The Schengen Area is an area within which European Union (EU) citizens and many non-EU nationals staying legally in the EU can freely circulate without being subjected to border checks. While having abolished their internal borders, Schengen countries have also tightened controls at their common external border on the basis of common Schengen rules to ensure the security of those living or travelling within the Schengen Area.

Today, the Schengen Area encompasses most EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland. Bulgaria and Romania became the newest EU Member States to join the Schengen Area as of 31 March 2024; any person crossing the internal air and sea borders of these two countries will no longer be subject to checks. Additionally, the non-EU States Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are also Schengen Area members.

Non-EU nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen Area for a visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, Japanese nationals do not normally need a visa for short-term travel to Europe.

Japanese nationals are exempt from visa requirements for travel to the Schengen area if: 1) the period of travel is "up to 90 days within any 180-day period"; 2) the purpose of travel is for tourism, business trip or other business purposes, visiting relatives or friends, participation in cultural or sporting events or exchanges, journalistic purposes, medical treatment etc., (3) the traveller has a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the date of departure from the Schengen country being visited and that has been issued within the previous 10 years.

Since each Schengen country is responsible for actual immigration control and has the authority to answer questions regarding Schengen rules, travellers should contact the embassy of the destination country for questions and further information.

See also: Travel documents for non-EU nationals – Your Europe