WTF is Schengen?

Seriously, what is Schengen?

If you’ve been researching a trip to Europe (bravo!), you’ve definitely seen the word Schengen somewhere. The Schengen Area is comprised mainly of a group of European countries that have agreed to abolish border controls with other Schengen member countries. For the most part, members of the European Union are also members of the Schengen Area. New members of the European Union are legally obligated to join Schengen, but membership has strict requirements, so it takes countries some time to prepare. There are also non-European Union members who participate in the Schengen Agreement.

What does this mean for me?

Since Schengen member countries have abolished border controls, travel between them is seamless. During bus, train and flight travel within these countries, you do not have to go through immigration. That being said, disappointing to the avid stamp collector, you will not receive a stamp when traveling from one Schengen country to another Schengen country. You will only get a stamp upon arrival to and departure from the Schengen Area.
Importantly, visitors traveling in the Schengen Area can only stay within this zone for a total of 90 days within 180 days. Ninety days within Schengen Area and ninety days outside of Schengen Area. This limits time for backpackers trying to explore the best of Europe – after all, it’s a large area with a lot to see.