What is the Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Agreement, which came into effect in 1995, led to the abolition of border controls (referred to as “internal borders”) between the countries that are parties to the agreement. As a result, a Schengen area was created where common practices and rules for external border controls were implemented. This cooperation also covers areas such as visas, police, and judicial collaboration. The Schengen member countries are: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Croatia, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Greece. Additionally, Iceland and Norway, non-EU members, have signed special agreements with Schengen countries and have adopted the same practices. When a foreigner enters the Schengen area with a visa from one of the member countries, they can freely travel to other member states. However, the travel duration is limited to the period specified on the visa. The European Commission is responsible for making proposals regarding Schengen practices. Schengen countries use a common database called the SIS (Schengen Information System). This database contains information, including data on individuals who need to enter Schengen countries, and is accessible to the relevant authorities of member states.