The SCHENGEN Agreement and EES
For the longest time I would say “I don’t know who or what or where Schengen is, but I know about the Schengen Agreement.” So here is everything you want to know about the Schengen Agreement but was afraid to ask:
In 1985, twenty-five European countries gathered in Schengen, Luxembourg – a place close to where Luxembourg, France, and Germany come together, physically – to come to agreement on a border-free travel zone within those countries. The countries involved closely align with those in the EU, but there are a few outliers – those that are in the EU but not part of the Schengen Agreement and those that are part of the Schengen Agreement but not part of the EU. Originally, there were 25 “member” countries in the Schenngen Agreement; today there are 29: 25 of the 27 EU member states plus all members of the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). This number is subject to change as some countries may withdraw while others may join.
The Schengen Agreement basically set up two things: 1) that people can travel freely within the Schengen countries, by any mode of transportation, without having to stop to show their passport at a border control location, and 2) it established a 90/180 rule for those travelers from countries who don’t require visas for visits less than 90 days. The 90/180 rule says that a person may not stay, without a visa, longer than 90 days within a rolling 180 period. In other words, the 180 period is NOT “January thru June” or any such thing. The 180 period is from today minus 180 days. Then, tomorrow, it will be from tomorrow minus 180 days. Said another way, the 181st day is dropped and replaced by the current day. There is an online calculator to help determine your compliance with the 90/180 rule. It is: https://www.visa-calculator.com/
Starting October 12, 2025, the EU began implementing/rolling out the Entry and Exit System (EES), an automated digital system requiring non-EU citizens to register fingerprints, a facial image, and passport details upon entering/exiting 29 European countries. This system replaces manual passport stamping, aimed at enhancing security and tracking overstays. UPDATE: The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on April 10, 2026, replacing passport stamps with digital registration of biometrics (facial scan/fingerprints) for non-EU travelers in 29 countries. While designed to speed up travel, travelers should prepare for potential delays and increased queueing times at airports due to initial system adoption.
As you prepare for your trip, check other posts in this blog for packing essentials!! https://bellbottomboomertravelingsolo-blog.com/shopping-list-of-essential-travel-items/
Bon voyage!
