January 2, 2008

Schengen Area Expansion

As of December 21, 2007, the Schengen Agreement now embraces 24 nations. A total of 30 states, including all European Union states and three non-EU members (Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland) signed the agreement, and 24 implemented it so far.

The Schengen Agreement allows passport-free travel across Europe, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Switzerland is expected to join next year. Border posts and checks were removed in the Schengen area states, and a common Schengen visa allows tourist or visitor access to the area. For non-EU citizens, this means that they can travel to all participating countries with a Schengen visa.

At this time, the lifting of internal controls involves only land and sea borders. However, by the end of March 2008, airport borders will also be lifted.

Although the enlargement allows passport-free transit throughout the area, it is recommended that travelers carry a passport when traveling to any of the countries concerned.