The Schengen Area: Understanding the Free Movement in Europe

The Schengen Area is a special part of Europe where you can travel between 29 countries without needing to stop for border checks.

This means travelers, whether they are EU citizens, non-EU residents, or tourists, can cross from one Schengen country to another without undergoing passport checks at borders.

It’s a great example of European countries working together, making it easier for people to move freely, stay safe, and support the economy.

Let’s take a closer look at what the Schengen Area is all about, how it works, and which countries are part of it!

The Schengen Area is built on several foundational principles:

Freedom of Movement
It guarantees the right for EU citizens, non-EU nationals legally residing in the EU, and visitors to travel, live, and work within the Schengen Area without unnecessary border checks.

Common Border Rules
A single set of rules governs entry into the Schengen Area. These include uniform visa requirements and external border control procedures.

Cooperation for Security
Countries collaborate to fight cross-border crime, terrorism, and other threats by sharing information through tools like the Schengen Information System (SIS).

There are 29 Schengen countries as of December 2024. Some Non-Schengen countries are planning on joining Schengen Area soon in 2025.

The Schengen Area countries are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The idea of free movement within Europe was first discussed in the 1950s. However, the breakthrough came in 1985, when five countries—Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands—signed the Schengen Agreement in Schengen, Luxembourg.

Schengen is the name of a small village in Luxembourg, on the border with Germany and France, where the Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Convention were signed in 1985 and in 1990 respectively.

This agreement aimed to abolish internal border checks gradually.

Non-EU nationals living in or visiting the EU for tourism, study, or business can travel within the Schengen countries without border checks.

The EU has set common visa rules for those transiting or staying in the Schengen area for short periods.

This common visa policy ensures the Schengen area’s border-free system works effectively, making it easier for visitors to enter while enhancing internal security.

The Schengen Area is home to various religions, but Christianity, especially Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy, has historically played a significant role.

In modern times, the EU values religious freedom and allows people to practice any religion or none at all.

Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and other religions also have significant communities within the Schengen Area, reflecting its diverse population.

The total Schengen zone area is 4,595,131 km² (1,774,190 sq mi).

As of the 2021 estimate, the population was 453,324,255, with a population density of 98.7 people per km² (255.6 per sq mi).

Countries wishing to join the Schengen Area must meet strict criteria:

Adoption of Schengen Rules (Schengen acquis)
This includes implementing common policies for border management, visas, and data protection.

Control of External Borders
Member states must demonstrate their ability to secure the external borders of the Schengen Area.

Cooperation on Security
Effective collaboration with law enforcement agencies across the Schengen Zone is essential.

Schengen Evaluation
Candidate countries undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure readiness.

Connect to and use the Schengen Information System (SIS)

The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a big database that helps countries in the Schengen Area work together to stay safe.

It shares important information, like alerts about missing people, stolen things, or people wanted for crimes.

Police, border officers, and other officials use SIS to check who or what is crossing borders.

This system helps keep the Schengen Area safe while allowing people to travel freely between countries.

The Schengen Area helps keep people in the EU safe by making it easier for police, customs, and border officials in different countries to work together.

This teamwork makes up for the lack of border checks between countries.

In the Schengen Area, law enforcement can:

– Communicate better with each other.

– Chase criminals across borders (hot pursuit).

– Watch suspects across countries (cross-border surveillance).

– Help each other with investigations.

– Share information directly and quickly.

This teamwork is a big help in fighting terrorism, serious crimes, human trafficking, and illegal migration.

The Schengen Area is an important part of Europe that allows people to travel freely between countries without border checks.

It also helps the economy by making it easier to work and trade. Even though there are some challenges, the Schengen Area is built on teamwork and trust, showing how countries can work closely together. Whether you’re traveling for fun, work, or school, the Schengen Area makes journeys easy and keeps Europe connected.

The Schengen Area offers a unique mix of cultural diversity, professional growth, and mobility, making it an attractive destination for job seekers. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a change, the Schengen Area provides countless paths to success.

European Union emphasizes a healthy work-life balance. 

If you are not from the European Union, but dream of working abroad, we’re here to help you navigate the process of getting a work visa.