The Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have eliminated passport control and other rigid border checks at their mutual borders. This allows people to travel freely between member countries as if they were one single country. Established in 1995, it currently includes 27 countries, promoting ease of movement for tourists and residents alike. However, members maintain their own immigration policies; while you can cross borders freely, entry into the area still requires adherence to immigration laws. The Schengen Agreement enhances cooperation and security among member states while supporting tourism and trade.