In addition to the common signs at Greek airports indicating EU and Non-EU processing lines, visitors may also encounter "Schengen" lines.

This refers to an agreement between a number of European nations called the Schengen Agreement or the Schengen Treaty. It's little known outside of Europe, but travelers from the rest of the world often have no idea if it applies to their country or not, and are confused about what line they should join.


In pre-EU days, it expedited travel considerably for Schengen members. With the advent of the EU, being part of the Schengen agreement still eases some aspects of travel for the citizens of the member nations but now it mainly affects judicial operations. A special visa good for all Schengen nations for a time period of 90 days is also available.

The Schengen Agreement nations are:

Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovak Republic (Slovakia)
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan*

 

*In January 2011, the Republic of China (Taiwan) received a special status as a Schengen Waiver nation, which is expected to boost the number of Taiwanese visitors to Europe.

If you are not a citizen of the nations listed, you are not covered by the Schengen Agreement. Stand in the other line this time which will usually also say "Non-EU" members.

You may also see signs indicating "Intra-Schengen Travel".

If you're taking an internal flight in Greece, for example from Heraklion, Crete to Athens on the mainland, you are, for the time being, traveling "Intra-Schengen" no matter where you came from. Go ahead and line up.

This is a good explanation of the Schengen Treaty and how it may affect your travels between Schengen Nations.

The UAE (Dubai) may soon enjoy partial Schengen-like status. This is still pending as of December 2013.

 

If you are a mariner (professional seaman) needing a Schengen visa, other requirements apply.

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