1990.|group= Note}} <br /><small>(including [[Büsingen am Hochrhein]])</small><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1967/1211_1251_1245/de |title= Vertrag zwischen der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft und der Bundesrepublik Deutschland über die Einbeziehung der Gemeinde Büsingen am Hochrhein in das schweizerische Zollgebiet |date=3 September 1998 |publisher=Fedlex |access-date=9 February 2021-02-09 |quote=Art. 16 Im Verkehr zwischen Büsingen und der Schweiz ist für Deutsche und Schweizerbürger ein Grenzübertrittspapier nicht erforderlich. Eine Grenzabfertigung findet nicht statt |trans-quote=In traffic between Büsingen and Switzerland a document valid for border crossing is not required for German and Swiss citizens. There is no border control. |language= de |trans-title= Treaty between the Swiss Confederation and the Federal Republic of Germany regarding the inclusion of the municipality of Büsingen am Hochrhein in the Swiss customs territory |archive-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307063053/https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1967/1211_1251_1245/de |url-status=live }}</ref>

|{{flag|Greece}}{{refn|According to a legally non-binding declaration attached to the Greek accession agreement to the Schengen convention,<ref>{{Cite web| url = https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A42000A0922%2806%29| title = EUR-Lex -– 42000A0922(06) -– EN | website = EUR-Lex| publisher = Europa| access-date = 5 January 2023| archive-date = 16 November 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221116174750/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:42000A0922(06)| url-status = live}}</ref> the special status<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://e-spacio.uned.es/fez/eserv/bibliuned:BFD-2005-27-9F23C2CD/PDF |title=El estatuto especial del Monte Athos ante la tradición religiosa. El derecho eclesiástico griego y el derecho comunitario europeo |trans-title=The special status of Mount Athos before the religious tradition. Greek ecclesiastical law and European community law |last=Bonet Navarro |first=Jaime |journal=Boletín de la Facultad de Derecho | publisher = UNED |year=2005 |language=es |archive-date=2 July 2020 |access-date=22 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702222921/http://e-spacio.uned.es/fez/eserv/bibliuned:BFD-2005-27-9F23C2CD/PDF |url-status=live }}</ref> according to the Greek constitution<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/6483/file/Greece_Constitution_2008_eng.pdf |title= The Constitution of Greece |date= 2008-05-27 May 2008 |website= Legislation online |access-date= 2021-01-23 January 2021 |quote= Regime of Aghion Oros (Mount Athos) Article 105 |archive-date= 17 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210117130248/https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/6483/file/Greece_Constitution_2008_eng.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref> of [[Monastic community of Mount Athos|Mount Athos]], has to be taken into account in the application and subsequent preparation of the Schengen acquis.|group=Note}} <br /><small>(including [[Monastic community of Mount Athos|Mount Athos]])</small>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1992|11|6}}<ref>{{cite web |url= https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/005115.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Hellenic Republic to the Agreement between the Governments of the Member States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985, as amended by the Protocol signed at Paris on 27 November 1990 on the accession of the Government of the Italian Republic and by the Protocols signed at Bonn on 25 June 1991 on the accession of the Governments of the Kingdom of Spain and the Portuguese Republic |access-date=2014-10-31 October 2014 |publisher=[[Government of the Netherlands]] |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102051048/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/005115.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2000|1|1}}<ref name="Greece">{{cite journal |url= https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:31999D0848 |title=COUNCIL DECISION of 13 December 1999 on the full application of the Schengen acquis in Greece |date=9 December 2000-12-09 |access-date=2014-10-27 October 2014 |journal=[[Official Journal of the European Union]] |volume=L |number=327/58 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113225529/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:31999D0848 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|The elimination of border controls took place from 1 January to 26 March 2000.<ref name="Greece"/>|group=Note}}

|{{flag|Iceland}}{{refn|EFTA state, which is outside the EU, that is associated with the Schengen activities of the EU,<ref name= "associated-states">This terminology is, for example, used in the [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:21999A0710(02) Final Act of the Agreement concluded by the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the latters' association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222135509/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:21999A0710(02):EN:NOT |date=22 February 2014 }}.</ref> and where the Schengen rules apply.|name=associated|group=Note}}

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1996|12|19}}<ref name="icenor1">{{cite web |url= https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007472.html |title= Cooperation agreement between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Italian Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the Portuguese Republic, the Hellenic Republic, the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden, i.e. the Contracting Parties to the Schengen Agreement and to the Schengen Convention, and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway, on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders |access-date= 1 November 2014-11-01 |publisher= Government of the Netherlands |archive-date= 1 April 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190401072954/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007472.html |url-status= live }}</ref><br />{{dts|format=dmy|1999|5|18}}<ref name="icenor2">{{cite web |url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=1999025 |title=Agreement with the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the latters' association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis |access-date=1 November 2014-11-01 |publisher =[[Council of the European Union]] |archive-date=20 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020171020/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=1999025 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|A second agreement, which replaced the first, was signed with Iceland and Norway following the incorporation of the Schengen Agreement into EU law with the Treaty of Amsterdam of 1997.<ref>{{cite journal |url= https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:21999A0710(02) |title=Agreement concluded by the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the latters' association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis |date=1999-07-10 July 1999 |access-date=1 November 2014-11-01 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=176/36 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222135509/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:21999A0710(02):EN:NOT |url-status=live }}</ref>|name=icenor|group=Note}}

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1990|11|27}}<ref>{{cite web |url= https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004288.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Italian Republic to the Agreement between the Governments of the Member States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985 |access-date=2014-10-31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102051129/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004288.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1997|10|26}}<ref name="Acquis"/><ref name="Italy">{{cite web |url=http://www.interior.gob.es/ca/web/servicios-al-ciudadano/normativa/resoluciones/resolucion-de-26-de-mayo-de-1998-de-la-secretaria |title=Resolución de 26 de mayo de 1998, de la Secretaría General Técnica del Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores |date=1997-07-10 July 1997 |access-date=1 November 2014-11-01 |archive-date=20 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020170931/http://www.interior.gob.es/ca/web/servicios-al-ciudadano/normativa/resoluciones/resolucion-de-26-de-mayo-de-1998-de-la-secretaria |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{refn|The elimination of border controls took place from 26 October 1997 to 31 March 1998.<ref name="Italy"/>|group=Note}}

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2008|2|28}}<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=2007007 |title= Protocol between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation's association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis |access-date= 1 November 2014-11-01 |publisher= Council of the European Union |archive-date= 20 October 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171020171054/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=2007007 |url-status= live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2011|12|19}}<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32011D0842 |title=COUNCIL DECISION of 13 December 2011 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen ''acquis'' in the Principality of Liechtenstein |date=5 December 2011-12-05 |access-date=2014-10-27 October 2014 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=334/27 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113225251/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32011D0842 |url-status=live }}</ref>

|{{flag|Norway}}{{refn||name=associated|group=Note}} <br /><small>(excluding [[List of possessions of Norway|overseas territories and dependencies]])</small><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A21999A0710%2802%29 |title=EUR-Lex -– 21999A0710(02) -– EN |website=EUR-Lex | publisher=Europa |access-date=5 January 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115165432/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:21999A0710(02) |url-status=live Europa}}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1991|6|25}}<ref>{{cite web |url= https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004729.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Portuguese Republic to the Agreement between the Governments of the Member States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders, signed at Schengen on 14 June 1985, as amended by the Protocol on the accession of the Italian Republic signed at Paris on 27 November 1990 |access-date=2014-10-31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050905/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004729.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2024|3|31}}<ref name="RomBulgAir"/><ref name=RomBulgLand/>{{refn|name=RomBulg|group=Note}}

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2003|4|16}}<ref name="2004enlarge">{{cite web |url= https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?id=2003007 |title=Treaty between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Hellenic Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, Ireland, the Italian Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Austria, the Portuguese Republic, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Member States of the European Union) and the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovak Republic concerning the accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic to the European Union (Deposited with the Government of the Italian Republic) |access-date=2019-01-17 January 2019 |publisher=Council of the European Union}}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1991|6|25}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004727.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain to the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the Member States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of controls at their common borders, as amended by the Protocol on the accession of the Italian Republic signed at Paris on 27 November 1990 |access-date=2014-10-31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050810/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/004727.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:42000A0922(04) |title=The Schengen acquis -– Agreement on the Accession of the Kingdom of Spain to the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders signed at Schengen on 19 June 1990, to which the Italian Republic acceded by the Agreement signed at Paris on 27 November 1990 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |date=25 June 1991 |access-date=4 March 2021 |archive-date=10 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510211032/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:42000A0922%2804%29:EN:NOT |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|1996|12|19}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007477.html |title=Protocol on the accession of the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 on the gradual abolition of controls at the contracting parties' common borders |access-date=2014-10-31 October 2014 |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |archive-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050807/https://verdragenbank.overheid.nl/en/Treaty/Details/007477.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2004|10|26}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=2004085 |title=Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation's association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis |access-date=1 November 2014-11-01 |publisher=Council of the European Union |archive-date=20 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020171105/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=2004085 |url-status=live }}</ref>

|style="text-align:right;"|{{dts|format=dmy|2008|12|12}}<ref name="switz">{{cite journal |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32008D0903 |title=COUNCIL DECISION of 27 November 2008 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Swiss Confederation |date=5 December 2008-12-05 |access-date=2014-10-27 October 2014 |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |volume=L |number=327/15 |archive-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507122305/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32008D0903 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|For sea and land borders; since 29 March 2009 also for air borders.<ref name="switz"/>|group=Note}}

== Potential member states and EU territories outside the Schengen Area ==

=== Prospective members ===

==== Cyprus ====

Although [[Cyprus]], which joined the EU on 1 May 2004, is legally bound to join the Schengen Area, implementation has been delayed because of the [[Cyprus dispute]]. According to former Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs [[Giorgos Lillikas]], "strict and full control based on Schengen will create a huge tribulation on a daily basis for the [[Turkish Cypriots]]" of [[Northern Cyprus]], and it is unclear if this control is possible before the resolution of the dispute.<ref name="mfacy">{{cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/Embassies/BerlinEmbassy.nsf/All/9E3EA74BCAD066E5C125727D00493F03?OpenDocument&print |title=Foreign Minister says Cyprus not to join Schengen before 2010 |publisher=Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Berlin |access-date=3 February 2010 |archive-date=8 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908075812/http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/Embassies/BerlinEmbassy.nsf/All/9E3EA74BCAD066E5C125727D00493F03?OpenDocument&print |url-status=dead }}</ref> The British Sovereign Base Areas of [[Akrotiri and Dhekelia]], a [[British Overseas Territories|British Overseas Territory]] which is outside the EU, also needs "other handling and mechanisms".<ref name="mfacy"/> Akrotiri and Dhekelia has no border control to Cyprus, but has its own border control at its air base. {{As of|2018}} no date has been fixed for implementation of the Schengen rules by Cyprus.<ref name="cyprus-2011">{{cite web |title=Frequently asked questions |url=http://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/policies/borders/borders_faq_en.htm |work=europa.eu |publisher=European Commission |access-date=15 September 2011 |date=29 March 2011 |quote=When will Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria join the Schengen area?... These three Member States still have to pass the Schengen evaluation before they can join the Schengen area. The target date for Bulgaria and Romania is 2011. |archive-date=3 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103165928/http://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/policies/borders/borders_faq_en.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Cyprus has less potential benefit from an implementation of Schengen, for it has no land border with another EU member; air travel or around 12 hours of sea travel is needed to the nearest EU member.

In November 2019, Cyprus's Foreign Affairs Minister [[Nikos Christodoulides]] revealed that Cyprus formally began the process of joining the Schengen Area in September.<ref name="Charalambous">{{cite web | url = https://in-cyprus.com/cyprus-submitted-application-to-enter-schengen-area-in-september/ | title = Cyprus submitted application to enter Schengen area in September | date = 4 November 2019 | editor = Annie Charalambous | newspaper = In Cyprus | access-date = 20 November 2019 | archive-date = 5 November 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191105161023/https://in-cyprus.com/cyprus-submitted-application-to-enter-schengen-area-in-september/ | url-status = live }}</ref> In July 2023, Cyprus joined the [[Schengen Information System]] (SIS) (participation in the SIS allows for cooperation on crime, immigration and other security-related matters within the Schengen Area).<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-07-24 July 2023 |title=Cyprus gains extra layer of access to Schengen, but not full membership |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/07/24/cyprus-gains-extra-layer-of-access-to-schengen-but-not-full-membership/ |access-date=2023-08-22 August 2023 |website=cyprus-mail |language= |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202190054/https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/07/24/cyprus-gains-extra-layer-of-access-to-schengen-but-not-full-membership/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2023, the Commission was to "verify that the necessary conditions for the application of the Schengen acquis in the field of the Schengen Information System have been met".<ref>{{cite web |title=State of Schengen report 2023 |last=European Commission |website=europa.eu |date=16 May 2023 |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0274 |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123034738/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0274 |url-status=live }}</ref>

As a result of [[Brexit]], [[Gibraltar]] ceased to be part of the European Union on 31 January 2020, although for most purposes it was treated as part of it during the transition phase until 31 December 2020. Like the United Kingdom, it had not been part of the Schengen Area but, unlike the United Kingdom, Gibraltar had also been outside of the [[European Union Customs Union|EU customs union]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/uploads/Brexit%20Page/20200921-TN%20-%20FR%20-%20Border%20-%20Goods.pdf |publisher= Government of Gibraltar |title= Technical Notice (2): Getting ready for the end of the Transition Period. |date= 21 September 2020 |access-date= 14 January 2021 |archive-date= 17 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210117055427/https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/uploads/Brexit%20Page/20200921-TN%20-%20FR%20-%20Border%20-%20Goods.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> Owing to a declaration lodged by the United Kingdom with the EEC in 1982, in view of the entry into force of the [[British Nationality Act 1981]], Gibraltarians had been counted as British nationals for the purposes of Community law, and as such they had enjoyed full free movement within the [[European Economic Area]] and [[Switzerland]].<ref name="1982declaration">{{cite web | url=http://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?docid=46193&doclang=EN | title=Judgement of the court in Case C-192/99 | quote=In 1982, in view of the entry into force of the British Nationality Act 1981, the United Kingdom Government lodged with the Italian Government, as depositary of the Treaties, the 1982 Declaration, which replaced the 1972 Declaration with effect from 1 January 1983. The 1982 Declaration provides: 'As to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the terms "nationals", "nationals of Member States" or "nationals of Member States and overseas countries and territories", wherever used in the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community or the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community or in any of the Community acts deriving from those Treaties, are to be understood to refer to: (a) British citizens; (b) Persons who are British subjects by virtue of Part IV of the British Nationality Act 1981 and who have the right of abode in the United Kingdom and are therefore exempt from United Kingdom immigration control; (c) British Dependent Territories citizens who acquire their citizenship from a connection with Gibraltar. | access-date=2 January 2021 | archive-date=10 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110151620/https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?docid=46193&doclang=EN | url-status=live }}</ref> During the [[Brexit transition period]] until 31 December 2020, Gibraltar was still for most purposes treated as an EU territory.

On 31 December 2020, the governments of Spain and of the United Kingdom (advised by the [[Government of Gibraltar]]) came to an agreement in principle on a framework for a UK-EU treaty on aspects of Gibraltar's future relationship with the European Union.<ref name="Graun311220" /> Both Spain and the Head<!-- not "Ambassador" per UK's unique worldview --> of the UK Mission to the European Union subsequently indicated with the European Commission their desire that such an agreement be negotiated and that the EU should seek a mandate for that purpose.<ref name="GibStatement">{{cite web|url=https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/press-releases/chief-ministers-statement-the-new-years-eve-in-principle-agreement-a-post-brexit-deal-for-gibraltar-9462020-6542|title=Chief Minister's Statement – The New Year's Eve 'In-Principle' Agreement: A Post Brexit Deal for Gibraltar -– 946/2020|access-date=31 December 2020|work=Government of Gibraltar|archive-date=31 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231165915/https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/press-releases/chief-ministers-statement-the-new-years-eve-in-principle-agreement-a-post-brexit-deal-for-gibraltar-9462020-6542|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Chief Minister of Gibraltar]] [[Fabian Picardo]] stated that he anticipates that the arrangement, which will apply for an initial period of four years, will make Gibraltar's port and airport entry points to the Schengen Area. These entry points will be managed by a [[Frontex]] operation. Spain, as the neighbouring Schengen member state, will be responsible as regards the European Union for the implementation of the Schengen acquis. Residents of Gibraltar, regardless of their nationality, are anticipated to enjoy maximised and unrestricted mobility to the Schengen Area.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55497084 | title=Brexit: Gibraltar gets UK-Spain deal to keep open border | date=31 December 2020 | access-date=31 December 2020 | work=BBC News | archive-date=26 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426190858/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55497084 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="GibStatement" /> UK citizens who are not residents of Gibraltar will be subjected to third-country national checks when they enter Gibraltar through the Gibraltar port or airport.<ref name="GibPressConference1">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=199470488344239 |title=Press Conference of HM Government of Gibraltar |date=31 December 2020 |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=Government of Gibraltar |quote=We anticipate that residents of Gibraltar of whatever nationality—the residence in Gibraltar is what matters—will have the ability to enter and exit Schengen like Schengen nationals, if you want to express it that way, and that those who are not resident in Gibraltar, or indeed in the rest of the Schengen Area, will then have to go through the third-country national check. [...] They will have to show their passports, as they do today. [...] Today a non-Gibraltar resident who is a British citizen has to show his passport and has to be given entry by the BCA, because they come into Gibraltar. In the future they will be given entry by the BCA and by the Schengen authorities, by Frontex, to be able to enter Gibraltar, and the Schengen zone. |archive-date=31 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231145330/https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=199470488344239 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is anticipated that the third-country national check will entail two controls, one by Gibraltar's [[Borders and Coastguard Agency]], giving entry into Gibraltar, and one by [[Frontex]], giving entry into the Schengen Area. Picardo likened this arrangement to the [[juxtaposed controls]] at [[Eurostar]] stations, although he admitted the situation there is slightly different.<ref name="GibPressConference2">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=199470488344239 |title=Press Conference of HM Government of Gibraltar |date=31 December 2020 |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=Government of Gibraltar |quote=They will in effect be looking out for the same things, but they will be dealing with different entry points, in effect, there will be a Gibraltar entry point and a Schengen entry point. The best example I can give you which we have wrestled with—it's slightly different—is the sort of agreement which provided for juxtaposed controls at St Pancras and Paris, but in a very different way, because you haven't got this principle here of those juxtaposed controls; you have two controls to go through. In one control you're given entry into Gibraltar, and in the other control you're given entry into Schengen. |archive-date=31 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231145330/https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=199470488344239 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 31 December 2020, Spain's foreign minister, [[Arancha González Laya]] said that she anticipated that it would take about six months to negotiate and conclude a treaty but that in the meantime Spain would work to ensure that mobility at the border would be "as fluid as possible".<ref name="Graun311220">{{cite news | title= Spain and UK reach draft deal on post-Brexit status of Gibraltar | author1= Ashifa Kassam | author2= Daniel Boffey | date= 31 December 2020 | work= The Guardian | url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/31/spain-and-uk-reach-draft-deal-on-post-brexit-status-of-gibraltar | archive-date= 26 March 2023 | access-date= 1 January 2021 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230326041930/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/31/spain-and-uk-reach-draft-deal-on-post-brexit-status-of-gibraltar | url-status= live }}</ref>

Apart from the unrestricted mobility of persons, the negotiations will also seek to address maximised and unrestricted mobility of goods between Gibraltar and the European Union, and consider matters related to the environment, the level playing field, social security coordination, citizens’citizens' rights, data, and matters related to continued document recognition.<ref name="GibStatement" />

On 6 October 2021, the EU agreed to open formal negotiations with UK anticipating an agreement on Gibraltar, and negotiations started soon after.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/post-brexit-talks-on-gibraltars-future-drag-into-2022/|title=Post-Brexit talks on Gibraltar's future drag into 2022|date=16 December 2021|access-date=3 April 2022|archive-date=16 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116103137/https://www.politico.eu/article/post-brexit-talks-on-gibraltars-future-drag-into-2022/|url-status=live}}</ref> They were ongoing as of February 2022; hopes were they would finish during spring 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sovereigngroup.com/news/news-and-views/talks-on-gibraltars-future-relationship-with-eu-go-into-fifth-round/|title=Talks on Gibraltar's future relationship with EU go into fifth round|date=17 February 2022|website=The Sovereign Group|access-date=3 April 2022|archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307120607/https://www.sovereigngroup.com/news/news-and-views/talks-on-gibraltars-future-relationship-with-eu-go-into-fifth-round/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|December 2022}}, negotiations were continuing,<ref>{{cite news |title=UK and Spain close in on post-Brexit deal for Gibraltar |first=Christina |last=Gallardo |date=14 December 2022 |access-date=16 December 2022 |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-and-spain-close-in-on-post-brexit-deal-for-gibraltar/ |work=Politico.eu |archive-date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216013906/https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-and-spain-close-in-on-post-brexit-deal-for-gibraltar/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but appeared to be deadlocked over policing of passport control at Gibraltar airport.<ref>{{cite news |title=Spain 'ready for any scenario' as Gibraltar talks with UK falter |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/02/spain-ready-for-any-scenario-as-gibraltar-talks-with-uk-falter |first1=Ashifa |last1=Kassam |first2=Jessica |last2=Elgot |work=The Guardian |date=2 January 2023 |access-date=2 January 2023}}</ref>

==== Summary table ====

| 2025<ref>{{Cite web |last=Capital.gr |title=Πρόσω ολοταχώς για τη ζώνη Σένγκεν κινείται η Λευκωσία |url=https://www.capital.gr/diethni/3805885/proso-olotaxos-gia-ti-zoni-sengken-kineitai-i-leukosia/?amp=true |access-date=2024-11-10 November 2024 |website=Capital.gr |language=el |archive-date=10 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110082653/https://www.capital.gr/diethni/3805885/proso-olotaxos-gia-ti-zoni-sengken-kineitai-i-leukosia/?amp=true |url-status=live }}</ref>

| style="text-align:right" | 6.8{{#tag:ref|The United Kingdom, the administering power, considers that the area of Gibraltar is {{cvt|6.8|km2}}, while for Spain it is {{cvt|6.7|km2}}.<ref name="A/AC.109/2015/13">{{Cite web |url=http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/AC.109/2015/13&referer=/english/&Lang=S |title=A/AC.109/2015/13. Gibraltar. Documento de trabajo preparado por la Secretaría |author=[[United Nations General Assembly]] |date=9 March 2015 |publisher=Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples |access-date=31 December 2020 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227044707/http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/AC.109/2015/13&referer=/english/&Lang=S |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the various extensions using land reclaimed from the sea have in practice increased it to {{cvt|6.8|km2}}.|group="lower-alpha"}}

| [[Effect of Brexit on Gibraltar#Post-Brexit treaty negotiations|The EU and the United Kingdom are to negotiate a treaty]] or other arrangement to apply to Gibraltar, based on the agreement reached between the United Kingdom and Spain on 31 December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.gbc.gi/news/uk-government-highlights-areas-concern-gibraltar-eu-treaty-negotiations|title= UK government highlights areas of concern in the Gibraltar-EU treaty negotiations|website= GBC|place= GI|access-date= place23 November 2021|archive-date= GI4 November 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231104105313/https://www.gbc.gi/news/uk-government-highlights-areas-concern-gibraltar-eu-treaty-negotiations|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:%3A52021PC0411 |title= EUR-Lex -– 52021PC0411 -– EN - |website= EUR-Lex | publisher = Europa |access-date= 23 November 2021 |archive-date= 3 November 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231103134252/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX::52021PC0411 |url-status= live }}</ref> Gibraltar is not a sovereign state, so in international law the United Kingdom acts on behalf of Gibraltar.

=== Territories of Schengen states outside the Area ===

|publisher=Rijksoverheid (Dutch government)}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

[[Svalbard]] is part of Norway and has a [[Svalbard Treaty|special status under international law]]. It is not part of the Schengen Area. There is no visa regime in existence for Svalbard either for entry, residence or work,<ref name="svalbard">{{cite web|title=Entry and residence |url=http://www.sysselmannen.no/hovedEnkel.aspx?m=45270 |access-date=11 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723003904/http://www.sysselmannen.no/hovedEnkel.aspx?m=45270 |archive-date=23 July 2011}}</ref> but it is difficult to visit Svalbard without travelling through the Schengen Area,<ref name="svalbard"/> although there are charter flights from Russia. Since 2011, the Norwegian government has imposed systematic border checks on individuals wishing to enter and leave Svalbard, requiring a passport or national identity card for non-Norwegian citizens. As a result, the border between Svalbard and the rest of Norway is largely treated like any other external Schengen border.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spitsbergen-svalbard.net/2010/12/21/pass-control-in-longyearbyen.html |title=Pass control in Longyearbyen |publisher=Spitsbergen-svalbard.net |access-date=2013-10-12 October 2013}}</ref>{{Request quotation|date=April 2024|reason=Seems to contradict other information, web server currently unreachable.}} A Schengen visa must be multiple entry to allow returning to Norway.<ref name="sysselmannen"/> There is no welfare or asylum system for immigrants on Svalbard, and people incapable of supporting themselves may be sent away.<ref name="sysselmannen">{{cite web|url=http://www.sysselmannen.no/hovedEnkel.aspx?m=45270|title=Entry and residence |access-date=11 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723003904/http://www.sysselmannen.no/hovedEnkel.aspx?m=45270 |archive-date=23 July 2011}}</ref>

The Danish territories of the [[Faroe Islands]] and [[Greenland]] are neither part of the European Union nor part of the Schengen Area, and visas to Denmark are not automatically valid in these territories. However, both of these territories lack border controls on arrivals from the Schengen Area, and the air or sea carriers are responsible for carrying out document checks before boarding, as is common for travel inside the Schengen Area. Citizens of EU/EFTA countries can travel to the Faroes and back using a passport or a national ID card<ref name="visitfaroeislands.com">{{Cite web |title=Passport and Visa |url=https://visitfaroeislands.com/en/plan-your-stay/before-you-arrive-in-the-faroe-islands/passport-and-visa |access-date=2022-06-29 June 2022 |website=visitfaroeislands.com |language=en |archive-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630171713/https://visitfaroeislands.com/en/plan-your-stay/before-you-arrive-in-the-faroe-islands/passport-and-visa |url-status=live }}</ref> and to Greenland using a passport only,<ref name="Grønlands Repræsentation">{{Cite web |title=To and from Greenland |url=https://grl-rep.dk/en/pas/ |access-date=2022-06-29 June 2022 |website=Grønlands Repræsentation |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625041859/https://grl-rep.dk/en/pas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> while citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden can use any acceptable identification (such as driving licences or bank ID cards; although this is advised against since aircraft might be diverted to Scotland in bad weather).<ref name="visitfaroeislands.com" /><ref name="Grønlands Repræsentation" />

When EU states were negotiating subsuming the Schengen Agreement into the EU by the [[Amsterdam Treaty|Treaty of Amsterdam]], Ireland and the United Kingdom were the only member states that had not signed the Agreement. The UK did not want to join and Ireland wished to maintain its [[Common Travel Area]] with the [[British Islands|United Kingdom and associated islands]], an arrangement that would be incompatible with Schengen membership while the UK remained out. As a result, both negotiated an [[opt-outs in the European Union|opt-out]] from the part of the treaty which was to incorporate the [[Schengen acquis|Schengen rules]] (or ''acquis'') into EU Law when it came into effect on 1 May 1999.<ref>See Article 4 of Protocol (No 19) on the Schengen Acquis integrated into the framework of the European Union ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:12016E/PRO/19]).</ref> Under the relevant protocol, either may request to participate in aspects of the Schengen ''acquis'' but this is subject to the approval of the Schengen states.<ref>See Article 4 of Protocol (No 19) on the Schengen Acquis integrated into the framework of the European Union ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/HU/ALL/?uri=CELEX:12016ME/TXT Consolidated versions of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110170123/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/HU/ALL/?uri=CELEX:12016ME/TXT |date=10 November 2022 }}) and the decision of the [[European Court of Justice]] in Cases [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:62005CJ0077 C-77/05] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417190729/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A62005CJ0077 |date=17 April 2022 }} and [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:62005CJ0137 C-137/05] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511211057/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A62005CJ0137 |date=11 May 2022 }} ''United Kingdom v Council''.</ref>

On 31 January 2020, [[Brexit|the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union]] and the protocol ceased to apply to it. Ireland will continue to operate the Common Travel Area and not join the Schengen Area for [[United Ireland#Good Friday Agreement|the foreseeable future]], because it wants to keep open its [[Irish border|land border with the UK]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/britain-guarantees-common-travel-area-without-qualification-1.2957889 |title=Britain guarantees common travel area 'without qualification' |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |archive-date=11 November 2020 |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111200055/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/britain-guarantees-common-travel-area-without-qualification-1.2957889 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1999, the UK formally requested participation in certain provisions of the Schengen ''acquis'' – Title III relating to Police Security and Judicial Cooperation, and this request was approved by the [[Council of the European Union]] on 29 May 2000.<ref>Council Decision (2000/365/EC) of 29 May 2000 concerning the request of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32000D0365 OJ L 131, 1 June 2000, p. 43] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224204704/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32000D0365 |date=24 February 2021 }})</ref> The United Kingdom's formal participation in the previously approved areas of cooperation was put into effect by a 2004 Council decision that came into effect on 1 January 2005.<ref>Council Decision (2004/926/EC) of 22 December 2004 on the putting into effect of parts of the Schengen acquis by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32004D0926:EN:NOT OJ L 395, 31 December 2004, p. 70])</ref>

Although the United Kingdom was not part of the Schengen passport-free area,<ref>{{cite web|title=Schengen Area|url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/index_en.htm |website=ec.europa.eu|publisher=European Commission|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-date=29 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129222243/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/index_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> it still used the [[Schengen Information System]], a governmental database used by European countries to store and disseminate information on individuals and property. This allowed the UK to exchange information with countries that are a part of the Schengen agreement, often for the sake of liaising over law enforcement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Schengen Information System|url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen-information-system/index_en.htm |website=ec.europa.eu|publisher=European Commission|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122073210/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen-information-system/index_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the UK declared its intent to withdraw from these arrangements at the end of its [[Brexit withdrawal agreement#Transition_period|transition period]], and did so on 31 December 2020.

In contrast, while Ireland initially submitted a request to participate in the Schengen ''acquis'' in 2002, which was approved by the Council of the European Union,<ref>Council Decision (2002/192/EC) of 28 February 2002 concerning Ireland's request to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32002D0192 OJ L 64, 7 March 2002 p. 20] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020095637/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32002D0192 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref> that decision took nearly eighteen years to be put into effect. In February 2010 the Irish Minister for Justice, in response to a parliamentary question, said that: "The measures which will enable Ireland to meet its Schengen requirements are currently being progressed".<ref name="irishquestion09">[http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=DAL20091210.xml&Ex=All&Page=14 Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern, ''Dáil Debates'' volume 698 number 1: Priority Questions—International Agreements (10 December 2009)].</ref> Ireland joined the law enforcement aspect of SIS II on 1 January 2021 with plans to have "full operational capacity" two months later.<ref name="RTE201218">{{cite news | title= Ireland to join EU police database from 1 January as UK leaves | url= https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/1218/1185318-eu-security-system/ | author= Sean Whelan | work= RTE News | date= 18 December 2020 | access-date= 28 December 2020 | archive-date= 25 December 2020 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201225231700/https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/1218/1185318-eu-security-system/ | url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32020D1745 | title= COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2020/1745 of 18 November 2020 on the putting into effect of the provisions of the Schengen acquis on data protection and on the provisional putting into effect of certain provisions of the Schengen acquis in Ireland | publisher= EUR-Lex |access-date=4 March 2021 |archive-date=17 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817055540/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32020D1745 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Four [[European microstates]] — [[Andorra]],<ref name="amt.de"/> [[Monaco]], [[San Marino]] and the [[Vatican City]] — are not officially part of the Schengen Area, but are considered ''de facto'' within the Schengen Area, as they have open or semi-open borders and do not conduct systematic border controls with the Schengen countries that surround them. Some national laws have the text "countries against which border control is not performed based on the Schengen Agreement and the 562/2006 EU regulation",<ref>[https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/Dokument-Lagar/Lagar/Svenskforfattningssamling/sfs_sfs-1978-302/ Passlag (1978:302)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012650/https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/Dokument-Lagar/Lagar/Svenskforfattningssamling/sfs_sfs-1978-302/ |date=5 March 2016 }} (in Swedish)</ref> which then includes the microstates and other non-EU areas with open borders.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} The three microstates cannot issue Schengen visas and with the exception of Monaco, are not formally part of the Schengen Area.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

{{AsIn of|2015}}, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino werebegan negotiating an [[Association Agreement]] with the EU. Monaco left the negotiations in 2023, while an agreement for Andorra and San Marino is expected to be concluded in 2024. TheAndorra's ambassador to Spain, Jaume Gaytán, stated in 2015 that he hoped that the agreement would include provisions to make the states associate members of the Schengen Agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thediplomatinspain.com/en-un-par-de-anos-andorra-podra-formar-parte-del-espacio-schengen/|title=En un par de años Andorra podrá formar parte del Espacio Schengen|access-date=26 October 2015|first=Alberto|last=Rubio|date=26 October 2015|archive-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020170939/http://thediplomatinspain.com/en-un-par-de-anos-andorra-podra-formar-parte-del-espacio-schengen/|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the final text only concernsconcerned free movement of people and not border control issues. However, on 30 May 2024, the [[Council of the European Union]] authorised the opening of negotiations for agreements between the European Union and Andorra and San Marino, respectively, in order to create a legal basis for the absence of border controls between these countries and the Schengen area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401693|title=COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2024/1693 of 30 May 2024 authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and the Principality of Andorra on several aspects in the field of border management|access-date=15 June 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615071537/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401693|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-9837-2024-INIT/en/pdf|title=COUNCIL DECISION authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and the Republic of San Marino on several aspects in the field of border management|access-date=15 June 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615171018/https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-9837-2024-INIT/en/pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

'''Andorra''' is landlocked and does not have an airport or seaport, but there are several heliports. Visitors to the country can gain access only by road or helicopter through Schengen members France or Spain. Andorra has no border controls with either France or Spain. Border control points exist and border controls may be carried out in the other direction, but these are more focused on customs control ([[Andorra]] has considerably lower taxes than its neighbours, [[Taxation in Andorra#Value added tax|with for example a standard VAT rate of just 4.5%]]). Andorra does not have any visa requirements. Citizens of EU countries need either a [[National identity cards in the European Union|national identity card]] or [[Passports of the European Union|passport]] to enter Andorra, while anyone else requires a passport or equivalent. Schengen visas are accepted,<ref name="open">{{cite web |url= https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52012SC0388 |title=Obstacles to access by Andorra, Monaco and San Marino to the EU's Internal Market and Cooperation in other Areas |year=2012 |access-date=30 March 2013 |archive-date=22 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022032640/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A52012SC0388 |url-status=live }}</ref> but those travellers who need a visa to enter the Schengen Area need a multiple-entry visa to visit Andorra, because entering Andorra means leaving the Schengen Area,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://visitandorra.com/en/the-country/travelling-advice|title=Travelling advice|access-date=18 July 2013| publisher =Andorra Turisme SAU|archive-date=24 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324221549/http://visitandorra.com/en/the-country/travelling-advice/|url-status=live}}</ref> and re-entering France or Spain is considered a new entry into the Schengen Area. Andorran citizens do not receive a [[#Passport stamp|passport stamp]] when they enter and leave the Schengen Area.<ref>Article 11(e) of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, pp. 1–52])</ref> Andorra's ambassador to Spain, Jaume Gaytán, has said that he hopes that the agreement will include provisions to make the states associate members of the [[Schengen Agreement]].<ref>{{cite webWebarchive|url=http://thediplomatinspain.com/en-un-par-de-anos-andorra-podra-formar-parte-del-espacio-schengen/|title=En un par de años Andorra podrá formar parte del Espacio Schengen|access-date=2015-10-26|first=Alberto|last=Rubio|date=2015-10-26|archive-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2017102017093920211105080924/httphttps://thediplomatinspaineur-lex.comeuropa.eu/enlegal-un-par-de-anos-andorra-podra-formar-parte-del-espacio-schengencontent/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 |url-statusdate=dead5 November 2021 }})</ref> As of June 2024, the [[German Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] reports that [[Andorra]] has a ''de facto'' [[open border]] with Spain and France.<ref name="amt.de"/>

'''Liechtenstein''' is landlocked and does not have an international airport. It has been a member of the Schengen Area since 2011. It does not have a border check at [[Balzers]] heliport, as flights to and from Balzers must be to or from the Schengen Area. Liechtenstein does not issue visas and as such recommends visitors apply for a visa in another Schengen country, e.g. Switzerland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.liechtensteinusa.org/index.php?page=permits |title= Visa Information |publisher=Liechtenstein USA |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-10date=3 March 2022 |archive-12url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303054843/http://www.liechtensteinusa.org/index.php?page=permits |url-status=live }}</ref>

The '''Vatican City''' has an open border with Italy. However, there is no customs union between Italy and Vatican City, hence vehicles may be subject to checks at the border. Typical border controls would not be suitable in Vatican City, due to its small size, high number of pedestrian visitors, and unique position as an [[Enclave and exclave|enclave]] within [[Rome]]. In 2006, the Vatican City showed interest in joining the Schengen agreement for closer cooperation in information sharing and similar activities covered by the [[Schengen Information System]].<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=euobserver.com |url= http://euobserver.com/9/20680 |title=Vatican seeks to join Schengen borderless zone |date=13 January 2006 |access-date=23 August 2011 |archive-date=5 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105014249/http://euobserver.com/9/20680 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Total trade between any two countries in the Schengen Area increases by approximately 0.1% per year. The same amount of increase in trade is gained again for every 1% annual increase in immigration between the countries.<ref name="TWE">{{Cite journal| title = The Positive Effects of the Schengen Agreement on European Trade| journal = The World Economy| volume = 37| issue = 11| pages = 1541–1557|vauthors=Davis D, Gift T | date = 2014-03-24 March 2014| doi = 10.1111/twec.12158| s2cid = 154794917}}</ref><ref name="europarl">{{Cite web| title = The economic impact of suspending Schengen| author = European Parliamentary Research Service| date = March 2016| access-date = 2017-06-15 June 2017| url = http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2016/579074/EPRS_ATA(2016)579074_EN.pdf| archive-date = 23 December 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221223191747/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2016/579074/EPRS_ATA(2016)579074_EN.pdf| url-status = live}}</ref> On average, at each border the removal of controls is equivalent to the removal of a 0.7% tariff, and the cost savings on a trade route increase with the number of internal borders crossed. Countries outside of the Schengen Area also benefit.<ref name="CEPR">{{Cite web| title = Trade costs of border controls in the Schengen area | vauthors = Felbermayr G, Gröschl J, Steinwachs T | work = [[Centre for Economic Policy Research]]| date = 2016-04-27 April 2016| access-date = 15 June 2017| url = http://voxeu.org/article/trade-06costs-15border-controls-schengen-area| archive-date = 25 May 2022| archive-url = httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20220525032039/https://voxeu.org/article/trade-costs-border-controls-schengen-area| url-status = live}} See also: {{Cite web| title = The Trade Effect of Border Controls: Evidence from the European Schengen Agreement| vauthors = Felbermayr G, Gröschl J, Steinwachs T | date = March 2017| access-date = 15 June 2017| url = http://www.eria.org/ERIA-06DP-152016-36.pdf| archive-date = 20 October 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171020170324/http://www.eria.org/ERIA-DP-2016-36.pdf| url-status = live}}</ref>

About 1.7 million people commute to work across a European border each day, and in some regions these people constitute up to a third of the workforce. For example, 2.1% of the workers in Hungary work in another country, primarily Austria and Slovakia. Each year, there are 1.3 billion crossings of Schengen borders in total. 57 million crossings are due to transport of goods by road, with a value of €2.8 trillion each year.<ref name="europarl"/><ref>{{Cite web| title = The Future of Schengen| author = European Council on Foreign Relations| date = 2016| access-date = 15 June 2017| url = http://www.ecfr.eu/specials/scorecard/schengen_flash_scorecard| archive-06-15date = 26 June 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170626232022/http://www.ecfr.eu/specials/scorecard/schengen_flash_scorecard| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| title = Schengen's economic impact: Putting up barriers| newspaper = The Economist| date = 6 February 2016-02-06| access-date = 15 June 2017| url = https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21690065-06permanent-reintroduction-border-controls-would-harm-trade-europe-putting-up-barriers| archive-date = 15 May 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180515144644/https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21690065-permanent-reintroduction-border-controls-would-harm-trade-europe-putting-up-barriers| url-status = live}}</ref> The trade in goods is affected more strongly than trade in services, and the decrease in the cost of trade varies from 0.42% to 1.59% depending on geography, trade partners, and other factors.<ref name="CEPR"/>

The [[Single Administrative Document]] (SAD) is a [[customs declaration]] form used for goods entering or exiting the [[European Union]]. Traders and agents can use the SAD to assist with declaring import, export, transit and community status declarations in manual processing situations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/single-administrative-document-sad_en|title=The single administrative document (SAD) -– European Commission|website=taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu|access-date=4 April 2024|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331035345/https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/single-administrative-document-sad_en|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[EORI number]]s are an official link to a specific registered address of a business concerned with arranging the export, import or movement of goods across the EU. It may also link to official records ('''Union Customs Code''') describing the nature of the goods and the identity of vehicles or haulers to be used.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/;ELX_SESSIONID=ybKbJYTfQqCQtzT0J0Pj8wfNTwRRkDJY2pDgT57yQkHZmnyTyH66!1423684890?qid=1423149246984&uri=CELEX:02013R0952-20131030 |title=Consolidated text: Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code (recast) |publisher=European Union |access-date=5 October 2024 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812172251/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/;ELX_SESSIONID=ybKbjYTfQqCQtzT0j0Pj8wfNTwRRkDjY2pDgT57yQkHzmnyTyH66!1423684890?qid=1423149246984&uri=CELEX:02013R0952-20131030 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ''Schengen Borders Code'' requires participating states to remove all obstacles to free traffic flow at internal borders.<ref>Article 22 of the former Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> Thus, road, rail and air passengers no longer have their identity checked by border guards when travelling between Schengen countries, although security controls by carriers are still permissible.<ref>{{nowrap|Article 21 (b)}} of the former Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> Per EU guidelines all [[EU citizens]] are advised to bring a [[passport]] and/or [[national identity card]], as one may be required.<!-- See following paragraphs for more details and sources.-->

Although EU and EFTA nationals travelling within the Schengen Area are not required to show [[Passports of the European Union|passports]], [[National identity cards in the European Economic Area|national identity cards]] or other identity documents at an internal border, the laws of most countries still require them to carry national identity documents and to produce them to an authorised person on request.<ref name="entryexit">{{cite web|url=https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/index_en.htm |title=Documents you need for travel in Europe |access-date=27 December 2019}}</ref> Different rules apply to other nationals.<ref name="entryexit" /> It is the obligation of everyone travelling within the area to be able to show a fully valid form of personal identification accepted by other Schengen states, typically one issued by the state.<ref name="Travel documents for non-EU nationals">{{cite web |url=https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm |title=Travel documents for non-EU nationals |access-date=3 June 2018 |archive-date=15 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615080810/https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kefairport.is/English/Before-Departure/Passport-Control-Schengen/ |title=Passport Control & Schengen |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-date=22 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722022350/http://www.kefairport.is/English/Before-Departure/Passport-Control-Schengen/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Security checks can legally be carried out at ports and airports. Also police checks can be conducted if they:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/399/oj/eng|title=EUR-Lex -– 32016R0399 -– EN -– EUR-Lex|website=eur-lex.europa.eu|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=5 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105135251/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/399/oj/eng|url-status=live}}</ref>

For flights within the Schengen Area (either between Schengen member states or within the same Schengen member state), law enforcement agencies, airport authorities and air carriers are permitted only to carry out ''security'' checks on passengers and may not carry out border checks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R0562|title=EUR-Lex -– 32006R0562 -– EN -– EUR-Lex|website=eur-lex.europa.eu|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=25 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225025358/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R0562|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Commission report 2010">Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of Title III (Internal Borders) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52010DC0554 COM(2010) 554] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528051339/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52010DC0554 |date=28 May 2019 }}, pg 5–6</ref> Such security checks can be conducted through the verification of the passenger's [[passport]] or [[National identity cards in the European Economic Area|national identity card]]:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getAllAnswers.do?reference=E-2005-3037&language=EN |title=Answer given by Mr Frattini on behalf of the Commission |date=20 September 2005 |access-date=8 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/index_en.htm |title=Schengen, Borders & Visas |date=16 July 2012 |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-date=7 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207004503/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/index_en.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> such a practice must be used only to verify the passenger's identity (for commercial or transport security reasons) and not his or her immigration status.<ref name="Commission report 2010"/> For this reason, law enforcement agencies, airport authorities and air carriers cannot require air passengers flying within the Schengen Area who are third-country nationals to prove the legality of their stay by showing a valid visa or residence permit.<ref name="Commission report 2010"/> In addition, according to European Commission guidelines, identity checks on air passengers flying within the Schengen Area should take place only either at check-in, or upon entry to the secured zone of the airport, or at the boarding gate: passengers should not be required to undergo a verification of their identity on more than one occasion before their flight within the Schengen Area.<ref name="Commission report 2010"/> Notwithstanding those principles, the identity checks function as practical border controls and they affect illegal immigrants who arrive in Greece (which until 2024 had no land border to another Schengen country, although those land border controls can be reestablished if needed) and want to fly to some other Schengen country.<ref>[http://www.dw.com/en/macedonias-refugee-dilemma/a-19037282 Macedonia's refugee dilemma] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211022526/http://www.dw.com/en/macedonias-refugee-dilemma/a-19037282 |date=11 February 2016 }} (Deutsche Welle 10 February 2016)</ref><ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/flying-fake-id-refugees-path-less-travelled-europe-044652323.html Flying on a fake ID: refugees' path less travelled to Europe] (Yahoo 21 October 2015)</ref> The requirements as to which [[identity document]] to possess varies by country and airline. Normally a passport or EU national identity card is needed.

A Schengen member state is permitted to reinstate border controls with another Schengen member state for a short period where there is a serious threat to that state's "public policy or internal security" or when the "control of an external border is no longer ensured due to exceptional circumstances".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20120608-european-union-schengen-border-control-migrants-refugees |title=EU agrees short-term border closures to block migrants |date=8 June 2012 |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-date=12 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712181401/http://www.france24.com/en/20120608-european-union-schengen-border-control-migrants-refugees |url-status=live }}</ref> When such risks arise out of foreseeable events, the state in question must notify the European Commission in advance and consult with other Schengen states.<ref>Chapter II of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref>

The introduction of temporary controls at internal borders is a prerogative of the member states. Although the [[European Commission]] may issue an opinion about the necessity and proportionality of introducing temporary controls at internal borders, it cannot veto or override such a decision if it is taken by a member state.<ref name="temporary_controls">{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/reintroduction-border-control/index_en.htm|title=Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control|date=6 December 2016-12-06|publisher=[[European Commission]]|access-date=24 May 2020|archive-date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122065253/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/reintroduction-border-control/index_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2022 the [[European Court of Justice]] clarified that temporary internal border controls cannot exceed a duration of six months for one and the same threat. Only in case of a new serious threat "the member state may apply such a measure afresh, even immediately after the six-month period has ended."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2022-04/cp220064en.pdf|title=Where there is a serious threat to its public policy or internal security, a Member State may reintroduce border control at its borders with other Member States, but without exceeding a maximum total duration of six months|date=26 April 2022-04-26|publisher=[[European Court of Justice]]|access-date=1 February 2024|archive-02date=1 February 2024|archive-01url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201123403/https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2022-04/cp220064en.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=258262&pageIndex=0&doclang=EN&mode=lst&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=762043|title=ECLI:EU:C:2022:298, JUDGMENT OF THE COURT (Grand Chamber) in Joined Cases C‑368/20 and C‑369/20|date=26 April 2022|access-04date=1 February 2024}}</ref> The ruling reinforced existing criticism of the quasi permanent controls in several member states since 2015 as being an unlawful violation of the Schengen Code.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Salomon |first1=Stefan |last2=Rijpma |first2=Jorrit |date=2023 |title=A Europe Without Internal Frontiers: Challenging the Reintroduction of Border Controls in the Schengen Area in the Light of Union Citizenship |url=https://pure.uva.nl/ws/files/123714655/a_europe_without_internal_frontiers_challenging_the_reintroduction_of_border_controls_in_the_schengen_area_in_the_light_of_union_citizenship.pdf |journal=German Law Journal |volume=24 |issue=2 |pages=281–309 |doi=10.1017/glj.2021.60 |access-26date=1 February 2024 |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214132843/https://pure.uva.nl/ws/files/123714655/a_europe_without_internal_frontiers_challenging_the_reintroduction_of_border_controls_in_the_schengen_area_in_the_light_of_union_citizenship.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://verfassungsblog.de/das-ende-von-schengen/ |title=Das Ende von Schengen? |last1=Mangold |first1=Anna Katharina |last2=Kompatscher |first2=Anna |journal=Verfassungsblog |date=23 February 2023 |doi=10.17176/20230223-185238-0 |access-date=1 February 2024 |archive-02date=1 February 2024 |archive-01url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201133343/https://verfassungsblog.de/das-ende-von-schengen/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Melchior |first=Sigrid |date=8 August 2022 |title=EU-experter: De svenska gränskontrollerna är olagliga |trans-title=EU Experts: The Swedish border controls are unlawful |url=https://www.dn.se/sverige/eu-experter-de-svenska-granskontrollerna-ar-olagliga/ |language=sv |work=Dagens Nyheter |location=Stockholm |access-date=1 February 2024 |archive-date=22 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922084842/https://www.dn.se/sverige/eu-experter-de-svenska-granskontrollerna-ar-olagliga/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |title=Grenzkontrollen nach Dänemark laut Studie unverhältnismäßig |trans-title=Border controls on Danish border clearly disproportionate |url=https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/Grenzkontrollen-nach-Daenemark-laut-Studie-unverhaeltnismaessig,grenzkontrollen256.html |language=de |work=NDR |access-date=1 February 2024 |date=18 February 2023 |archive-date=1 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201133343/https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/Grenzkontrollen-nach-Daenemark-laut-Studie-unverhaeltnismaessig,grenzkontrollen256.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In April 2010, Malta introduced temporary checks due to [[Pope Benedict XVI]]'s visit.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100405/local/border-checks-are-back |title=Border checks are back |newspaper=Times of Malta |date=5 April 2010 |access-date=9 May 2010 |archive-date=9 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409020055/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100405/local/border-checks-are-back |url-status=live }}</ref> It reimposed checks in 2015 in the weeks surrounding the [[CHOGM 2015|Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]].

Estonia introduced temporary checks in September 2014 due to the visit of US President [[Barack Obama]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visittallinn.ee/eng/visitor/discover/news/aid-16547/changes-in-travelling-during-us-president-barack-obama-s-visit-to-estonia|title=Changes in travelling during US President Barack Obama's visit to Estonia|publisher=Visit Tallinn|access-date=19 December 2018|archive-date=20 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230448/https://www.visittallinn.ee/eng/visitor/discover/news/aid-16547/changes-in-travelling-during-us-president-barack-obama-s-visit-to-estonia|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2017, Germany introduced temporary checks on flights arriving from Greece.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://griechenland.diplo.de/gr-de/aktuelles/-/1496852 |title=Border controls for flights from Greece to Germany -– What should travelers know now? |publisher=German Missions in Greece |date=27 November 2017 |access-date=18 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418104918/https://griechenland.diplo.de/gr-de/aktuelles/-/1496852 |archive-date=18 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/223356/article/ekathimerini/news/greek-anger-over-schengen-checks-at-german-airports |title=Greek anger over Schengen checks at German airports |newspaper=[[Kathimerini]] |last=Nedos |first=Vassilis |date=17 November 2017 |access-date=18 April 2020 |archive-date=14 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914084134/https://www.ekathimerini.com/223356/article/ekathimerini/news/greek-anger-over-schengen-checks-at-german-airports |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dw.com/en/greeks-condemn-controversial-german-airport-checks/a-41547470 |title=Greeks condemn controversial German airport checks |last=Carassava |first=Anthee |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] |date=28 November 2017 |access-date=18 April 2020 |archive-date=6 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206200505/https://www.dw.com/en/greeks-condemn-controversial-german-airport-checks/a-41547470 |url-status=live }}</ref> Between November 2017 and February 2018, of the 280,000 passengers on flights from Greece who were checked on arrival in Germany, 270 were denied entry into Germany.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/226922/article/ekathimerini/news/data-seem-to-vindicate-greeces-reaction-to-german-airport-checks |title=Data seem to vindicate Greece's reaction to German airport checks |newspaper=[[Kathimerini]] |date=21 March 2018 |access-date=18 April 2020}}</ref> On 12 May 2018, Germany ended the temporary checks on incoming flights from Greece.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thegreekobserver.com/blog/2018/04/18/avramopoulos-welcomes-germanys-decision-to-suspend-border-controls-for-flights-from-greece/ |title=Avramopoulos welcomes Germany's decision to suspend border controls for flights from Greece |newspaper=The Greek Observer |date=18 April 2018 |access-date=18 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418110929/https://thegreekobserver.com/blog/2018/04/18/avramopoulos-welcomes-germanys-decision-to-suspend-border-controls-for-flights-from-greece/ |archive-date=18 April 2020}}</ref>

In response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] in 2020, almost all Schengen countries set up border controls. Several of these controls blocked citizens of EU/Schengen countries from entering, allowed only citizens or residents of the country to enter, plus prioritised traffic like food transport.<ref>{{cite news |title=Europe Barricades Borders to Slow Coronavirus |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/world/europe/EU-closes-borders-virus.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317191033/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/world/europe/EU-closes-borders-virus.html |archive-date=2020-03-17 March 2020 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The New York Times |date=17 March 2020}}</ref> On 27 March 2020, the [[European Commission]] published 'Guidelines concerning the exercise of the free movement of workers during COVID-19 outbreak', stating that member states should allow cross-border workers 'unhindered access' and 'ensure a smooth passage' across the internal Schengen borders if they exercise a 'critical occupation' (such as health professionals, care workers, scientists in health-related fields, workers in the pharmaceutical and medical services/food/transportation/essential infrastructure industries, engineers, Information and Communications Technology professionals, firefighters/police officers/prison officers/security guards, fishermen and public servants). Further, any health screening for cross-border workers must be carried out under the same conditions as the member state's own nationals exercising the same occupations.<ref>Guidelines concerning the exercise of the free movement of workers during COVID-19 outbreak ([http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=22473&langId=en C (2020) 2051, 27 March 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212223231/https://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=22473&langId=en |date=12 December 2020 }})</ref>

In September 2024, Germany announced it would temporarily introduce checks at all of its land borders, in order to tackle irregular migration. The controls were scheduled to be in force for six months.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Germany to put temporary controls on all land borders, source says |website=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-put-temporary-controls-all-land-borders-source-says-2024-09-09/ |access-date=9 September 2024 |archive-date=17 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217230029/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-put-temporary-controls-all-land-borders-source-says-2024-09-09/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The table below lists internal border controls in place as of OctoberJanuary 20242025, according to the information that the member states have provided to the [[European Commission]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anonymous|date=6 December 2016-12-06|title=Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control|url=https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/reintroduction-border-control_en|access-date=135 DecemberJanuary 20242025|website=Migration and Home Affairs -– European Commission|language=en|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220000244/https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/schengen-area/temporary-reintroduction-border-control_en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Member States' notifications of the temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders pursuant to Article 25 and 28 et seq. of the Schengen Borders Code |url=https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/system/files/2022-05/Full%20list%20of%20notifications-03052022_en.pdf |publisher=European Commission |access-date=7 May 2022}}</ref>{{Verify source|reason=some dates in the table are after the references' last access dates|archive-date=September7 2024}}May Health checks at the borders are not legally considered to be border controls.<ref>{{Cite2022 web|archive-url=https://euobserverweb.archive.comorg/tickersweb/147729|title=[Ticker] Commission20220507130613/https: Intra//ec.europa.eu/home-EU health checksaffairs/system/files/2022-05/Full%20list%20of%20notifications-03052022_en.pdf not 'border controls'|websiteurl-status=EUobserver|date=13 March 2020live }}</ref>

|Land borders with Slovakia and Czechiathe Czech Republic

|rowspan="2"|[[European migrant crisis]], pressure on the asylum reception system, high migratory pressure at the EU’sEU's external border to Turkey and the Western Balkans, threat of arms trafficking and criminal networks due to the war in Ukraine, human smuggling

|style="text-align:center;"|{{dts|16 October 2024}}

|style="text-align:center;"|''{{dts|15 April 2025}}''

|style="text-align:center;"|{{dts|12 November 2024}}

|style="text-align:center;"|''{{dts|15 May 2025}}''

|Land border and ferry connectionsborders with Romania

| style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|1 JulyJanuary 2025''}}

|Land border and ferrysea connectionsborders with Germany; all internal borders

| style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|4 January 2016}}

| style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|11 May 2025}}''

|InternalLand borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain

| style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|30 April 2025}}''

|BordersLand border with Austria

| style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|13 September 2015}}

| style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|15 March 2025}}''

|Land borders with the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland

| style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|16 June 2024}}

| style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|15 March 2025}}''

| style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|16 September 2024}}

| style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|15 March 2025}}''

| style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|21 October 2023}}

| style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|18 June 2025}}''

| style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|9 December 2024}}

| style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|8 June 2025}}''

| style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|26 November 2015}}

| style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|11 May 2025}}''

|{{flagcountry|Romania}}{{cn|date=January 2025}}

|style="text-align:center;"|{{dts|1 January 2025}}

|style="text-align:center;"|''{{dts|1 July 2025}}''

| style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|21 October 2023}}

| style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|21 June 2025}}''

| style="text-align:center;" |{{dts|12 November 2015}}

| style="text-align:center;" |''{{dts|11 May 2025}}''

On 25 July 2011, in delivering the European Commission's final assessment on the measures taken by Italy and France,<ref name="Malmström20110725">{{cite web |url=http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/11/538&language=EN&guiLanguage=en |title=MEMO/11/538 – Statement by Commissioner Malmström on the compliance of Italian and French measures with the Schengen acquis |date=25 July 2011 |publisher=European Union |work=Europa Press releases RAPID |access-date=25 July 2011}}</ref> the Home Affairs Commissioner [[Cecilia Malmström]] said, "from a formal point of view steps taken by Italian and French authorities have been in compliance with EU law. However, I regret that the spirit of the Schengen rules has not been fully respected".<ref name="Malmström20110725"/> Ms. Malmström also called for a more coherent interpretation of the Schengen rules and a stronger evaluation and monitoring system for the Schengen Area.<ref>{{cite nameweb |url="Malmström20110725"http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/11/538&language=EN&guiLanguage=en |title=MEMO/11/538 – Statement by Commissioner Malmström on the compliance of Italian and French measures with the Schengen acquis |date=25 July 2011 |publisher=European Union |work=Europa Press releases RAPID |access-date=25 July 2011}}</ref>

In December 2015, Sweden passed a temporary law that allows the government to oblige all transport companies to check that their passengers carry valid photographic identification. The new law came into effect on 21 December 2015 and was valid until 21 December 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riksdagen.se/sv/Dokument-Lagar/Utskottens-dokument/Betankanden/Arenden/201516/JuU24/|title=Särskilda åtgärder vid allvarlig fara för den allmänna ordningen eller den inre säkerheten i landet Justitieutskottets Betänkande 2015/16:JuU24 -– Riksdagen|last=Riksdagsförvaltningen|access-date=23 December 2015|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222175310/http://www.riksdagen.se/sv/Dokument-Lagar/Utskottens-dokument/Betankanden/Arenden/201516/JuU24/|url-status=live}}</ref> The government decided that the new rules would apply from 4 January 2016 until 4 July 2016. The law led to the mandatory train change and passage through border control at Copenhagen Airport for travellers between Copenhagen and Sweden, and with a reduction in service frequency.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35159183 Migrant crisis: Sweden operator cancels trains on bridge link] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823174456/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35159183 |date=23 August 2021 }} BBC News website, accessed 23 December 2015<!-- News sites have somewhat misunderstood the thing. Direct trains are cancelled but it will be possible to travel with a train change, although SJ cancelled all their operations. This info has to be reassessed in January 2016. --></ref> Sweden had introduced border control from Denmark earlier (15 November 2015), but that could not stop the migrant flow, since they have the right to apply for asylum once on Swedish ground. First when the transport companies had to stop foreigners on the Danish side, asylum seekers were efficiently stopped. This caused considerable disruption to the train traffic since the [[Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup Station|railway station]] did not have capacity for such checks. These checks lasted until 4 May 2017, after the EU commission declared such checks not acceptable.

On 30 May 2018, when the migrant crisis border controls were still active in some countries, the European Parliament decided to [[European Union response to the 2015 migrant crisis|condemn prolonged border checks]] between Schengen Area member countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20180524IPR04217/the-schengen-area-is-at-a-crossroads|title=The Schengen area is at a crossroads -– News -– European Parliament|date=30 May 2018|website=www.europarl.europa.eu|access-date=3 June 2018|archive-date=16 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616033806/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20180524IPR04217/the-schengen-area-is-at-a-crossroads|url-status=live}}</ref> But this was only a statement as the Parliament does not decide this.

Although some European politicians did call for Europe's internal borders to be temporarily closed,<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: European borders likely to remain open despite crisis in Italy, observers say |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3073897/coronavirus-european-borders-likely-remain-open-despite-crisis |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |date=7 March 2020 |archive-date=15 March 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315040544/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3073897/coronavirus-european-borders-likely-remain-open-despite-crisis |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[European Union]] decided in late February 2020 to turn down the idea of suspending the Schengen free travel area and introducing border controls with Italy.<ref name="dw-schengen">{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: EU rules out Schengen border closures amid Italy outbreak |url=https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-eu-rules-out-schengen-border-closures-amid-italy-outbreak/a-52497811 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=13 March 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313142436/https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-eu-rules-out-schengen-border-closures-amid-italy-outbreak/a-52497811 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Salvini and Le Pen Don't Have a Coronavirus Cure |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-02-25/salvini-and-le-pen-don-t-have-a-european-coronavirus-cure |work=Bloomberg |date=25 February 2020 |archive-date=27 February 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227122244/https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-02-25/salvini-and-le-pen-don-t-have-a-european-coronavirus-cure |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Europe's open borders threatened by spread of disease |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/coronavirus-europe-open-borders-eu-italy-france-britain-germany-spain-a9362536.html |work=The Independent |date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=17 March 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317173409/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/coronavirus-europe-open-borders-eu-italy-france-britain-germany-spain-a9362536.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Europe keeps Schengen zone open despite coronavirus |url=https://www.ft.com/content/967789a2-56f6-11ea-a528-dd0f971febbc |work=Financial Times |date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=2 April 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402134856/https://www.ft.com/content/967789a2-56f6-11ea-a528-dd0f971febbc |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=EU Says No to Border Closure – Allocates €232 Million to Fight Coronavirus |url=https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-says-no-to-border-closure-allocates-e232-million-to-fight-coronavirus/ |work=SchengenVisaInfo.com |date=25 February 2020 |archive-date=25 April 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425023232/https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-says-no-to-border-closure-allocates-e232-million-to-fight-coronavirus/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Op-Ed: Coronavirus could be a bigger test for the EU than the refugee crisis |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/28/coronavirus-could-be-a-bigger-test-for-the-eu-than-the-refugee-crisis.html |work=CNBC |date=29 February 2020 |archive-date=19 April 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419094443/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/28/coronavirus-could-be-a-bigger-test-for-the-eu-than-the-refugee-crisis.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The deputy leader of the Swiss [[Ticino League]], Lorenzo Quadri, criticised the decision: "It is alarming that the dogma of wide-open borders is considered a priority."<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus Nightmare Could Be the End for Europe's Borderless Dream |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/26/world/europe/coronavirus-european-union.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226190006/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/26/world/europe/coronavirus-european-union.html |archive-date=2020-02-26 February 2020 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The New York Times |date=26 February 2020}}</ref> United States President [[Donald Trump]] said the European Union had "failed to take the same precautions and restrict travel from China and other hot spots" as the U.S. had implemented.<ref>{{cite news |title=In dramatic step, Trump restricts travel from Europe to US to fight coronavirus |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-trump/trump-suspends-all-travel-from-europe-to-the-united-states-to-fight-coronavirus-idUSKBN20Z04U |work=Reuters |date=12 March 2020 |archive-date=14 March 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314140433/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-trump/trump-suspends-all-travel-from-europe-to-the-united-states-to-fight-coronavirus-idUSKBN20Z04U |url-status=live }}</ref>

Czech Prime Minister [[Andrej Babiš]] stated in early March that "European countries cannot ban the entry of Italian citizens within the Schengen Area. The only possible way is to have the Italian prime minister call on his fellow citizens to refrain from travelling to other countries of the European Union."<ref>{{cite news |title=Czech PM: Italians Should Be Banned From Travelling Due to Coronavirus |url=https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/czech-pm-italians-should-be-banned-from-travelling-due-to-coronavirus/ |work=SchengenVisaInfo.com |date=9 March 2020 |archive-date=23 March 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323171345/https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/czech-pm-italians-should-be-banned-from-travelling-due-to-coronavirus/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

After Slovakia, Denmark, the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic#Policies to fight the contagion|Czech Republic]] and Poland in mid-March announced complete closure of their national borders, [[European Commission]] President [[Ursula von der Leyen]] said that "Certain controls may be justified, but general travel bans are not seen as being the most effective by the World Health Organization. Moreover, they have a strong social and economic impact, they disrupt people's lives and business across the borders."<ref>{{cite news |title=Denmark, Poland and Czechs seal borders over coronavirus |url=https://www.ft.com/content/4e89ec5c-6565-11ea-b3f3-fe4680ea68b5 |work=Financial Times |date=12 March 2020 |archive-date=14 March 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314202823/https://www.ft.com/content/4e89ec5c-6565-11ea-b3f3-fe4680ea68b5 |url-status=live }}</ref> Von der Leyen also apologised to Italy, amidst widespread discontent among Italians for the lack of solidarity shown by Europe.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-04-02/eu-commission-apologises-to-italy-over-coronavirus-response|title=EU Commission Apologises to Italy Over Coronavirus Response, Deaths Push Higher|agency=Reuters}}</ref> By the end of March 2020, almost all internal Schengen borders had been closed to non-essential travel. By July 2020, most borders that were closed due to the coronavirus had been reopened.

Participating countries are required to apply strict checks on travellers entering and exiting the Schengen Area. These checks are co-ordinated by the European Union's [[Frontex]] agency, and subject to common rules. The details of border controls, surveillance and the conditions under which permission to enter into the Schengen Area may be granted are exhaustively detailed in the Schengen Borders Code.<ref name="schengen borders code">Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref><ref name="Reg2016/399"/>

In view of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], on 16 March 2020 the [[European Commission]] issued a recommendation to all EU and Schengen member states to introduce a temporary restriction on the entry of third-country nationals (i.e. travellers who are not EEA/Swiss citizens and family members with the [[Directive 2004/38/EC on the right to move and reside freely|right of free movement]]) to the Schengen Area for non-essential travel for an initial period of 30 days (with the possible prolongation of this period to be assessed based on further developments). However, third-country nationals who are holders of long-term visas or residence permits or are family members of EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt from this restriction. Further, third-country nationals 'with an essential function or need' (such as healthcare workers, transport personnel, aid workers, military personnel, seasonal agricultural workers), passengers in transit, those travelling 'for imperative family reasons' and those 'in need of international protection or for other humanitarian reasons' are exempt from this restriction. Nevertheless, the European Commission re-iterated that 'coordinated and reinforced health checks' should be carried out on all travellers who are permitted to enter the EU and Schengen Area.<ref>COVID-19: Temporary Restriction on Non-Essential Travel to the EU ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0115 COM (2020) 115, 16 March 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404032520/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A52020DC0115 |date=4 April 2020 }})</ref>

Further, on 30 March 2020, the [[European Commission]] published 'Guidance on the implementation of the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU, on the facilitation of transit arrangements for the repatriation of EU citizens, and on the effects on visa policy' in order to provide 'advice and practical instructions'. The Guidance states that member states are permitted to take measures (such as requiring non-nationals to undergo a period of self-isolation if arriving from a territory affected by COVID-19), provided that the same requirements is imposed on its own nationals. The Guidance also clarifies that citizens of the European micro-states (Andorra, the Holy SeeMonaco, MonacoSan Marino and Santhe MarinoVatican City) are exempt from the temporary restriction on the entry of third-country nationals to the European Union and the Schengen Area for non-essential travel. In addition, citizens of Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkey should be permitted entry to the European Union and the Schengen Area if they are stranded abroad in order to facilitate repatriation to their country of origin. Third-country nationals (not covered by one of the exemptions from the temporary restriction of entry for non-essential reasons) who seek to enter the Schengen Area will be refused entry at the external border crossing point and will receive a refusal of entry form (with the reason of refusal marked as "I" (i.e. a threat to public health)), as well a [[#Passport stamp|passport stamp]] cancelled by an indelible cross in black ink and the letter "I" on the right hand side.<ref>Guidance on the implementation of the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU, on the facilitation of transit arrangements for the repatriation of EU citizens, and on the effects on visa policy' in order to provide 'advice and practical instructions ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52020XC0330(02) C (2020) 2050, 30 March 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407144222/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52020XC0330(02) |date=7 April 2022 }})</ref>

Some EU and Schengen member states have gone further than the European Commission recommendation and have restricted the entry of EEA/Swiss citizens to their respective territories for non-essential travel. For example, on 4 April 2020, [[French Border Police]] refused entry to a group of EU and British citizens who arrived in [[Marseille Provence Airport]] on a [[private jet]] from the UK, with the intention of staying in a holiday villa in [[Cannes]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Willsher |first=Kim |date=10 April 2020 |title=French police turn back private jet of holidaymakers from UK |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/10/french-police-turn-back-private-jet-of-holidaymakers-from-uk |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=11 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=10 April 2020 |title=Partis d'Angleterre en jet privé pour faire la fête à Cannes, ils sont accueillis par les forces de l'ordre |url=https://www.lci.fr/police/covid-19-et-confinement-partis-d-angleterre-en-jet-prive-pour-faire-la-fete-a-cannes-ils-sont-accueillis-par-les-forces-de-l-ordre-2150545.html |work=[[La Chaîne Info]] |language=fr |access-date=11 April 2020 |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411000310/https://www.lci.fr/police/covid-19-et-confinement-partis-d-angleterre-en-jet-prive-pour-faire-la-fete-a-cannes-ils-sont-accueillis-par-les-forces-de-l-ordre-2150545.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 8 April 2020, the [[European Commission]] invited EU and Schengen member states to extend the restriction on the entry of third-country nationals for non-essential travel for a further period of 30 days until 15 May 2020.<ref>Communication on assessment of state of play of the Communication on non-essential travel ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0148 COM (2020) 148, 8 April 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226213051/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0148 |date=26 December 2022 }})</ref> On 8 May 2020, the European Commission again invited member states to extend the restriction for another 30 days until 15 June 2020.<ref>Communication on the second assessment of the application of the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0222 COM (2020) 222, 8 May 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226213053/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0222 |date=26 December 2022 }})</ref> On 11 June 2020, the European Commission recommended member states to prolong the restriction on the entry of third-country nationals for non-essential travel until 30 June 2020.<ref>Communication on the third assessment of the application of the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0399 COM (2020) 399, 11 June 2020])</ref>

All persons crossing external borders—inbound or outbound—are subject to a check by a [[border guard]]. The only exception is for regular cross-border commuters (both those with the [[Directive 2004/38/EC on the right to move and reside freely|right of free movement]] and third-country nationals) who are well known to the border guards: once an initial check has shown that there is no alert on record relating to them in the [[Schengen Information System]] or national databases, they can only be subject to occasional 'random' checks, rather than systematic checks every time they cross the border.<ref>Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 5.8 ([https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019, p. 45] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230025715/https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf |date=30 December 2020 }})</ref><ref>Annex VII of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref><ref>Annex VII, Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105080924/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 |date=5 November 2021 }})</ref>

Previously, EEA and Swiss citizens, as well as their family members enjoying the right of free movement, were subject only to a 'minimum check' when crossing external borders. This meant that their travel document was subject only to a 'rapid' and 'straightforward' visual inspection and an optional check against databases for lost/stolen travel documents. Consultation of the [[Schengen Information System]] and other national databases to ensure that the traveller did not represent a security, public policy or health threat was only permitted on a strictly 'non-systematic' basis where such a threat was 'genuine', 'present' and 'sufficiently serious'.<ref name="7-2-borders">Article 7(2) of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> In contrast, other travellers were subject to a 'thorough check'.<ref name="7-3-borders">Article 7(3) of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref>

However, after the [[November 2015 Paris attacks|November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris]], at a meeting of the [[Council of the European Union]] on 20 November 2015, interior ministers from the Member States decided to 'implement immediately the necessary systematic and coordinated checks at external borders, including on individuals enjoying the right of free movement'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/11/20/jha-conclusions-counter-terrorism/|title=Conclusions of the Council of the EU and of the Member States meeting within the Council on Counter-Terrorism|website=www.consilium.europa.eu|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=5 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105135247/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/11/20/jha-conclusions-counter-terrorism/|url-status=live}}</ref> Amendments were made to the Schengen Border Code to introduce systematic checks of the travel documents of EEA and Swiss citizens, as well as their family members enjoying the right of free movement, against relevant databases when crossing external borders.<ref name="Reg2017/458">Regulation (EU) 2017/458 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 amending Regulation (EU) 2016/399 as regards the reinforcement of checks against relevant databases at external borders ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32017R0458 OJ L 74, 18 March 2017, p.1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075400/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32017R0458 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref> The new regime came into force on 7 April 2017.

In 'exceptional' and 'unforeseen' circumstances where waiting times become excessive, external border checks can be relaxed on a temporary basis.<ref>Article 9, Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105080924/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 |date=5 November 2021 }})</ref><ref>Article 8 of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> {{example needed|date=September 2019}}

Border guards carry out the following procedures when checking travellers who cross external borders:<ref name="Reg2017/458"/><ref name="Reg2016/399">Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105080924/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 |date=5 November 2021 }})</ref>

|colspan="2" |Recording the traveller's entry/exit in a database<br />As of April 2016, only 10 Schengen Member States—Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain—record third-country nationals' entries and exits in their national databases, but data is not exchanged between the national databases of these countries, nor is there a Schengen-wide centralised database tracking entries and exits in all 27 Schengen Member States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52016SC0115 |title=Commission Staff Working Document: Impact Assessment Report on the establishment of an EU Entry Exit System, pg. 11 |date=6 April 2016-04-06 |access-date=19 April 2017 |archive-04date=12 January 2023 |archive-19url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112121025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52016SC0115 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52016PC0194 |title=Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) to register entry and exit data of third country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States of the European Union, pg. 2 |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-10date=17 July 2019 |archive-12url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717030135/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52016PC0194 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/MEMO_13_141 |title=European Commission Memo: 'Smart Borders': for an open and secure Europe |publisher=Europa.eu |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-10date=18 June 2021 |archive-12url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618193749/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/MEMO_13_141 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52011DC0680 |title=Communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, pg. 6 |access-date=2013-10-12 October 2013}}</ref><ref name="Innovation">{{cite web |url=http://eu2012.dk/en/Meetings/Conferences/Feb/~/media/Files/Conferences/Jan_Mar/Conference%20on%20Innovation%20Border%20Management/Current%20State%20of%20Play%20-%20EU%20Confernce%20on%20Innovation%20Border%20Management.pdf |title=Current state of play in relation to innovation border management in the EU |access-date=2013-10-12 October 2013 |archive-date=30 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130193133/http://eu2012.dk/en/Meetings/Conferences/Feb/~/media/Files/Conferences/Jan_Mar/Conference%20on%20Innovation%20Border%20Management/Current%20State%20of%20Play%20-%20EU%20Confernce%20on%20Innovation%20Border%20Management.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Entryexit1">{{cite web |url=http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-09.pdf |title=Council of the European Union: Questionnaire on the possible creation of a system of electronic recording of entries and exits of third country nationals in the Schengen area |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-10date=19 December 2012 |archive-12url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219035919/http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-09.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Entryexit2">{{cite web |url=http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-add2-09.pdf |title=Council of the European Union: Questionnaire on the possible creation of a system of electronic recording of entries and exits of third country nationals in the Schengen area (Replies from Bulgaria, France, Iceland, Italy, Norway and Portugal) |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-10date=19 December 2012 |archive-12url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219040346/http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-add2-09.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Entryexit3">{{cite web |url=http://www.statewatch.org/news/2012/mar/eeu-council-schengen-entry-exit-questionnaire-8552-add3-09.pdf |title=Council of the European Union: Questionnaire on the possible creation of a system of electronic recording of entries and exits of third country nationals in the Schengen area (Reply from Greece) |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-10-date=12 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412182303/http://www.statewatch.org/news/2012/mar/eeu-council-schengen-entry-exit-questionnaire-8552-add3-09.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Only Poland systematically records the entries and exits of EEA and Swiss citizens who are stopped at the border.<ref>[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/etudes/join/2013/493026/IPOL-LIBE_ET(2013)493026_EN.pdf European Parliament: Study on the Commission's legislative proposals on Smart Borders: their feasibility and costs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830195733/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/etudes/join/2013/493026/IPOL-LIBE_ET(2013)493026_EN.pdf |date=30 August 2021 }}, pg 66.</ref>

|colspan="2" |Checking the authenticity of the short-stay visa (if required) and the identity of its holder by consulting the [[Visa Information System]]<ref>This obligation does '''not''' apply to long-stay visas and residence permits, both of which are expressly outside the scope of [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32008R0767 Regulation (EC) No 767/2008 concerning the Visa Information System] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304083956/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=celex:32008R0767 |date=4 March 2021 }} (cf Article 4(1)).</ref>

|{{Yes|Yes (with some exceptions)}}<ref>In relation to third country nationals who are not subject to the obligation to have their travel documents stamped (e.g. third country nationals holding residence permits issued by a Schengen member state), it can logically be concluded that border guards at external border crossing points do not need to examine entry and exit stamps in their travel documents to ensure that they have not exceeded the maximum duration of authorised stay. Instead, the border guard should check the validity of the residence permit. (See Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the operation of the provisions on stamping of the travel documents of third-country nationals in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52009DC0489 COM (2009) 489, p. 7] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619221516/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A52009DC0489 |date=19 June 2022 }}), "The Commission is of the opinion that travel documents of third-country nationals who are in possession of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Member State should not be stamped. The purpose of stamping a passport serves to establish whether a third country national respected the authorised length of a short stay within the Schengen area. This logic cannot be applied to third country nationals holding a valid residence permit, as the allowed period of stay in the Schengen Member State which issued the permit is determined by the validity of the residence permit.")</ref>

|{{Yes|Yes (with some exceptions)}}<ref name="Exempt TCNs">Some Schengen member states have exempted certain categories of travellers who are subject to a thorough check from the requirement to demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay, proof of onward/return journey and explaining their purpose of stay to the border guard at external border crossing points. For example, France exempts Andorran and Monégasque nationals, holders of residence permits and family reunification visas, diplomats, flight crew etc. from this requirement (see [http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/venir-en-france-22365/formalites-d-entree-en-france/article/controle-a-l-arrivee-en-france diplomatie.gouv.fr] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827092050/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/venir-en-france-22365/formalites-d-entree-en-france/article/controle-a-l-arrivee-en-france |date=27 August 2013 }}).</ref>

After the new regime came into force on 7 April 2017, significantly longer waiting times were reported at numerous external border crossing points, especially as it was just before the [[Easter]] holiday. Travellers entering [[Slovenia]] from [[Croatia]] (which was not yet part of the Schengen Area) had to wait several hours as Slovenian [[border guard]]s systematically checked the travel documents of all travellers (including those with the right of free movement) against relevant databases.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.apnews.com/c2dd5f19864e483080e44ec0a5c36af1 |title=New EU Border Controls Create Traffic Nightmare |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=2017-04-14 April 2017 |access-date=2017-05-13 May 2017 |archive-date=29 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729224624/https://www.apnews.com/c2dd5f19864e483080e44ec0a5c36af1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Prime Minister of Slovenia]], [[Miro Cerar]], acknowledged that the situation was 'unacceptable'. In order to alleviate the long queues, the systematic checking of travel documents of those with the right of free movement against relevant databases was temporarily suspended from the evening of Friday 7 April 2017 until the end of the weekend.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/slovenia-says-tougher-eu-border-checks-unacceptable/ |title=Slovenia says tougher EU border checks 'unacceptable' |work=[[EURACTIV]] |date=2017-04-10 April 2017 |access-date=2017-05-13 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Pavlic |first=Vedran |url=http://www.total-croatia-news.com/politics/18040-stricter-border-control-temporarily-suspended |title=Stricter Border Control Temporarily Suspended |work=Total Croatia News |date=9 April 2017-04-09 |access-date=2017-05-13 May 2017 |archive-date=28 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428000616/http://www.total-croatia-news.com/politics/18040-stricter-border-control-temporarily-suspended |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, the following weekend, long queues re-appeared.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pavlic |first=Vedran |url=http://www.total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/18175-10-km-long-lines-on-slovenian-croatian-border |title=10 Km Long Lines on Slovenian-Croatian Border |work=Total Croatia News |date=2017-04-14 April 2017 |access-date=2017-05-13 May 2017 |archive-date=30 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430011000/http://www.total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/18175-10-km-long-lines-on-slovenian-croatian-border |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Prime Minister of Croatia]], [[Andrej Plenković]], criticised the situation, calling it 'unsustainable', and expressed concern about the impact on tourism (which accounts for 18% of [[Economy of Croatia|Croatia's GDP]]). The [[President of Croatia]], [[Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović]], sent a formal letter to the [[European Commission]] to voice her concern about the effect of the new regime on border checks.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pavlic |first=Vedran |url=http://www.total-croatia-news.com/politics/18345-president-sends-letter-to-eu-on-border-controls |title=President Sends Letter to EU on Border Controls |work=Total Croatia News |date=2017-04-20 April 2017 |access-date=2017-05-13 May 2017 |archive-date=26 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526195252/http://www.total-croatia-news.com/politics/18345-president-sends-letter-to-eu-on-border-controls |url-status=dead }}</ref> At a meeting held on 29 April 2017, the [[President of the European Commission]], [[Jean-Claude Juncker]], [[Miro Cerar|Cerar]] and [[Andrej Plenković|Plenković]] agreed that, moving forward, the systematic checking of the travel documents of those with the right of free movement against relevant databases would be suspended at land border crossing points between [[Croatia]] and [[Slovenia]] if the waiting time exceeds 15 minutes (with 'targeted checks' being carried out instead).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-17-1182_en.htm |title=Commission statement on the management of flows of persons at the borders between Slovenia and Croatia |date=29 April 2017 |access-04date=13 May 2017 |archive-29date=5 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505165622/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-17-1182_en.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Long queues were also reported at external border crossing points in [[Greece]], where the leadership of the [[Hellenic Police]] (which is responsible for border checks) decided to suspend, for a period of six months, the systematic checking of travel documents of those with the right of free movement against relevant databases (with the exception of the [[Kipoi, Evros|Kipoi]] land border crossing point with [[Turkey]], due to security concerns). Greece was particularly affected by the implementation of the new regime as [[Greek identity card]]s were not [[Machine-readable passport|machine-readable]] at that time, which meant that [[border guard]]s had to enter the holder's information manually into the computer system to check the relevant databases if a [[Nationality law of Greece|Greek citizen]] presented an [[Greek identity card|identity card]] instead of a [[Greek passport|passport]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/217596/article/ekathimerini/news/greece-suspends-stricter-border-controls-after-airport-delays |title=Greece suspends stricter border controls after airport delays |work=[[Kathimerini]] |date=2017-04-10 April 2017 |access-date=13 May 2017 |archive-05date=15 April 2017 |archive-13url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415162919/http://www.ekathimerini.com/217596/article/ekathimerini/news/greece-suspends-stricter-border-controls-after-airport-delays |url-status=live }}</ref> Similarly, long waiting times were reported at external border crossing points in [[France]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Meyze |first=Christian |url=http://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/paris-ile-de-france/files-attente-aeroports-empoisonnent-ete-europe-1303865.html |title=Les files d'attente dans les aéroports empoisonnent l'été en Europe |work=[[France 3]] |date=2017-07-28 July 2017 |access-date=29 July 2017 |archive-07-date=29 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729231349/http://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/paris-ile-de-france/files-attente-aeroports-empoisonnent-ete-europe-1303865.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Spain]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Nielsen |first=Nikolaj |url=https://euobserver.com/justice/137567 |title=EU scrambles meeting over border chaos |work=[[EUobserver]] |date=2017-04-11 April 2017 |access-date=13 May 2017 |archive-05date=16 April 2017 |archive-13url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416170737/https://euobserver.com/justice/137567 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lazaro Prevost |first=Natalia |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-07-04/aeropuerto-barajas-colas-vacaciones-verano-retrasos_1409043/ |title=Vuelve el caos a los controles de Barajas el primer fin de semana de verano |work=[[El Confidencial]] |date=4 July 2017-07-04 |access-date=10 July 2017 |archive-date=7 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707190107/http://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2017-07-1004/aeropuerto-barajas-colas-vacaciones-verano-retrasos_1409043/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Finland]], [[Hungary]] and [[Italy]] also issued notifications suspending systematic checks at some external border crossing points.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vlada.si/en/media_room/government_press_releases/press_release/article/despite_the_temporary_derogation_from_systematic_checks_delays_will_be_unavoidable_during_the_holiday_period_59637/ |title=Press Release: Despite the temporary derogation from systematic checks, delays will be unavoidable during the holiday period |publisher=[[Government of Slovenia]] |date=2017-04-12 April 2017 |access-date=13 May 2017 |archive-date=7 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607191307/http://www.vlada.si/en/media_room/government_press_releases/press_release/article/despite_the_temporary_derogation_from_systematic_checks_delays_will_be_unavoidable_during_the_holiday_period_59637/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In July 2017, [[Greece]] submitted a request to suspend the systematic checking of travel documents of those with the right of free movement against relevant databases for a further period of 18 months, due to 'infrastructure shortcomings and increased traffic at 12 airports across the country'.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/220112/article/ekathimerini/news/greece-asks-for-exemption-from-systematic-border-checks |title=Greece asks for exemption from systematic border checks |work=[[Kathimerini]] |date=2017-07-16 July 2017 |access-date=29 July 2017 |archive-07-date=29 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729225643/http://www.ekathimerini.com/220112/article/ekathimerini/news/greece-asks-for-exemption-from-systematic-border-checks |url-status=live }}</ref>

When carrying out checks at external borders, border guards are, by law, required to respect the dignity of travellers (particularly in cases involving vulnerable persons)<ref>Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 OJ L 182, 29 June 2013, p. 5] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075944/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref> and are forbidden from discriminating against persons based on their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.<ref>Article 7, Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105080924/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 |date=5 November 2021 }})</ref>

External border controls are located at roads crossing a border, at airports, at seaports and on board trains.<ref>Details are set out in Annex VI of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref> Usually, there is no fence along the land border, but there are exceptions like the [[Ceuta border fence]], and some places at the eastern border.<ref>For example, this place at the Lithuania-Belarus border: {{coord|54.275048|25.562439|display=inline}}, visible in Google Streetview.</ref> However, surveillance camera systems, some equipped with infrared technology, are located at some more critical spots, for example at the border between Slovakia and Ukraine, where at some points there is a camera every {{convert|186|m|yd|abbr=off}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cafebabel.co.uk/article/23469/smuggling-cigarettes-in-schengen-slovakia.html |title=Smuggling cigarettes in Schengen Slovakia |date=9 January 2008 |access-date=6 September 2011 |archive-date=10 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810161926/http://www.cafebabel.co.uk/article/23469/smuggling-cigarettes-in-schengen-slovakia.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

All travellers entering and leaving the Schengen Area by [[general aviation]] or on a pleasure boat have to make their first point of entry/final point of departure in an airport/[[aerodrome]] or a seaport that is designated as an external border crossing point. By way of derogation, travellers on board a pleasure boat are permitted to make their first port of call at a port that is not designated as an external border crossing point if they notify the port authorities and obtain authorisation from the border guards.<ref>Points 2.2-22–2.3 and 3.2.4-34–3.2.5, Annex VI, Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105080924/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 |date=5 November 2021 }})</ref> In practice, however, this is a loophole hard to check, and large-scale drug smuggling using private boats has been uncovered. Along the southern coast of the Schengen countries in the [[Mediterranean]], coast guards make a substantial effort to prevent private boats from entering without permission.

At many external border crossing points, there are special lanes for EEA and Swiss citizens (as well as their family members) and other lanes for all travellers regardless of nationality.<ref>Article 9 of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32006R0562 OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 8] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321182103/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R0562 |date=21 March 2021 }}).</ref> At some external border crossing points, there is a third type of lane for travellers who are [[Visa policy of the European Union#Schengen Area, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania|Annex II nationals]] (i.e. non-EEA/Swiss citizens who are exempt from the visa requirement).<ref>Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 OJ L 182, 29 June 2013, p. 6] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075944/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref> Although [[Andorran nationality law|Andorran]] and Sammarinese citizens are not EEA citizens, they are nonetheless able to use the special lanes designated for EEA and Swiss citizens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.exteriors.ad/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77&Itemid=39&lang=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501112729/http://www.exteriors.ad/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77&Itemid=39&lang=en|url-status=dead|title=Decision on the subject of Andorra and San Marino of the Strategic Committee on Immigration, Frontiers and Asylum (SCIFA) of the EU on 6 October 2004 (13020/1/04/REV1).|archive-date=1 May 2013}}</ref> Since 1 January 2021, British citizens are no longer permitted to use the EEA/Swiss lanes.

Some external border crossing points can only be used by certain travellers. For example, the border checkpoint in [[Veľké Slemence]], [[Slovakia]] (on the [[Slovakia–Ukraine border|border with Ukraine]]) can only be crossed by pedestrians or cyclists who are EEA, Swiss or Ukrainian citizens.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.minv.sk/?the-state-border-crossing |title=The state border crossing |publisher=[[Ministry of the Interior (Slovakia)]] |date=2021-02-12 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417034328/https://www.minv.sk/?the-state-border-crossing |archive-date=2022-04-17 April 2022}}</ref> The border checkpoint in Ramoniškiai, [[Lithuania]] (on the [[Lithuania-Russia border|border with Russia]]) can only be crossed by residents of Lithuania and Russia; all other travellers (including EEA and Swiss citizens not resident in Lithuania/Russia) cannot use this border checkpoint.<ref>Update of the list of border crossing points as referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021XC0218(02) OJ C 58, 18 February 2021, p. 35–49] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417042749/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52021XC0218(02) |date=17 April 2022 }})</ref> Similarly, the border checkpoint of Pededze-Brunishevo, [[Latvia]] (on the [[Latvia-Russia border|border with Russia]]) is only open to Latvian and Russian citizens.<ref>Update of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52015XC0418(02) OJ C 126, 18 April 2015, p. 10–21] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226213114/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52015XC0418(02) |date=26 December 2022 }})</ref> The [[Narva|Narva 2]] and [[Saatse]] border crossing points in [[Estonia]] (on the [[Estonia-Russia border|border with Russia]]) can only be used by residents of Estonia and Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politsei.ee/en/border-crossing-points |title=Border crossing points |publisher=[[Police and Border Guard Board]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417034742/https://www.politsei.ee/en/border-crossing-points |archive-date=2022-04-17 April 2022}}</ref> The border checkpoint in [[Połowce]]-Pieszczatka, [[Poland]] (on the [[Belarus-Poland border|border with Belarus]]) can only be crossed by Polish and Belarusian nationals.<ref>Update of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52016XC0304(01) OJ C 84, 4 March 2016, p. 6] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226213113/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52016XC0304(01) |date=26 December 2022 }})</ref> In 2016, as a temporary measure for 180 days, the two northernmost border checkpoints of Raja-Jooseppi and Salla on the [[Finland–Russia border]] could only be crossed by Finnish, Russian and Belarusian citizens (as well as their family members); all other nationals, including non-Finnish EEA and Swiss citizens, were not permitted to use these border checkpoints.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-finland-russia/finland-and-russia-agree-on-temporary-border-restrictions-idUSKCN0WO32P |title=Finland and Russia agree on temporary border restrictions |work=[[Reuters]] |date=2016-03-23 March 2016 |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-05date=28 September 2018 |archive-03url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928072729/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-finland-russia/finland-and-russia-agree-on-temporary-border-restrictions-idUSKCN0WO32P |url-status=live }}</ref> Further, the border crossing points of Haapovaara, Inari, Karttimo, Kurvinen, Leminaho and [[Parikkala]] (as well as the railway crossing point of [[Imatra]]) are only open to Finnish and Russian citizens.<ref>Update of the list of border crossing points as referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52016XC0730(03) OJ C 278, 30 July 2016, p. 47–48])</ref>

The additional obligations imposed by European law on national border authorities when it comes to processing travellers who are third-country nationals (e.g. the obligation to [[#Passport stamp|stamp their travel documents]]) should not prevent the development of [[automated border control system]]s which are made available to such travellers. As shown by the examples listed above of automated border control systems which have been developed at external border crossing points of the Schengen Area, national border authorities have been able to adapt the design of their automated border control systems to allow third-country nationals to make use of them. One solution is to have a border guard physically positioned next to the automated border gates who can stamp travel documents where required: this approach has been adopted by the [[Finnish Border Guard]] at the automated border gates in [[Helsinki Airport]], where eligible users (who are required to receive a passport stamp) include holders of [[Australian passport|Australian]], [[Canadian passport|Canadian]], [[Japanese passport|Japanese]], [[New Zealand passport|New Zealand]], [[South Korean passport|South Korean]] and [[United States passport|United States]] [[biometric passport]]s,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cwtjet.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Automated_Border_Control_Gates.17161248.pdf |title=How To Use The Automated Border Control Gates |work=Finnair Info |access-date=2012-07-20 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018132624/http://cwtjet.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Automated_Border_Control_Gates.17161248.pdf |archive-date=18 October 2012-10-18 }}</ref><ref name="Finnish Border Guard July 2014 press release">{{Cite web |url=http://www.raja.fi/facts/news_from_the_border_guard/1/0/expanded_use_of_automated_border_control_gates_at_the_west_terminal_54569 |title=News from the Border Guard -– the Finnish Border Guard |access-date=2014-07-13 July 2014 |archive-date=2018-09-14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914122812/http://www.raja.fi/facts/news_from_the_border_guard/1/0/expanded_use_of_automated_border_control_gates_at_the_west_terminal_54569 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2013-10-10 |title=2nd Global Conference and Exhibition on Future Developments of Automated Border Control (ABC) Conference Report |url=https://www.frontex.europa.eu/assets/Images_News/ABC_Conference_Report.pdf |website=frontex.europa.eu |access-date=18 June 2024 |archive-date=18 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618011042/https://www.frontex.europa.eu/assets/Images_News/ABC_Conference_Report.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and in the [[Port of Helsinki]], where eligible users (who are required to receive a passport stamp) include [[Russian passport|Russian citizens]], who are required to scan both the biodata page and the visa inside their passport, then to step into the gate for a facial image and fingerprint recognition, and after the gate opens to approach a border officer to have their passport stamped.<ref name="Finnish Border Guard July 2014 press release"/>

Sometimes, external border controls are located on non-Schengen territory. For example, the [[French Border Police]] operates border checks at [[juxtaposed controls]] on travellers departing the United Kingdom for the Schengen Area before they board their train or ferry at [[St Pancras railway station|St Pancras International]], [[Ebbsfleet International railway station|Ebbsfleet International]] and [[Ashford International railway station|Ashford International]] railway stations, as well as at the [[Port of Dover]] and the [[Eurotunnel Folkestone Terminal]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1993/1813/contents/made |title=Channel Tunnel (International Arrangements) Order 1993 |publisher=Legislation.gov.uk |date=2012-06-13 June 2012 |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-10date=31 August 2012 |archive-12url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831085910/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1993/1813/contents/made |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/2818/made |title=The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (Juxtaposed Controls) Order 2003 |publisher=Legislation.gov.uk |date=2010-07-16 July 2010 |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-10date=30 December 2011 |archive-12url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230200735/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/2818/made |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2016 the European Commission proposed a system for an electronic authorisation of visa-exempt third country nationals called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A52016PC0731|title=EUR-Lex -– 52016PC0731 -– EN -– EUR-Lex|website=eur-lex.europa.eu}}</ref> Foreign visitors will be required to submit personal data in advance and pay a processing fee (fee is waived for children). The application is to be done over the internet and need to be made a few days before travel. The authorisation will be valid for three years. It is imagined as a system similar to the [[Electronic System for Travel Authorization|ESTA]] system of the United States and the [[Visa policy of Canada#Electronic travel authorization|ETA]] system of Canada. ETIAS is scheduled to enter into operation six months after the EES, in late 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Justice and Home Affairs Council, 19-2019–20 October 2023 |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/jha/2023/10/19-20/ |website=Europa.eu |access-date=31 October 2023 |language=en |date=20 October 2023 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030124242/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/jha/2023/10/19-20/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Schengen rules require that all carriers conveying passengers across the Schengen external border must check, before boarding, that passengers have the correct travel documents and visas required for entry.<ref>Article 26(1)(b) of the Schengen Convention.</ref> Carriers that transport third-country nationals without the correct travel documents are imposed with financial penalties and are required to transport those refused entry back to the point of departure.<ref>Council Directive 2001/51/EC of 28 June 2001 supplementing the provisions of Article 26 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 (Carriers Liability Directive) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32001L0051 OJ L 187, 10 July 2001, p. 45] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225063353/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32001L0051 |date=25 February 2021 }})</ref> The aim of this measure is to prevent illegal immigration. Further, since immigrants have the [[Right of asylum|right to apply for asylum]] at border control at ports of entry in the EU, though such applications must be made in person in the country where asylum status is sought, this measure has the effect of preventing prospective asylum seekers from boarding public transportation to the Schengen Area (unless they have already obtained a Schengen visa or are visa-exempt).

The rules applicable to short-term entry visas into the Schengen Area are set out in EU regulations which contain two lists: a list of the nationalities (or classes of [[travel document]] holder) which require a visa for a short-term stay (the ''Annex I list'') and a list which do not (the ''Annex II list'').<ref name="visa regulations">Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32001R0539:EN:NOT OJ L 81, 21 March 2001, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208233640/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32001R0539:EN:NOT |date=8 December 2013 }}).</ref>

An application for a Schengen visa should be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the country which the traveller intends to visit. If a traveller plans to visit multiple countries in the Schengen Area, the application should be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the main destination. If the main destination cannot be determined, the traveller should apply for the visa at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen member state of first entry.<ref>Article 5 of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32009R0810 OJ L 243, 15 September 2009, p. 1–58] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227164027/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=celex%3A32009R0810 |date=27 February 2021 }})</ref> Often, external service providers are contracted by certain diplomatic missions to process, collect and return visa applications.<ref>Article 43 of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32009R0810 OJ L 243, 15 September 2009, p. 1–58] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227164027/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=celex%3A32009R0810 |date=27 February 2021 }})</ref>

The standard application fee for a Schengen visa is EUR 80. There is a reduced visa application fee of EUR 40 for children aged 6 to 12. The visa application fee is waived for children under the age of 6. Where an application is submitted to an external service provider, an additional service fee may have to be paid. The visa application fee (and the additional service fee, if applicable) are not refundable regardless of the outcome of the application.<ref>Article 16 of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), as amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32019R1155 OJ L 188, 12 July 2019, p. 25–54] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020083118/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32019R1155 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref>

The entry requirements for third country nationals who intend to stay in the Schengen Area for not more than 90 days in any 180-day period are as follows:<ref>Article 5 of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref>

* The traveller is in possession of a valid [[travel document]] or documents authorising them to cross the border (a visa is not considered a travel document in this sense); the acceptance of travel documents for this purpose remains within the domain of the member states;<ref>See Article 6 of Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32001R0539:EN:NOT OJ L 81, 21 March 2001, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208233640/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32001R0539:EN:NOT |date=8 December 2013 }}).</ref>

No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 OJ L 182, 29 June 2013, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075944/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32013R0610 |date=20 October 2021 }})</ref>

However, even if the third-country national does not fulfil the criteria for entry, admission may still be granted:<ref>Articles 3 and 5 of the Schengen Borders Code ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT OJ L 105, 13 April 2006, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114121129/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32006R0562:EN:NOT |date=14 November 2013 }}).</ref>

All 2729 European countries within the Schengen Area have entry and exit stamps of a uniform design. As of April 2016, at a national level, 11 Schengen countries ([[Estonia]], [[Finland]], [[Greece]], [[Hungary]], [[Latvia]], [[Lithuania]], [[Malta]], [[Poland]], [[Portugal]], [[Slovakia]] and [[Spain]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:5c20aef7-fca4-11e5-b713-01aa75ed71a1.0001.02/DOC_2&format=PDF |title=Commission Staff Working Document: Impact Assessment Report on the establishment of an EU Entry Exit System, pg. 11 |format=PDF |date=6 April 2016-04-06 |access-date=19 April 2017 |archive-04date=20 April 2017 |archive-19url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420143022/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:5c20aef7-fca4-11e5-b713-01aa75ed71a1.0001.02/DOC_2&format=PDF |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[{{Cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/doc_centre/borders/docs/1_en_act_part1_v12.pdf |title=Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) to register entry and exit data of third country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States of the European Union, pg. 2] |access-date=23 March 2013 |archive-date=11 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511142157/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/doc_centre/borders/docs/1_en_act_part1_v12.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0680:FIN:EN:PDF|title=Communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, pg. 6|access-date=20 July 2012|archive-date=9 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309133522/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0680:FIN:EN:PDF|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://eu2012.dk/en/Meetings/Conferences/Feb/~/media/Files/Conferences/Jan_Mar/Conference%20on%20Innovation%20Border%20Management/Current%20State%20of%20Play%20-%20EU%20Confernce%20on%20Innovation%20Border%20Management.pdf |title=Current state of play in relation to innovated border management in the EU |access-date=2012-07-20 July 2012 |archive-date=30 November 2012-11-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130193133/http://eu2012.dk/en/Meetings/Conferences/Feb/~/media/Files/Conferences/Jan_Mar/Conference%20on%20Innovation%20Border%20Management/Current%20State%20of%20Play%20-%20EU%20Confernce%20on%20Innovation%20Border%20Management.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-09.pdf|title=Council of the European Union: Questionnaire on the possible creation of a system of electronic recording of entries and exits of third country nationals in the Schengen area|access-date=28 July 2012|archive-date=19 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219035919/http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-09.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-add2-09.pdf|title=Council of the European Union: Questionnaire on the possible creation of a system of electronic recording of entries and exits of third country nationals in the Schengen area (Replies from Bulgaria, France, Iceland, Italy, Norway and Portugal)|access-date=28 July 2012|archive-date=19 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219040346/http://www.statewatch.org/news/2011/may/eu-council-tcn-exit-entry-recording-questionnaire-replies-8552-add2-09.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.statewatch.org/news/2012/mar/eeu-council-schengen-entry-exit-questionnaire-8552-add3-09.pdf|title=Council of the European Union: Questionnaire on the possible creation of a system of electronic recording of entries and exits of third country nationals in the Schengen area (Reply from Greece)|access-date=28 July 2012|archive-date=12 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412182303/http://www.statewatch.org/news/2012/mar/eeu-council-schengen-entry-exit-questionnaire-8552-add3-09.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>{{overcite|date=January 2025}} have developed computer databases recording entries and exits of third-country nationals (i.e. travellers who are not EU, EEA or Swiss citizens) at [[#Regulation of external borders|external border crossing points]]. However, on a Schengen-wide level, there is no centralised computer database that tracks entries and exits at all of the [[#Regulation of external borders|external border crossing points]] of the 2729 Schengen countries, nor are entry and exit records from national databases shared between countries.<ref>[http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2008:0069:FIN:EN:PDF Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Preparing the next steps in border management in the European Union] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413171628/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2008:0069:FIN:EN:PDF |date=13 April 2024 }}, p.5.</ref> As a result, law enforcement officials continue to rely on checking passport stamps as the primary way to check that travellers who do not have the [[Directive 2004/38/EC on the right to move and reside freely|right of free movement]] have not exceeded their length of permitted stay in the Schengen Area.

Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 envisages the establishment of an [[Entry-Exit-System|Entry-Exit System]] (EES) which will record third-country nationals' entries and exits when they cross the [[#Regulation of external borders|external borders]] of the Schengen Area in a central database, replacing passport stamps.<ref>Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2017 establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) to register entry and exit data and refusal of entry data of third-country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States and determining the conditions for access to the EES for law enforcement purposes, and amending the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EU) No 1077/2011 ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32017R2226 OJ L 327, 9 December 2017, p. 20] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223053359/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32017R2226 |date=23 February 2024 }})</ref> EES had been expected to enter into operation at the end of May 2023,<ref name="EUSmartBorders">{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/smart-borders/entry-exit-system_en |title=Smart Borders |publisher=[[European Commission]] |access-date=21 April 2022 |archive-date=21 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421055848/https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/smart-borders/entry-exit-system_en |url-status=live }}</ref> but was delayed until 2025.

There are no systematic immigration checks when travelling between Schengen countries (i.e. crossing the [[#Regulation of internal borders|internal borders]] of the Schengen Area). Passport stamps are never issued when travelling between Schengen countries, even when immigration checks between Schengen countries are temporarily re-introduced.<ref name="Regulation 2006, p. 8">Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the operation of the provisions on stamping of the travel documents of third-country nationals in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 ([http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0489:FIN:EN:PDF COM (2009) 489, p. 8] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309133622/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0489:FIN:EN:PDF |date=9 March 2013 }})</ref>

When travelling to/from a non-Schengen country (i.e. crossing the [[#Regulation of external borders|external borders]] of the Schengen Area), the rules on stamping travel documents are as follows:<ref name="SBC Article 11">Article 11 of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, pp. 1–52] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516040303/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A42000A0922%2802%29 |date=16 May 2020 }})</ref>

*Third-country nationals holding a [[residence card of a family member of a Union citizen|residence card issued under Article 10 of Directive 2004/38/EC]], but only if they are accompanying or joining a family member who is a citizen of an EU or EFTA state exercising their right of freedom of movement '''and''' presenting the residence card<ref>Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the operation of the provisions on stamping of the travel documents of third-country nationals in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 ([http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0489:FIN:EN:PDF COM (2009) 489, p. 7] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309133622/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0489:FIN:EN:PDF |date=9 March 2013 }})</ref>

*Third-country nationals holding residence permits issued by a Schengen member state<ref name="EUReport pp.6+9">Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the operation of the provisions on stamping of the travel documents of third-country nationals in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 ([http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0489:FIN:EN:PDF COM (2009) 489, pp. 6 and 9] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309133622/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0489:FIN:EN:PDF |date=9 March 2013 }}) "The Commission is of the opinion that travel documents of third-country nationals who are in possession of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Member State should not be stamped." "The Commission underlines that travel documents of third-country nationals who are in possession of a valid residence permit of a Schengen Member State are exempted from the stamping obligation on entry and exit."</ref> (including [[British nationality law|British]] citizens who hold residence status under Article 18 of the [[Brexit withdrawal agreement]])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/brexit_files/info_site/borders_seminar_ppp_final_public.pdf |title=Brexit Readiness: treating UK nationals at the external Schengen borders and related issues |date=2020-10-12 October 2020 |access-date=19 January 2021 |archive-01date=25 November 2020 |archive-19url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125005858/https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/brexit_files/info_site/borders_seminar_ppp_final_public.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Border officials are required, by law, to stamp the travel documents of third country nationals who do not qualify for one of the exemptions listed in the right hand column when they cross external borders,<ref>Council Regulation (EC) No 2133/2004 of 13 December 2004 on the requirement for the competent authorities of the Member States to stamp systematically the travel documents of third country nationals when they cross the external borders of the Member States and amending the provisions of the Convention implementing the Schengen agreement and the common manual to this end ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32004R2133 OJ L 369, 16 December 2004, p. 5–10] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226213055/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32004R2133 |date=26 December 2022 }})</ref> even when border controls have been relaxed. However, nationals of [[Andorran nationality law|Andorra]], [[Nationality law of Monaco|Monaco]], [[San Marino passport|San Marino]] and Vatican City are exempt from this requirement, as are heads of state, whose visits were announced through diplomatic channels, and holders of local border traffic permits and residence permits issued by a Schengen member state.<ref>Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the operation of the provisions on stamping of the travel documents of third-country nationals in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52009DC0489 COM (2009) 489, p. 7]</ref><ref>Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the operation of the provisions on stamping of the travel documents of third-country nationals in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52009DC0489 COM (2009) 489, pp. 6 and 9] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619221516/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52009DC0489 |date=19 June 2022 }}) "The Commission is of the opinion that travel documents of third-country nationals who are in possession of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Member State should not be stamped." "The Commission underlines that travel documents of third-country nationals who are in possession of a valid residence permit of a Schengen Member State are exempted from the stamping obligation on entry and exit."</ref> Certain exemptions also apply to the crews of ships and aircraft.<ref>Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 6.2 ([https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019, p. 56] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230025715/https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf |date=30 December 2020 }})</ref>

Exceptionally, if stamping a person's travel document would cause serious difficulties (such as political persecution), border officials can instead issue a sheet of paper detailing the person's name, travel document number and entry date and location.<ref name="SBC Article 11"/> However, in practice, border officials do not always stamp the travel documents of travellers as legally required.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4361.html|title=Schengen Fact Sheet|date=4 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004163015/http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4361.html |archive-date=4 October 2008 }}</ref><ref name="Regulation 2006, p. 4">Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the operation of the provisions on stamping of the travel documents of third-country nationals in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 ([http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0489:FIN:EN:PDF COM (2009) 489, p. 4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309133622/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0489:FIN:EN:PDF |date=9 March 2013 }})</ref> If a person who should have received an entry stamp cannot show one either upon request by a law enforcement officer or upon leaving the Schengen Area to a border official, the officer can presume that the person has been staying illegally in the Schengen Area and can expel them, unless the person can demonstrate using credible evidence (such as transport tickets and accommodation receipts) that they have not exceeded their permitted length of stay in the Schengen Area.<ref>Article 12 of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, pp. 1–52] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516040303/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A42000A0922%2802%29 |date=16 May 2020 }})</ref>

Although, according to EU rules, third country nationals who hold residence permits should not have their travel documents stamped, [[France]] nevertheless requires third country nationals holding a ''visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour'' (a long-stay visa serving additionally as a residence permit for up to one year) to receive a passport stamp upon their first entry to the Schengen Area as a part of the process to validate the visa as a residence permit; without an entry stamp, the process cannot be completed.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/particuliers/F39.xhtml | title=Quel titre de séjour faut-il avoir pour rester en France plus de 3 mois ? &#124; service-public.fr | access-date=1 January 2024 | archive-date=19 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919071039/http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/particuliers/F39.xhtml | url-status=live }}</ref>

Third-country nationals who otherwise fulfil all the criteria for admission into the Schengen area must not be denied entry for the sole reason that there is no remaining empty space in their travel document to affix a stamp; instead, the stamp should be affixed on a separate sheet of paper.<ref>Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 6.1 ([https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019, p. 56] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230025715/https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf |date=30 December 2020 }})</ref><ref>Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 6.4 ([https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019, p. 57] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230025715/https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf |date=30 December 2020 }})</ref>

Entry and exit stamps are applied in black ink, except for the red date stamp and a two-digit security code in the middle. The two-digit security code must be changed at least once a month,<ref>Annex IV of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, pp. 1–52] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516040303/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A42000A0922%2802%29 |date=16 May 2020 }})</ref> although some Schengen countries (such as [[Greece]]) change security codes every day.<ref name="Regulation 2006, p. 8"/> The stamps bear the country abbreviation within a circle of stars in the top left hand corner, the name of the entry/exit border crossing point in [[Latin alphabet]] at the bottom, and an icon in the top right hand corner to denote the mode of entry/exit. Below the name of the border crossing point is an identifying number – a record is kept of the identity of the border officer to whom a given stamp is assigned at any given time.<ref>Annex II of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, pp. 1–52] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516040303/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A42000A0922%2802%29 |date=16 May 2020 }})</ref> Entry stamps are rectangular and have an arrow into a square, while exit stamps are rectangular with rounded corners and have an arrow out of a square. The stamps do not indicate any maximum permitted duration of stay.

Border guards are required to ensure the secure storage of passport stamps in locked safes between shifts. Border posts are advised to set out clear responsibilities and instructions for the distribution and use of passport stamps.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.schengen.mira.gov.ro/English/Documente/utile/catutil/Updated%20EU%20Schengen%20Catalogue.pdf |title=Schengen Catalogue: External borders control recommendations and best practices |access-date=2012-07-29 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702065238/http://www.schengen.mira.gov.ro/English/Documente/utile/catutil/Updated%20EU%20Schengen%20Catalogue.pdf |archive-date=2 July 2015-07-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

According to [[European Commission]] recommendations and guidelines, stamps should be affixed in travel documents by border officials in the following manner:<ref name="Regulation 2006, p. 4"/><ref>Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 6.5 ([https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019, p. 58] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230025715/https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf |date=30 December 2020 }})</ref>

If a third-country national is refused entry to the Schengen Area, the border official is required to affix an entry stamp in the travel document, cancel the stamp by an indelible cross in blank ink and write the letter corresponding to the reason for the refusal of entry to the right-hand side of the cancelled stamp.<ref>Annex V of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32016R0399 OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, pp. 1–52] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516040303/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A42000A0922%2802%29 |date=16 May 2020 }})</ref><ref>Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 8.4 ([https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019, p. 68] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230025715/https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf |date=30 December 2020 }})</ref>

By contrast, if a border official has affixed a stamp in a travel document by mistake (as opposed to a refusal of entry), the stamp can be annulled by drawing two parallel lines through the top left-hand corner.<ref>Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 8.6 ([https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019, pp. 68-6968–69] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230025715/https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/c2019-7131-annex.pdf |date=30 December 2020 }})</ref>

The holder of a long-stay visa or a residence permit is entitled to move freely within other states which compose the Schengen Area for a period of up to three months in any half-year.<ref>Regulation (EU) No 265/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 March 2010 amending the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement and Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 as regards movement of persons with a long-stay visa ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32010R0265:EN:NOT OJ L 85, 31 March 2010, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014123658/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32010R0265:EN:NOT |date=14 October 2013 }})</ref> Third-country nationals who are [[Long-term resident (European Union)|long-term residents in a Schengen state]] may also acquire the right to move to and settle in another Schengen state without losing their legal status and social benefits.<ref>Council Directive 2003/109/EC concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32003L0109:EN:NOT OJ L 16, 23 January 2004, p.44] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106152829/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32003L0109:EN:NOT |date=6 January 2014 }}).</ref>

[[Asylum seeker]]s who request international protection under the [[Geneva Convention]] from a Schengen member state are not issued a residence permit, but are instead issued, within three days of the application being lodged, an authorisation to remain on the territory of the member state while the application is pending or being examined. This means that, whilst their application for refugee status is being processed, asylum seekers are only permitted to remain in the Schengen member state where they have claimed asylum and are not entitled to move freely within other states which compose the Schengen Area.<ref>Article 6 of the Council Directive 2003/9/EC laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32003L0009 OJ L 31, 27 January 2003, p. 20] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515191844/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32003L0009 |date=15 May 2021 }})</ref> Successful applicants who have been granted international protection by a Schengen member state are issued residence permits which are valid for at least three years and renewable, whilst applicants granted subsidiary protection by a Schengen member state are issued residence permits valid for at least 1-year and renewable, unless there are compelling reasons relating to national security or public order. Family members of beneficiaries of international or subsidiary protection from a Schengen member state are issued residence permits as well, but their validity can be shorter.<ref>Article 24 of the Council Directive 2004/83/EC of 29 April 2004 on minimum standards for the qualification and status of third country nationals or stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection and the content of the protection granted ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32004L0083:EN:NOT OJ L 304, 29 April 2004, p. 12])</ref> Applicants who have been granted temporary protection by a Schengen member state (as well as their reunited family members) are issued residence permits valid for the entire period of temporary protection.<ref>Articles 8 and 15 of the Council [[Directive 2001/55/EC]] of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32001L0055 OJ L 212, 20 July 2001, p. 12])</ref>

However, some third-country nationals are permitted to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days without the need to apply for a long-stay visa. For example, France does not require citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican City to apply for a long-stay visa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/F16162.xhtml |title=Visas de long séjour pour la France |publisher=Vosdroits.Service-public.fr |date=8 April 2011 |access-date=12 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126151919/http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/F16162.xhtml |archive-date=26 January 2013}}</ref> In addition, Article 20(2) of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement allows for this 'in exceptional circumstances' and for bilateral agreements concluded by individual signatory states with other countries before the Convention entered into force to remain applicable. As a result, for example, [[New Zealand nationality law|New Zealand citizens]] are permitted to stay for up to 90 days in ''each'' of the Schengen countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland) which had already concluded bilateral visa exemption agreements with the [[New Zealand Government]] prior to the Convention entering into force without the need to apply for long-stay visas, but if travelling to other Schengen countries the 90 days in a 180-day period time limit applies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/new_zealand/eu_travel/visa/index_en.htm |title=Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand: Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=Eeas.europa.eu |date=2009-02-13 February 2009 |access-date=18 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118232230/http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/new_zealand/eu_travel/visa/index_en.htm | archive-date=18 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/europetips.shtml |title=NZ government travel advisory – travel tips to Europe |publisher=Safetravel.govt.nz |date=13 September 2013 |access-date=12 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929010623/http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/europetips.shtml |archive-date=29 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Visa for New Zealand passport holders | publisher = Embassy of Switzerland in Wellington | date = 12 December 2021 | url = https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/new-zealand/en/home/visa/entry-ch/visa-new-zealand-passport-holders.html | access-date = 17 April 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220417035556/https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/new-zealand/en/home/visa/entry-ch/visa-new-zealand-passport-holders.html | archive-date = 17 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Visa-free travel | publisher = Danish Immigration Service | date = 13 February 2019 | url = https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Short-stay-visa/Visa-free-visits | access-date = 13 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200413101133/https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Short-stay-visa/Visa-free-visits | archive-date = 13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Visa | publisher = Embassy of Italy in Wellington | url = https://ambwellington.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Wellington/en/informazioni_e_servizi/visti/visti.html | access-date = 13 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200413102202/https://ambwellington.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Wellington/en/informazioni_e_servizi/visti/visti.html | archive-date = 13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Fact Sheet: Austria-New Zealand Bilateral Agreement on Visa Free Short Stays | publisher = Austrian Embassy in Canberra | url = https://www.bmeia.gv.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Vertretungen/Canberra/Austria_New_Zealand_Bilateral_Agreement_on_Visa_Free_Short_Stays_-_Fact_sheet.pdf | access-date = 13 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200413102420/https://www.bmeia.gv.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Vertretungen/Canberra/Austria_New_Zealand_Bilateral_Agreement_on_Visa_Free_Short_Stays_-_Fact_sheet.pdf | archive-date = 13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Visa | publisher = Embassy of Hungary in Wellington | url = https://wellington.mfa.gov.hu/eng/page/visa | access-date = 13 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200413102710/https://wellington.mfa.gov.hu/eng/page/visa | archive-date = 13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ambafrance-nz.org/IMG/pdf/Border_controls_in_Europe.pdf |title=Border controls in Europe |publisher=Embassy of France in New Zealand |archive-date=3 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403144100/https://nz.ambafrance.org/spip.php?action=api_docrestreint&arg=0%2F0%2Fpdf%2FBorder_controls_in_Europe.pdf |access-date=13 November 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=Embassy of Spain in Wellington |date=29 April 2009 |url=http://www.maec.es/subwebs/Embajadas/Wellington/es/MenuPpal/faqs/Paginas/faqs.aspx |access-date=1 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204191718/http://www.maec.es/subwebs/Embajadas/Wellington/es/MenuPpal/faqs/Paginas/faqs.aspx |archive-date=4 December 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiregelverk.no/en/documents/udi-guidelines/udi-2010-080/ |title=UDI 2010-080 Bortvisningspraksis for borgere fra stater Norge har inngått bilaterale visumfrihetsavtaler med |publisher=Norwegian Directorate of Immigration |date=28 November 2019 |language=no |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413105136/https://www.udiregelverk.no/en/documents/udi-guidelines/udi-2010-080/ |archive-date=13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiregelverk.no/en/documents/udi-guidelines/udi-2010-080/udi-2010-080v1/ |title=UDI 2010-080V1 Liste over visumfrie borgere som er omfattet |publisher=Norwegian Directorate of Immigration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413105042/https://www.udiregelverk.no/en/documents/udi-guidelines/udi-2010-080/udi-2010-080v1/ |archive-date=13 April 2020 |date=28 November 2019 |language=no}}</ref>{{excessive citations inline|date=September 2020}}

Holders of local border traffic permits are able to spend up to 3 months ''every time'' they enter the border area of the country which has issued the permit (this time limit is far more generous than the "90 days in a 180-day period" normally granted to third-country nationals visiting the Schengen Area).<ref>{{cite web|title=Judgement of the European Court of Justice of 21 March 2013, Case C‑254/11, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg Megyei Rendőrkapitányság Záhony Határrendészeti Kirendeltsége v Oskar Shomodi|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:62011CJ0254:EN:NOT |publisher=Eur-lex.europa.eu|access-date=2015-07-31 July 2015}}</ref>

* Latvia–Belarus from February 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://naviny.by/rubrics/english/2012/02/02/ic_articles_259_176699/ |title=Consulates in Belarus, Latvia begin issuing local border traffic permits |publisher=Naviny.by |date=2010-08-23 August 2010 |access-date=2013-10-12 October 2013}}</ref>

* Poland–Russia (Kaliningrad Area) from July 2012<ref>{{cite web|last=Staalesen |first=Atle |url=http://www.barentsobserver.com/en/borders/more-russians-get-visa-free-travelling-29-06 |title=More Russians get visa-free travelling |publisher=Barentsobserver.com |date=2012-06-29 June 2012 |access-date=2013-10-12 October 2013}}</ref> (suspended since July 2016)<ref>{{cite news|title=Kaliningrad: visa-free border traffic suspended |date=18 October 2016 |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] |url=https://www.dw.com/en/kaliningrad-visa-free-border-traffic-suspended/av-36079843 |access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>

* Romania–Ukraine from May 2015.<ref name="notifications_under_article_19_en">{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/docs/notifications_under_article_19_en.pdf|title=MemberWayback States notified the following bilateral agreementsMachine|website=ec.europa.eu}}</ref>

There are or have been plans for Lithuania–Russia, Poland–Belarus, Bulgaria–Serbia and Bulgaria–North Macedonia local border traffic agreements.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/local-border-traffic-at-external-land-borders.html|title=EUR-Lex -– l14506 -– EN -– EUR-Lex|website=eur-lex.europa.eu}}</ref>

The agreement between Poland and Belarus had been due to enter into force by 2012,<ref>Second report on the implementation and functioning of the local border traffic regime set up by Regulation No 1931/2006 ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52011DC0047:EN:NOT COM/2011/0047 final])</ref> but was delayed by Belarus,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://visa-free-europe.eu/2012/05/belarus-plays-the-border-security-card-with-the-eu/ |title=Belarus Plays The Border Security Card with the EU |publisher=Visa-free-europe.eu |access-date=2013-10-12 October 2013}}</ref> with no implementation date set (as of Oct 2012).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eapmigrationpanel.org/page40541.html |title=Belarus not ready for small border traffic agreement with Poland |publisher=Eapmigrationpanel.org |date=2012-10-18 October 2012 |access-date=2013-10-12 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422024104/http://eapmigrationpanel.org/page40541.html |archive-date=22 April 2014}}</ref>

In late 2009, Norway began issuing one-year multiple-entry visas, without the usual requirement of having family or a business partner in Norway, called Pomor-Visas, to [[Citizenship of Russia|Russians]] from [[Murmansk Oblast]], and later to those from [[Arkhangelsk Oblast]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikunews.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928075653/http://www.sikunews.com/News/International/Traffic-flows-from-Murmansk-to-Kirkenes-8033|url-status=dead|title=sikunews.com|archive-date=28 September 2010|website=www.sikunews.com}}</ref> Finland is not planning border permits, but has issued over one million regular visas for Russians in 2011, and many of them multiple-entry visas. The EU was planning to allow up to 5-year validity on multiple-entry visas for Russians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/06/03/51241897.html |title=5 years in Schengen for Russians |publisher=English.ruvr.ru |date=3 June 2011-06-03 |access-date=2013-10-12 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609043150/http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/06/03/51241897.html |archive-date=9 June 2011}}</ref>

Hungary allows entry to the Schengen Area for persons from countries such as [[Belarus]] and [[Russia]] with limited security screening, resulting in a [[national security]] risk for the Schengen Area.<ref name="i463">{{cite web | last=Másolva | first=Link | title=Kémbank utáni kiskapu? Családostul, átvilágítás nélkül jöhetnek az orosz és belarusz "vendégmunkások" Magyarországra | website=Forbes.hu | date=25 JulJuly 2024 | url=https://www.forbes.hu/tarsadalom/orosz-belarusz-vendegmunkas-magyarorszag-racz-andras/ | language=hu | access-date=27 JulJuly 2024}}</ref>

A list of EU authorities with access to SIS is published annually in the [[Official Journal of the European Union]]. As at 24 June 2015, 235 authorities can use the SIS database.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52015XC0624(01)|title=List of competent authorities which are authorised to search directly the data contained in the second generation Schengen Information System pursuant to Article 31(8) of Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Article 46(8) of Council Decision 2007/533/JHA on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System|date=1 January 2015}}</ref> The SIS database is operationally managed by [[eu-LISA]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eulisa.europa.eu/AboutUs/WhoWeAre/Pages/default.aspx|title=Pages -– Who We Are|website=www.eulisa.europa.eu}}</ref>

** Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) ([https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399 EUR-Lex -– 32016R0399 -– EN -– EUR-Lex])