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Schengen Area: What are the entry and movement conditions?

Verified 16 September 2022 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

Covid-19: international travel under conditions

Published on 21 February 2022

Due to the health situation associated with Covid-19, international travel is subject to certain conditions. Many countries are taking measures to restrict the movement of travellers.

It is therefore essential to be informed before considering any move.

Visit diplomacy.gov.fr for more information country information and frequently asked questions .

TheSchengen area is an area of free movement without internal border controls and with a common external border (i.e. between a Schengen and a State not part of Schengen). The border crossing conditions vary depending on your nationality.

Member countries of Schengen Area are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.

The rules differ according to you European or a national of a non-European country.

European

  • To travel within the Schengen area: you do not suffer no control.
  • To enter or leave the Schengen area: you can cross the border with a national identity card or a passport valid. But be aware that your presence should not constitute a threat to public order. Otherwise, you will be denied entry: you will be placed in a waiting area and then returned.

Other

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To travel within the Schengen area

You do not have a residence permit

You're not under control. However, if you enter a Schengen country, you must declare your entry if your nationality is subject to a visa Schengen.

You can check if you need a visa by using the Visa Assistant service:

Check if you need a visa - Visa Assistant

You must report to the border police or, if not, to customs or the gendarmerie at the border.

You can also report your arrival at a police station or a police force without delay.

Your entry declaration is marked on your passport, with the date indicated.

You must present it at any request of the police.

Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact
You have a residence permit issued by a Schengen country

If you have a residence card or long-stay visa valid for 1 year or more, you can cross the border on presentation of a passport valid and your residence permit.

To enter or leave the Schengen area

You do not have a residence permit
Welcome certificate

€32.50

Proof of booking a hotel room

€65

No proof of booking a hotel room

€120

You have a residence permit issued by a Schengen country

If you have a residence card (or a long-stay visa valid for 1 year or more), you are allowed to enter and transit the territory of the States Schengen to reach the country that issued your residence card.

You must have a passport valid and your residence permit.

You don't have to justify your livelihood.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • The Allo Public Service is currently disrupted. We apologise for this.

    For more information on this subject, you can contact Allô Public Service.

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    The informants who answer you are from the Ministry of the Interior.

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