Schengen space Information and news about Schengen countries

The European Union's ten new members will join the the borderless Schengen zone in 2007, according to the Justice and Interior ministers from the European Union.

These members must use Schengen standards at customs and border points in order to join the other fifteen members (EU minus UK and Ireland, plus Norway and Iceland). Those who meet the criteria will be able to integrate into Schengen system in 2007. Land borders are scheduled to be opened in December 31, 2007 and sea and air borders checks will be lifted by the latest in March 2008. In mid-2007 the European Commission will evaluate if their borders are meeting the required standards.

Until then, the European Commission continues to work on the technical infrastructure – Schengen Information System that stores information about details and missing and wanted persons and stolen cars as well as arrest orders and visas throughout Europe.

Then, a visitor to Schengen countries will be able to visit these ten countries in addition of the current members using the same unique visa (if necessary).

The ten newest EU members are Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Malta and Cyprus.
In addition, Switzerland, which is surrounded by EU countries but isn't a member, will also join Schengen space next year.