The Area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders, offering a simplified experience akin to domestic travel.
This Area was established to facilitate the movement of people within its member countries, allowing for a seamless and borderless travel experience. Named after the Schengen Agreement, signed in the village of Schengen in Luxembourg in 1985, the region has significantly impacted European travel and tourism.

1 No Passport Checks
One of the most significant advantages of traveling within the Schengen Area is the elimination of passport checks at internal borders. This means that once you enter a Schengen country, you can move freely between participating countries without presenting your passport or going through time-consuming border control processes.
This level of convenience is comparable to hopping between states or provinces in your home country. Imagine yourself leisurely walking down the bustling thoroughfares of Barcelona one day, savoring the vibrant atmosphere and admiring the surrounding architecture. Then, you're transported to Rome the next day, where you can relish a delectable cup of coffee in one of the charming cafés scattered across the city. The best part? You won't have to deal with the usual hassles of international travel checks.

2 Fluid Travel Plans
Entry and exit procedures have been simplified, eliminating lengthy immigration lines and tiresome paperwork when arriving in a new country within the Schengen Area. Traveling in this Area is like visiting a city in your own country, with a more straightforward experience.

While certain identity checks may still be in place, they are generally quicker and less invasive than the extensive processes often required for international flights. With this streamlined procedure, you can allocate more time to savoring your travel destination and less time grappling with bureaucratic hurdles.

The Schengen Agreement introduces a unified visa policy, allowing you to access multiple countries with a single Schengen visa. This simplifies the planning process and reduces the red tape often associated with international travel. Planning a multi-country European adventure is now a streamlined endeavor.
3 Enhanced Cultural Exploration
Whether you're a business traveler seeking to attend an unexpected meeting or a group of friends yearning for an impulsive weekend adventure, the Schengen Area's accessible travel environment supports your plans efficiently and conveniently. The Schengen Agreement has opened new possibilities for flexible and spontaneous travel. Booking last-minute flights or planning impromptu getaways has become much more feasible, thanks to the simple processes within the Schengen Area.

However, while internal borders are open, the Schengen Area maintains strict controls at its external boundaries to manage immigration and security. This ensures that individuals entering the Area have undergone proper checks and procedures.

It's important to note that not all European Union (EU) countries are part of the Schengen Area, and not all Schengen countries are members of the EU. For instance, non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are part of the Schengen Area. In contrast, some EU countries like Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania have not participated.

Flying within the Schengen Area has transformed how we approach European international travel. The freedom to move between countries without the barriers of traditional border controls has made jetting off to new destinations as simple as taking a domestic flight.