Schengen News Hub

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov states a 'measured response' to the EU's Schengen visa ban is being prepared, while outlining Moscow's conditions for peace in Ukraine.

Indian travelers with stopovers at German airports will soon no longer need a Schengen transit visa, easing post-Brexit complications and strengthening bilateral relations.

Ireland plans to impose a three-year wait for refugee family reunification, marking a significant policy shift as it aligns with the upcoming EU Migration Pact.

Could a new Venezuelan refugee crisis impact Europe? We analyze the diaspora's size, legal protections, and the surprising strength of the Venezuelan passport.

A Nigerian man faces serious charges for allegedly defrauding clients of €40,000 by promising Schengen and Irish visas that were never delivered. The case reveals vulnerabilities in the visa assistance industry.

Affluent Americans are securing 'golden visas' at record rates. Discover the top five destinations offering residency, tax perks, and Schengen travel freedom.

Bulgaria becomes the 21st eurozone member, a move marked by political turmoil, public protests, and widespread concern over economic sovereignty and price stability.

A viral video challenges Europe's pristine image, highlighting littered streets, safety concerns, and the high cost of travel, sparking a global conversation.

Bulgaria will replace its lev with the euro on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st eurozone member. Discover what this means for travelers and the six EU countries still using their own currencies.

The EU's new biometric border system is expanding, causing significant delays. Plus, Bulgaria adopts the euro and new laws affect travel to Indonesia and the US.

Bulgaria has officially adopted the euro, completing its journey into the European mainstream. The move splits the nation, with young urbanites hopeful and older, rural citizens fearful.

Ukrainian intelligence faked the death of a prominent anti-Putin commander, tricking Russia into paying a massive bounty that will now fund Ukraine's war effort.

British citizens living in the EU must apply for permanent residence cards in 2026. Here's why it's crucial, what happens if you're late, and how the new EES border system complicates things.

The US is pressuring 43 Visa Waiver Program countries, including EU states, to grant direct access to police databases containing fingerprints and facial images.

A detailed map from 2026 shows which European countries belong to both the Schengen Area and the Eurozone, and which are members of only one bloc.

Nigerian travelers spent over N130bn on Schengen visa applications in 11 years, with nearly half rejected. Discover the countries with the highest denial rates.

A family of ten vanished in Finland after a child protection dispute. Their case raises questions about movement and identification within the Schengen Area.

Delcy Rodriguez, a key Maduro ally banned from the Schengen Area, is now Venezuela's most powerful leader. Her rise and a past travel scandal highlight tensions with Europe.

The US has imposed travel bans on holders of 'golden passports' from Antigua, Barbuda, and Dominica, citing security loopholes and weak due diligence.

In einem ironischen Facebook-Post macht der Ex-Premier Ciolacu die Regierung Bolojan für den ausstehenden Schengen-Beitritt verantwortlich. Was bedeutet das für Reisende?

31 Tonnen venezolanisches Gold sind in London eingefroren. Der Fall zeigt, wie EU-Sanktionen und internationale Politik auch Reise- und Wirtschaftsverkehr betreffen.

Ab 2026 gelten neue Regeln für die visumfreie Einreise in die EU. Der Artikel erklärt EES, ETIAS, Kosten und Auswirkungen auf die Reiseplanung.

The high-speed chase that killed a Belgian policeman didn't stop at the border—because Schengen agreements say it shouldn't. But as officers cross invisible lines at 160km/h, who bears the weight of split-second decisions? This is the human toll of Europe's seamless policing.

Rudy Youngblood was supposed to be on a plane to Mexico. Instead, he woke up in a Swedish detention center with broken ribs. His account of police brutality clashes with official reports of an 'aggressive' passenger. This is what happens when border control becomes a battleground.

As Nepal's Prime Minister lands in Madrid, the stakes stretch far beyond conference halls. For Nepali strawberry pickers in Huelva, Spanish hoteliers eyeing Himalayan treks, and bureaucrats navigating post-Brexit Schengen rules, this is about rewriting an unequal relationship. Can a small Himalayan nation leverage its diaspora and landscapes to finally get Europe's attention?

When AUR deputy Cosmin Corendea attacked Oana Țoiu's qualifications during her parliamentary hearing, he expected silence. Instead, he got a masterclass in modern statecraft—one that exposed the fault lines in Romania's political identity and what it truly means to represent a nation.

Polish border guards document a curious pattern: migrants without papers, all claiming January 1st birthdays. As accusations fly about Germany 'passing the buck', Warsaw scrambles to prove its eastern border crackdown hasn't created western vulnerabilities. This isn't just about paperwork—it's about who controls Europe's most contested migration routes.

Elisa Moya heard the news on her way home from work: Gibraltar's border with Spain might finally disappear. But after decades of crossing the tarmac, she knows better than to celebrate. 'If a journalist says it’s true, I’ll believe it,' she shrugs. For 32,000 workers like her, the real test begins when the ink dries.

The European Commission has handed Romania a stark choice: control your spending or risk deeper economic turmoil. With a deficit ballooning to 9.3% of GDP, Bucharest now faces rigid annual spending caps until 2030. This isn't just about numbers—it's about whether Romania can maintain its economic sovereignty while staying within the EU's fiscal guardrails.

They call it the 'Friendship Bridge,' but this weekend, the crossing between Romania and Bulgaria became a bottleneck of frustration. Thousands of Romanians bound for Greek beaches sat in sweltering cars for up to six hours – a wait longer than some ferry rides to the islands. As tempers flare and alternative routes clog, one question lingers: Why must infrastructure repairs coincide with peak travel season?

At Madrid’s bustling Adolfo Suárez Airport, a police officer tasked with guarding the Schengen border turned gatekeeper into extortionist. For months, he allegedly demanded cash from foreign travelers—sometimes thousands of euros—in exchange for waving them through. When the scheme unraveled, it exposed a chilling truth: the very system designed to keep borders secure could be weaponized against those it was meant to protect.

In Latvia, a language exam has become more than a bureaucratic hurdle—it's a litmus test for belonging. With 46% of Russian-speaking residents failing mandatory Latvian tests, the EU warns of 'fueled negative sentiment' and potential mass deportations. This is the story of a passport that promises unity but delivers division.

It began as a typical Friday night traffic operation in Belgium's Meuse-Hesbaye region. But when officers pulled over 288 drivers, they uncovered more than just speeding tickets and drunk drivers. One foreign national—caught without valid residency papers—found themselves abruptly detained, their journey ending not with a fine, but with a transfer to immigration authorities. This is what happens when local policing meets global mobility.

In a rare interview, FDP politician Filippo Leutenegger breaks ranks with his party's establishment. He argues that Switzerland's direct democracy is incompatible with EU legal dominance—even if it means economic turbulence. 'We’re reaching our limits,' he says of uncontrolled migration. But can a divided FDP survive this fight?

Romania's political landscape shifts as the PSD votes overwhelmingly to enter a contentious coalition government. Interim leader Sorin Grindeanu promises 'reason and responsibility,' but with partners holding 'opposing political views,' the road ahead looks rocky. This decision could either stabilize a fractured nation or exacerbate its divides.

Angela Merkel's rare interview exposes the paradox at Europe's heart: Can free movement survive without shared responsibility? Her warning—'Schengen will collapse if we act alone'—echoes like a prophecy for a continent torn between open borders and rising nationalism.

The EU is staring down a €30 billion annual debt payment from pandemic recovery funds while Germany refuses to pay more. Now, tourists from the US, UK, and 58 other countries could face higher fees under ETIAS—but even tripling the proposed €7 tax wouldn’t cover 1% of what’s needed. Here’s where Brussels is really looking for money.

At Lisbon Airport, a family from Brazil misses their connecting flight after a 3-hour wait at passport control. In Faro, a honeymoon couple watches their sunset dinner reservation slip away. These aren't isolated incidents—they're the daily reality under Portugal's new border systems, where cutting-edge security meets bureaucratic gridlock. As summer travel peaks, the cracks in Europe's border infrastructure are showing.

In 1985, five nations signed a treaty that promised to erase borders for millions. Today, Schengen stands at a crossroads—celebrated by some as Europe's greatest achievement, denounced by others as a fortress of exclusion. A new book reveals the contradictions at its heart.

A Swiss convoy snakes toward Azerbaijan as rockets fall on Tel Aviv. In Bern, Ignazio Cassis defends Europe's most delicate diplomatic package—one that could redefine Swiss sovereignty. This is the story of a nation walking its tightrope between warring powers and wary voters.

Starting this summer, Belgian police will stop buses, trains, and even domestic flights from Italy and Greece in a controversial crackdown on 'secondary migration.' But with 1,445 km of open Schengen borders, can checks every 10 meters really work? Or is this political theater with human costs?

Every morning at dawn, the Schengen dream dies a little along the Franco-German border. What was meant to be Europe's seamless heartland has become a bottleneck of frustration, with commuters losing 60 precious minutes daily to identity checks. Now, regional politicians are pushing back – but can they change Berlin's mind?

Every morning, thousands of workers inch through German border checks, losing precious hours in what was meant to be a borderless Europe. Now, a rare cross-border parliamentary body is preparing to deliver a stinging rebuke to Berlin's security measures - but can diplomacy heal this Schengen rift?

In an exclusive podcast recorded days before his hospitalization, Romania's first post-communist president prepared a startling election message that was never delivered. At 94, Iliescu's reflections on democracy's fragility and Schengen accession reveal a nation caught between its past and future.

In a café in Sarajevo, a student nurses her third coffee while refreshing the EU news feed—again. She's part of the 56% in Bosnia who still believe in joining the Union, despite a process that feels endless. Meanwhile, in Vienna, a pensioner votes against further enlargement, fearing it will dilute Austria's prosperity. This is the widening trust gap that threatens to derail Europe's most ambitious peace project. When security trumps solidarity, how do we rebuild faith in a shared future?

In a rare political twist, Switzerland's Greens and far-right SVP united to reject the EU's solidarity mechanism for asylum seekers. This unexpected alliance reveals the deep fault lines in Swiss migration policy as the country balances European cooperation with domestic pressures. The decision could redefine Switzerland's place in Schengen.

Romania gains crucial German backing for Schengen Zone entry as diplomatic ties strengthen during pandemic and Ukraine conflict. Key support confirmed by interim PM.

EU lawmakers approve rules to suspend visa-free Schengen access for countries violating international law, with Israel at risk over Gaza war crimes allegations.

Portugal's 40-year Schengen journey showcases economic growth, visa-free travel, and 91% public approval of EU membership. Discover the transformation.

Celebrating 40 years of the Schengen Agreement that created Europe's border-free zone, now encompassing 29 countries and transforming continental travel.

Russian oligarchs and celebrities book $70,000 Arctic cruise from non-Schengen Svalbard, skirting travel sanctions with luxury expedition.

Argentina introduces $500K investor citizenship program with Schengen visa-free access as EU court rules Malta's golden passports illegal, reshaping global mobility options.

11 Schengen countries reintroduce border controls citing migration concerns, testing EU's free movement principles as analysts warn of political bargaining.

Gibraltar's integration into the Schengen Zone after Spain-UK border agreement raises urgent questions about border controls, taxation, and sovereignty.

Spanish PM Sánchez battles corruption scandal involving Schengen visa violations and alleged bribery schemes among senior PSOE officials, threatening government stability.

The Schengen Zone faces unprecedented border controls despite celebrating 40 years of free movement, with Germany and others tightening checks amid migration concerns.

Gibraltar will become part of the Schengen Zone in 2025, allowing seamless land travel from Spain while maintaining air/sea border checks.

Indian travelers to Schengen countries are increasingly choosing high-cover travel insurance, with 62% opting for $250K+ policies amid rising healthcare costs and visa rejections.

Over 10 Schengen countries have reinstated temporary border controls amid security concerns, challenging Europe's 40-year-old free movement principles.

Germany's Chancellor Merz lauds the Schengen Agreement's 40th anniversary amid debates over temporary border controls and migration policies in the EU.

Portugal faces growing immigration debates within Schengen as political shifts highlight voter concerns about border policies and national identity.

Saudi Arabia simplifies entry for Schengen visa holders with new electronic visa system and relaxed requirements to attract 100M tourists by 2030.

As the Schengen Agreement turns 40, officials push to eliminate border checks while Germany maintains temporary controls, sparking regional tensions.

Eleven Schengen countries reintroduce border checks during the zone's 40th anniversary, violating free movement ideals and causing cross-border economic disruptions.

Poland may impose Schengen border controls with Germany in response to migration policies, challenging 40 years of free movement in Europe.

Gibraltar's post-Brexit border agreement introduces Spanish Schengen checks at ports, enforcing 90-day rules for British travelers despite UK sovereignty claims.

New Schengen deal for Gibraltar removes border controls, but Spanish towns fear housing price surges and tax competition as full treaty details remain pending.

Gibraltar and Spain reach landmark deal removing border checks and implementing Schengen-style controls, easing travel for 15,000 daily cross-border workers.

José Manuel Barroso advises Switzerland to embrace EU cooperation, stressing Schengen participation's strategic value amid geopolitical shifts.

As Schengen marks 40 years, internal border controls reveal deep EU distrust. Ministers convene on Mosel River amid crisis of the free movement ideal.

Growing vigilante border patrols in Europe spark fears for Schengen stability as German officials clash with police unions over migration control risks.

A Brazilian PhD student was deported from France despite holding a valid Schengen visa, highlighting potential inconsistencies in border enforcement across the zone.

UK and Spain near historic Gibraltar border deal as Brexit negotiations intensify ahead of Schengen's new entry system rollout in October.

Emergency repairs force temporary closure of Bulgaria-Romania Friendship Bridge, disrupting Schengen travel amid record border crossings since land accession.

The Giurgiu-Ruse Friendship Bridge will close for emergency repairs from June 12-13, disrupting Schengen zone travel between Bulgaria and Romania.

Bulgaria's Friendship Bridge to close for emergency repairs as Schengen land route access causes 90,000-vehicle traffic surge between Romania and Bulgaria.

IIM alumni's Croatia reunion ruined by Schengen visa delays from Croatian embassy, causing Rs 4-6 lakh losses per person and travel plan cancellations.

Poland's president-elect Karol Nawrocki supports Schengen zone cooperation but rejects EU federalism in his vision for Central European alliances.

Romanian woman on Interpol's Red Notice arrested at Warsaw Chopin Airport during Schengen border control for property crimes, now in custody.

Belgian authorities deny unauthorized Schengen border relaxation memo while pledging faster airport controls amid immigration security concerns.

New EU drug report highlights escalating synthetic drug threats and trafficking risks at Schengen borders, with Romania vulnerable post-accession.

Jean-Claude Juncker warns that permanent border controls in 10 EU countries jeopardize Schengen's future as the agreement marks its 40th anniversary.

Romanian national apprehended via Schengen system for involvement in cross-border theft ring targeting luxury transports in France. European arrest warrant executed.

EU passengers face reduced compensation for delayed flights as new rules extend wait times and lower payouts following airline industry lobbying.

Portugal may extend its 5-year residency requirement for citizenship amid EU migration pact reforms, affecting Schengen access for immigrants.

Bulgaria gets green light to adopt the euro in 2026, following its recent Schengen membership, as EU confirms it meets all convergence criteria.

Europol dismantles an international weapons trafficking network exploiting Schengen's open borders, seizing assault rifles and grenade launchers in coordinated raids.

Portugal's Erasmus generation harnessed Schengen mobility to overcome economic crisis, creating a new model of European professional identity and ambition.

Switzerland's 2005 Schengen referendum marked a pivotal moment in European travel, with 54.6% voting to join the border-free zone.

Germany reaffirms Schengen border controls after court blocks asylum rejections, signaling a broader EU migration policy clash and legal challenges ahead.

It sounds like a spy novel plot: buy a passport, get visa-free access to Europe's Schengen Zone. But for the EU, Vanuatu's 'citizenship-by-investment' scheme was a very real security threat. This is the story of how the loophole was closed.

Joining the Schengen Area is a mark of full EU integration. But for Cyprus, it's not that simple. The island's unresolved division means that a step toward a borderless future for some could build new economic walls for others.

Portugal deploys new Entry/Exit System machines at Lisbon and Faro airports to cut Schengen border wait times, resolving immigration bottlenecks ahead of summer peak.

A gun stolen from Italy's Schengen area was used in a deadly crime near Bucharest, highlighting potential security gaps in the visa-free travel zone.

A gun stolen from Italy's Lombardy region was used in a Romania crime, highlighting potential Schengen Zone security vulnerabilities and cross-border weapon trafficking.

Latvia prohibits Russian property owners near critical sites from entering the country, citing national security risks and pushing for Schengen visa bans.

Poland updates Schengen visa rules, affecting foreign workers and students. Learn about new work permit processes and stricter student visa requirements.

Complete guide to Schengen visa applications for Indian travelers: costs, processing times, required documents, and expert tips for hassle-free European travel.

Germany intensifies Schengen border controls, causing delays and diplomatic friction with EU neighbors over migration policies and travel freedom.

Istanbul emerges as Europe's leading trade fair destination as Schengen visa hurdles redirect exhibitors from China, India, and Africa to Turkey's booming event sector.

Criminal groups exploit Schengen's visa-free travel to commit thefts across Europe, targeting banks, jewelry stores, and vulnerable individuals.

Discover everything you need to know about Schengen travel, including visa rules, border-free movement, and tips for hassle-free European adventures.

Germany faces EU criticism over intensified Schengen border controls, with Czech Republic and France demanding a return to free movement rules.

Germany implements stricter Schengen border controls with the Czech Republic to curb irregular migration, raising questions about the future of free travel in Europe.

Romania's Schengen accession and EU credibility face risks as Constitutional Court removes transparency requirements for public officials' asset declarations.

This is a cautionary tale about trying to outsmart Schengen's border controls. A 44-year-old Georgian man thought he had found a loophole. Instead, he turned a four-year problem into a decade-long exile.

Plan your European adventure with our guide to Schengen travel, covering visa requirements, border rules, and the best countries to visit in the zone.

What happens when a country inside the Schengen Area turns its back on democracy? For years, the EU has struggled with this question. Now, its citizens have a clear answer: get tough. But is Brussels ready to listen?

The ship where the Schengen Agreement was signed returns for its 40th anniversary, celebrating Europe's border-free travel zone with a grand ceremony in Luxembourg.

The ship where the Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 returns to Luxembourg after renovation, celebrating 40 years of Europe's border-free zone.

Discover the different types of Schengen visas, their requirements, and how to apply successfully for travel across Europe's border-free zone.

Interpol issues Silver Notice in India's Schengen visa fraud case, tracking assets linked to fraudulent visas worth crores. Learn how this impacts travel security.

Hungary imposes a Schengen travel ban on a Ukrainian politician amid accusations of espionage, deepening the rift between the two nations.

Stay informed about 2025 Schengen visa rules, application tips, and travel requirements for seamless European adventures. Essential reading for travelers.

Germany's stricter Schengen border controls face Swiss opposition, highlighting conflicts over asylum rules and Schengen Zone cooperation.

The EU's new Schengen Cascade Rule rewards travelers with longer visa validity. Learn how Turkey's applicants face delays despite rising approval rates.

Master Schengen travel with key tips on transit visas, baggage rules, and minimum connection times for seamless European layovers.

Angela Merkel warns Germany's new border controls risk the Schengen zone and EU freedom of movement, calling for unified European solutions on migration.

Ireland prepares for EU migration pact implementation in 2026 but faces hurdles with Schengen database access, impacting border security and asylum screening procedures.

Austria faces Schengen scrutiny as it trails EU growth forecasts, raising questions about its budget stability and travel zone standing.

A dream trip to see his team win the Europa League became a nightmare for Grahame Garrod's family when he went missing. This is the story of the frantic search and the joyful reunion that highlights the unique challenges of traveling in the Schengen area.

Schengen Area police cooperation leads to recovery of a €30,000 watch stolen in Spain, found in Finland and returned through international collaboration.

How a Russian suspect exploited Schengen free movement rules before arrest in Poland, exposing security gaps in Europe's visa-free zone.

Greece introduces new Schengen travel taxes for 2025, affecting hotels, cruises, and short-term rentals. Plan your trip wisely.

Explore the latest Schengen travel trends, including the surge in premium airport lounges and luxury services across Europe's busiest hubs.