Everyone has heard the phrase: "The Schengen Agreement".However, not many people know what it is, and how it differs from that of European Union legislation.The very word "Schengen" is unclear.In addition, every year the list of countries who have the proverbial zone changes.There are also states that have signed the agreement, but nevertheless require the opening of foreign national visa to visit its territory.And there are those (mostly, dwarf states), which did not come into the area, but de facto allow uncontrolled entry of neighboring states.Let's look at the features of this contract, so that we did not arise unnecessary problems with the border guards when crossing borders.
Schengen Agreement was signed in June 1985, only five countries: Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and France.The idea of creation of this document belongs to the Benelux countries, among whom there was previously a tripartite agreement on visa-free visit.The signing of the agreement took place on board the ship "Princess Marie-Astrid ', which stood in the middle of the river Moselle in the place of convergence of the borders of Germany, France and Luxembourg.The nearest settlement was coastal village "Schengen".Therefore, the signed document is called by its name.He became known as the "Schengen Agreement".
It provided for gradual elimination of border controls between these countries.Five years later, in 1990, the Convention was signed on the application of the provisions of this agreement, and after 5 years, in March 1995, she had earned, that is, was created so-called Schengen area.By the time the international document was joined by two countries - Spain and Portugal.De jure, the Schengen agreement has ceased to exist in May 1999, when he joined the force of the Amsterdam Treaty.According to this document, the provisions on visa-free entry within the zone have been included in the total EU legislation.
Thus, the rules of the Schengen agreement are within the zone de facto.What's in this regard need to know the usual tourist from a country outside the EU - such as Russia, Ukraine, and so on. D.?Firstly, not all States that have signed the agreement as aforesaid, are included in the zone.For example, Ireland and the United Kingdom have joined the treaty, but only in the field of police and judicial cooperation.To visit these countries, foreigners need a special national visa.Also, the agreement does not apply to the overseas territories of European countries within the area: the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Norway.For foreigners holding a Schengen visa with single entry, you must remember one thing.Entering the small country of Andorra, they leave the area, and back they simply can not admit.
There is another difficulty: not all countries of the Schengen Agreement 2013 (the list is quite voluminous, comprising 30 countries) are included in the visa-free zone notorious control.Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia and Romania joined the document.However, for both their citizens and foreigners with national visas these countries need special permission to enter the territory of Schengen countries.
