Schengen area

The name "Schengen" originates from a small town in Luxembourg. In June 1985, seven European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the past years. At present, there are 15 Schengen countries, all in Europe.

The 15 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries except Norway and Iceland are European Union members.

The interior ministers of the European Union have agreed on the access scheduled for 21 December of nine new countries in the 'Schengen' area which ensures free circulation of people and goods. The borders of the European Union will be opened to the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta. From 21 December it will be possible to travel by land and sea from and to these countries without a passport. On 30 March barriers will fall also concerning air travel.