As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not issue visas it cannot provide definitive advice on the requirements to enter or exit countries within the Schengen area.  Border officials may adopt different interpretations of the rules or take into account other factors which might affect eligibility for entry.  For this reason we recommend that travellers consult in advance with their travel agent or the relevant EU/Schengen embassies of the countries they intend to visit or transit.

Europe: Internal border controls
Border controls have been eliminated among European countries that are full members of what is called the "Schengen area". Once you enter one of these countries from outside the Schengen area, you can move to other countries inside the area without going through border controls.  For more information on the Schengen zone and which countries it includes, please see our Travel tips for Europe page. 

The Schengen Borders Code allows member states to temporarily reintroduce border controls in the event of a serious threat to public or internal security.  Any country wishing to reintroduce controls at its internal borders must (except in emergencies) give prior notice to the European Council and other Member States. 

For information on border controls, including which countries have temporarily reintroduced controls, please refer to the website of the European Commission . 

Advice for New Zealanders
New Zealanders wishing to enter a Schengen area country that has reintroduced internal border controls may be required to provide travel documentation (i.e. a passport, valid for at least three months from the time of expected departure from that country) or other supporting documents (such as a return or round-trip ticket).  Travellers are advised to retain evidence of their time spent in Schengen countries, such as accommodation and travel receipts.  There may also be additional security checks at some border crossing points. 

As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not issue visas it cannot provide definitive advice on the requirements to enter or exit countries within the Schengen area.  Border officials may adopt different interpretations of the rules or take into account other factors which might affect eligibility for entry.  For this reason we recommend that travellers consult in advance with their travel agent or the relevant EU/Schengen embassies of the countries they intend to visit or transit.

For further information on visa requirements, please refer to website of the delegation of the European Union to New Zealand.

Reviewed:18 Jul 2018, 16:13