Entry into the Schengen Area

Here you can find information about the free movement of people within Europe’s Schengen Area.

Entry into the “Schengen Area” in Europe

The Schengen Agreement regulates freedom of movement of people within the Schengen Area. The Agreement simplifies travel between the Schengen member states. This means that there are no regular border controls within the Schengen states.

However, all travellers (including children and infants) must be able to present a valid travel document at all times (e.g. a passport or ID card). Driving licences, bank or credit cards or similar documents are not accepted as valid travel documents and proof of identity.

All foreign visitors (non-EU citizens) may stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days from their date of arrival (within a period of 180 days). A residence permit (visa) might be required, depending on the traveller’s nationality and the purpose of their trip.

You can get more information from the embassy of any Schengen member state. Detailed information about entry requirements, passport regulations and changes in some countries is also available on the IATA Travel Centre website.

Visit the IATA Travel Centre website

EES: the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System

The new Entry/Exit System, abbreviated to EES, is a central element of the European Union’s Smart Borders programme and affects all non-EU citizens who travel to a European country for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The aim of the EES is to automate border control processes and replace manual passport stamping. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025. European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

Further information will follow in due course.

More information about the EES available on Lufthansa website

List of current Schengen member states:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

Important notice

For all other European countries outside the Schengen Area: contact the relevant embassy, or you can find more information on the IATA Travel Centre website.

Visit the IATA Travel Centre website