Legal Framework
Primary legislative texts and regulations governing the EU's common visa policy
EU Visa Policy
The Schengen Area operates on a unified set of rules ensuring the free movement of persons while maintaining high security standards. The legal framework establishes standardized procedures for issuing short-stay visas, crossing external borders, and managing digital information systems.
gavelEUR-Lex Official Access
All consolidated texts and authentic legal acts are published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Learn More trending_flatThe Visa Code
Regulation (EC) No 810/2009
Establishes the core procedures and conditions for issuing visas for transit through or intended stays on the territory of the Member States not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period.
Learn More trending_flatVisa Lists Regulation
Regulation (EU) 2018/1806
Lists the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement.
Learn More trending_flatVisa Information System (VIS)
Regulation (EC) No 767/2008
Defines the purpose, functionalities, and responsibilities of the VIS, which facilitates the exchange of data on short-stay visas between Member States to improve security and prevent fraud.
Learn More trending_flatSchengen Borders Code
Regulation (EU) 2016/399
Provides the Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders, outlining the checks required at external borders and the removal of border control at internal borders.
Learn More trending_flatETIAS & EES Regulations
Reg. (EU) 2018/1240 & 2017/2226
The foundational legislation for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for visa-exempt travelers, and the Entry/Exit System (EES) to record border crossings digitally.
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