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Security controls in the Schengen area

This infographic explains the security controls that travellers are subject to do when arriving in and leaving the Schengen area, according to their country of citizenship:

  • citizens from EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
  • all other travellers
A luggage and some passports represent the concept of travelling. The infographic is divided in two parts. On the left side the rules applicable for citizens of EU countries, EEA countries and Switzerland. On the right side the rules applicable for all other travellers.

Security controls in the Schengen area

Before travelling

Citizens from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland: no requirements

All other travellers:

  • in need of visa: request a visa
  • not requiring a visa: request travel authorisation online through ETIAS

At the border crossing

Citizens from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland: individuals are checked against relevant databases

All other travellers:

  • individuals are checked against relevant databases
  • compliance with Schengen entry conditions is checked
  • entry or refusal of entry is registered in the entry/exit system

When leaving

Citizens from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland: individuals are checked against relevant databases.

All other travellers:

  • individuals are checked against relevant databases
  • exit is registered in the entry/exit system

Irregular arrivals

Individuals are:

  • checked against national, European and international databases
  • identified and fingerprinted
  • returned home if they have no right to stay in the Schengen area

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. 

On 5 March 2025, the Council agreed on a general approach to gradually introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES) over a period of six months.

 



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Last review: 10 March 2025