The Schengen Agreement is a treaty between 26 European countries that allows for passport-free travel across their borders. The agreement was signed in 1985 in Schengen, Luxembourg, and has since been implemented in various stages.
As many people travel across Europe, it`s essential to know which countries are signed up to the Schengen Agreement. One common question is whether the UK is a part of this agreement.
The simple answer is no; the UK is not a part of the Schengen Agreement. The UK, along with Ireland, chose not to participate in the agreement when it was first established. Instead, they have maintained their internal border controls and immigration policies.
This means that travelers who enter the UK from other Schengen countries must go through passport control and immigration checks, even if they have been traveling within the Schengen Area without any border checks.
However, it`s worth noting that the UK has its own agreement with many European countries that allows for visa-free travel for short-term stays. This agreement is known as the Common Travel Area (CTA), which includes Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. The CTA allows for free movement between these countries without the need for a passport or visa.
In summary, the UK is not signed up to the Schengen Agreement, but it has its own agreement with many European countries in the form of the Common Travel Area. Travelers should ensure they have the correct documentation before traveling to the UK or any other European country to avoid any issues at immigration control.