The Schengen Agreement significantly simplifies travel for non-EU citizens by allowing them to move freely within the Schengen Area if they hold a Schengen visa. Under the Schengen acquis, non-EU citizens granted a Schengen visa are not restricted to the country that issued the visa. For example, a visa issued by Germany allows the holder to travel freely across all other Schengen member states, such as Austria, Poland, Czechia, and many others, without needing additional documentation.
This freedom of movement is a cornerstone of the Schengen Agreement, which was designed to facilitate easier travel across member countries by eliminating internal border controls. However, non-EU citizens must adhere to specific regulations while traveling within the Schengen Area. One key requirement is compliance with the 90/180-day rule, which stipulates that non-EU visitors can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Failure to comply with this rule can result in penalties, including fines, deportation, or even a ban on re-entry into the Schengen Area.
Therefore, while the Schengen Agreement provides considerable flexibility for travelers, it also imposes certain responsibilities to ensure that non-EU citizens do not overstay their permitted duration within the Schengen countries.