Schengen area: what are the conditions for entry and movement?

Verified 12 October 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

THESchengen area is an area of free movement without internal border controls and with a common external border (i.e. between a Member State of Schengen and a country that is not part of Schengen). The conditions for crossing borders differ according to your nationality. We're taking a look at the regulations.

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

The rules of entry and circulation differ depending on who you are European or a non-European national:

European

  • To enter the Schengen area: you can cross the border by presenting a national identity card or passport valid. However, if your presence constitutes a threat to public order or security, you may be refused entry. You will then be the subject of a administrative prohibition of territory.
  • To travel within the Schengen area: you don't suffer no control.

Non-European

The regulations vary depending on whether you wish to enter or move within the Schengen area:

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To enter the Schengen area

The situation differs depending on whether or not you have a residence permit issued by a Schengen country:

You do not have a residence permit issued by a Schengen country

You must complete all of the following conditions when crossing the border:

  • Have a passport (or other travel document) issued for less than 10 years and whose validity is at least 3 months longer than the scheduled date of your departure
  • Have a valid visa issued by a country Schengen, if your nationality so requires (a online service makes it possible to know)
  • Justify the purpose and conditions of your stay (private or professional trip, acknowledgement of acceptance or proof of accommodation, repatriation, etc.)
  • Have insurance covering medical and hospital expenses, including social assistance, for the care you could receive in France (the minimum coverage requested is €30,000)
  • Not to be reported for the purpose of non-admission in the Schengen Information System
  • Not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of any of the countries Schengen
  • Have sufficient resources (cash, bank cards, etc.) or be able to acquire them legally (professional activity, etc.).

The level of resources required per day of stay in France varies according to the proof of accommodation:

  • If you have a welcoming certificate: €32.50
  • If you have proof of a hotel room reservation: €65
  • If you do not have proof of a hotel room reservation: €120.

FYI  

Since October 12, 2025, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) is deployed gradually over 6 months at border crossing points (airports, stations and ports). This system records the personal data as well as data on entry, exit and refusal of entry third-country nationals who come to France for a stay of less than 3 months.

You have a residence permit issued by a Schengen country

If you have a residence permit (or a long-stay visa valid for 1 year or more) issued by a Schengen member country, you are allowed to enter and transit through the territory of the other member countries to join the one that issued you your residence permit.

You must have a passport valid and your residence permit.

To travel within the Schengen area

The situation differs depending on whether or not you have a residence permit issued by a Schengen country:

You do not have a residence permit issued by a Schengen country

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

You can check if you need a visa 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 gendarmerie at the border.

You can also immediately declare your entry near the border, in a police station or gendarmerie brigade.

Your entry declaration is marked by a stamp on your passport, with the date.

You must submit it at any request of the services of the order.

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

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

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Administrative information by phone - Allô Service Public

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