Schengen: one visa, nearly 30 countries

The Schengen Area comprises nearly 30 European countries that have removed internal border controls. A Schengen visa (or the right of residence in a Schengen country) usually allows travel across the area within the permitted limits.

Why it matters

• Access to a vast area for living and travel through a single point of entry.
• Many European residency by investment (RBI) programmes are built around the Schengen advantage.
• Stay rules (usually 90/180 days for visitors) need to be factored carefully into any plan.

The Passport Index shows entry rights to each Schengen country for your passport.