Lois Larson
The Schengen Area is comprised of 29 European countries that have officially abolished all border control at their mutual borders. The agreement allows for the free movement of people to live and work within the Schengen Area as well as the ability to travel freely within it. There are, however, some territories of Schengen member states that are exempted from the agreement. For example, travellers flying into a Schengen airport from a non-Schengen country will need to pass through the non-Schengen area of the airport. Similarly, travellers flying from a Schengen airport to a non-Schengen country will pass through the non-Schengen area.
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What You'll Learn
Schengen Visa requirements
A Schengen visa is an entry permit for a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This can be obtained as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The requirements and procedures for obtaining a Schengen visa vary depending on the nationality of the applicant and the purpose of the visit. Here are the general requirements and procedures for obtaining a Schengen visa:
Visa Requirements:
- Passport: Applicants must possess a valid passport with an expiry date of at least three months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen area.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Applicants must have travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation in the event of death. This insurance must be purchased from one of the approved companies listed on the Global Visa Center website.
- Proof of Funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in the Schengen area. This can include bank statements, travel tickets, or other relevant documents.
- Travel Tickets: Applicants should provide a return or onward travel ticket, showing their intention to leave the Schengen area within the specified time frame.
- Visa Application Form: Applicants must complete the visa application form accurately and provide any additional documentation as required by the specific Schengen country.
- Biometrics: Depending on the requirements, applicants may need to provide biometrics, such as fingerprints and photographs.
- Visa Fees: Applicants are typically required to pay a visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality.
- Transit Visas: Nationals of certain countries may require an airport transit visa even when simply transiting through international (non-Schengen) parts of an EU airport. This information is specified by each Schengen country.
Application Procedure:
- Lodge Your Application: Submit your application to the consulate of the country you intend to visit. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time or the first country you will visit.
- Application Timing: Ensure you submit your application at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months in advance.
- Appointment: Depending on the consulate's requirements, you may need to book an appointment before lodging your application.
- Processing Time: The standard processing time for a visa application is 15 days, but this may be extended to 45 days if further examination or documentation is required.
It is important to note that the requirements and procedures may vary slightly depending on your nationality and the specific Schengen country you are visiting. Always refer to the official websites and consulates for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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International zones in Schengen airports
The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have officially abolished all passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. The agreement came into force in 1985, and currently, there are 26 European Union member states that are part of the Schengen Area.
The Schengen Area includes land and sea borders, but also airports. Airports in the Schengen Area have 'international zones' or 'transit areas' where travellers from non-Schengen countries can wait for a connecting flight without officially entering the Schengen Area. This is known as an 'airport transit'. An Airport Transit Schengen Visa (Type A) is a short-stay permit that allows travellers from specific non-Schengen countries to wait in the international zone of a Schengen Area airport during a layover or flight transfer. This visa is mandatory for travellers from select countries, even if they do not leave the airport. The visa is only valid for 24 hours and a regular Schengen Visa is required if travellers need to stay longer or leave the transit area.
The international zones of Schengen airports are separate from the rest of the airport, which is considered part of the Schengen Area. Travellers flying within the Schengen Area are not required to show a passport or go through border control, but they may still need to verify their identity at check-in, upon entry to the secured zone, or at the boarding gate. Travellers are not supposed to be required to verify their identity more than once before their flight.
Some airports in the Schengen Area have separate lounges for the Schengen and non-Schengen areas, and travellers may be restricted from accessing a lounge in the opposite zone. However, travellers are generally allowed to move between the two zones, even just for lounge access, as long as they have the correct visa.
There are some territories of Schengen member states that are exempt from the Schengen Agreement, such as the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. Additionally, there are some countries that are in negotiations to join the Schengen Area, such as Andorra and San Marino.
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Exemptions from the Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement has provisions for exemptions from its rules. Ireland, for instance, does not apply Schengen rules and continues to enforce its own visa and border policies. Denmark has also opted out of the AFSJ policy area, but has adopted the Schengen acquis on an intergovernmental basis, with an exemption for Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
There are also provisions for bilateral agreements between individual signatory states and other countries. For example, New Zealand citizens can stay for up to 90 days in 16 Schengen countries without needing to apply for long-stay visas. This is because these countries had bilateral visa exemption agreements with the New Zealand government before the Convention entered into force.
Nationals of non-EU countries that have signed a visa exemption agreement with the EU are also exempt from needing a Schengen visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This includes countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mexico, Taiwan, the UK, and the US.
Additionally, certain individuals are exempt from applying for a Schengen Airport Transit Visa. These include:
- Persons holding a residence permit from the Republic of San Marino, the Principality of Andorra, Japan, Canada, or the USA.
- Persons who possess a valid residence permit for an EU Member State or an EEA.
- Individuals related to an EU, EEA, or Swiss national.
- Members of a flight crew of a contracting party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.
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Border controls in the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have officially abolished border controls at their mutual borders. It functions as a single jurisdiction under a common visa policy for international travel purposes. The area is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement and the 1990 Schengen Convention, both signed in Schengen, Luxembourg. Of the 27 EU member states, 25 are members of the Schengen Area. Cyprus and Ireland are the only EU member states that are not part of the Schengen Area.
The Schengen Area includes all member states of the European Union, as well as all member states of the European Free Trade Association, namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The territories of four microstates—Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City—are also considered part of the Schengen Area due to their small size and the difficulty of maintaining active border controls.
While the Schengen Area has largely abolished border controls at its internal borders, there may be temporary reintroductions of border control in exceptional circumstances. According to the Schengen Borders Code (SBC), member states can temporarily reintroduce border controls at internal borders in response to a serious threat to public policy or internal security. This measure is considered a last resort, and the duration and scope of the border control are limited to address the specific threat.
As of May-June 2025, Bulgaria, Italy, and Slovenia have internal border checks in place. Meanwhile, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden have extended these checks until September-November 2025.
Additionally, there are specific provisions for airport transit within the Schengen Area. Travellers from non-Schengen countries may require an Airport Transit Schengen Visa (Type A) to transit through the international zone of a Schengen Area airport during a layover or flight transfer without entering the Schengen Area. This visa is typically valid for 24 hours and allows transit within the designated airport's international zone. If travellers need to leave the transit area or stay longer, they will need a regular Schengen visa.
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Flying from a Schengen to a non-Schengen airport
The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 European countries that have officially abolished all passport and border control at their mutual borders. This means that, for international travel purposes, the Schengen Area is treated as a single country. The countries that are part of the Schengen Area include most EU countries, as well as some non-EU countries.
When flying from a Schengen airport to a non-Schengen airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas. If you are a citizen of a Schengen country, you will typically not need a visa to travel to another Schengen country. However, if you are a citizen of a non-Schengen country, you may need to obtain a Schengen visa, depending on your specific nationality and the purpose of your travel.
It is important to note that an Airport Transit Schengen Visa (Type A) is a short-stay permit that allows travelers from specific non-Schengen countries to transit through the international zone of a Schengen Area airport during a layover or flight connection without entering the Schengen Area. This visa is mandatory for travelers from select countries, even if they do not leave the airport. If you need to transit through more than one Schengen airport or change airports within the same country, you must apply for a regular Schengen Visa (Type C). This is because travel between Schengen countries is considered domestic travel, and a transit visa is insufficient.
Additionally, keep in mind that the requirements for checked luggage may vary depending on your specific itinerary. In most cases, checked luggage is transferred automatically, but if you need to collect and re-check your luggage, you may require a regular Schengen visa to leave the transit area. If you need to travel between airports via train or bus, you will definitely need a regular Schengen visa, as the Airport Transit Visa does not allow you to exit the transit area.
Finally, be aware that there may be additional requirements or restrictions depending on the specific countries you are travelling to and from. For example, as of May 2024, there are ongoing negotiations to create a legal basis for the absence of border controls between the European Union and Andorra and San Marino, which could impact travel to and from these countries. Similarly, there are unique considerations for travel to and from Gibraltar, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, which have had a complex relationship with the Schengen Area and the EU in recent years.
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Frequently asked questions
The Schengen Area in an airport refers to the zone designated for flights to and from other Schengen Area countries. The Schengen Area encompasses 29 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Croatia. If you are flying between two Schengen countries, you will use the Schengen Area of the airport.
It depends on your nationality and whether you will be entering the Schengen Area. If you are a citizen of a non-Schengen country and are transiting through the international zone of a Schengen Area airport without entering the Schengen Area, you may need an Airport Transit Schengen Visa (Type A). This visa is mandatory for travellers from specific countries, even if they remain within the airport.
It depends on whether you are entering or remaining within the Schengen Area during your layover. If you are connecting to a flight outside the Schengen Area, you will need to use the non-Schengen Area of the airport, and you may be able to leave the airport during your layover without requiring a visa. However, if your layover is in a Schengen country and you need to enter the Schengen Area, you may require a regular Schengen visa.
