The Great Britain Schengen Agreement Explained

The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, established a border-free travel area among European countries. It allows citizens and visitors to travel freely across Europe without being subjected to border checks. The agreement has been signed by 26 European countries, including most of the European Union members and four non-EU countries.

One notable non-EU country that is not a member of the Schengen Agreement is Great Britain. Although Great Britain is a member of the European Union, it has opted out of the Schengen Agreement. This means that British citizens traveling within Europe, including Schengen countries, will have to present their passport at the border and undergo standard border checks.

The reason for Great Britain`s opt-out is due to concerns over security and immigration. Great Britain has a unique immigration policy, and it wishes to maintain control over its borders, which would be difficult with the open borders policy of the Schengen Agreement. The recent migrant crisis in Europe has also brought the issue of border control to the fore, and some European countries are rethinking their participation in the Schengen Agreement.

Another factor that has prevented Great Britain from joining the Schengen Agreement is the issue of the border between Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, which is part of the EU. The open border between the two countries would be jeopardized by Great Britain`s participation in the Schengen Agreement.

Despite not being a member of the Schengen Agreement, Great Britain has a visa-free policy with many European countries, including Schengen countries. However, citizens of non-European countries, such as the United States and China, still need to apply for a Schengen visa if they plan to visit Great Britain and other Schengen countries.

In conclusion, the Great Britain Schengen Agreement issue is complex and multifaceted. Great Britain`s decision to opt-out reflects concerns over border control and immigration, and the unique situation in Northern Ireland. The Schengen Agreement has been an instrumental part of European integration and continues to be an important policy for those countries that have opted in.