If a foreign guest who requires a visa is staying in the Netherlands, for example your partner, family or friend, you may want to travel or holiday with him or her within Europe. That is possible because a Schengen visa is valid for the entire Schengen area, so an important part of Europe.
What is the Schengen area and what does it mean for EU citizens?
The Schengen area is a collaboration of 26 European member states that conduct a common border and visa policy, we call these countries Schengen countries or Schengen states.
Travel in the Schengen area and the EU
There are 26 European countries that fall under the Schengen area. These are the so-called Schengen countries. As a resident of the European Union (EU), you can travel freely within these countries. Persons are checked at the external borders of the Schengen area.
French President Macron wants Schengen zone reform
French President Emmanuel Macron wants to adjust free travel in the Schengen zone and he will tighten controls at the French borders considerably.