Why Norway is Not Part of Schengen: Exploring the Country’s Unique Immigration Policies

Are you planning a trip to the North of the planet and wondering why Norway is not in Schengen? If so, keep reading to learn about the reasons behind Norway’s decision to stay outside the Schengen Agreement.

What is Schengen?

Schengen is a treaty signed in the town of Schengen in Luxembourg in 1985. The treaty seeks to create a borderless zone across participating European countries. The idea was to make it easier for people to move between countries without the need for border checks, visas, or passports. The Schengen Agreement has 26 European members, including countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Why is Norway not in Schengen?

Now that you know what Schengen is let’s move onto why Norway is not in Schengen. Norway is a country located in Northern Europe, with a population of around 5.4 million. Despite its close proximity to Europe, Norway has opted not to be a part of Schengen.

One of the main reasons Norway decided not to join Schengen is the importance of its national borders. Norway is a sovereign nation with a rich history and culture, and its people feel strongly about maintaining control over their borders and who enters their country. As a non-Schengen member, Norway has the ability to require passports and border checks, which allows greater control over who enters the country and why.

Another factor in Norway’s decision not to join Schengen is its complex geography. Norway shares a border with Finland, Russia, and Sweden, and has a land boundary with the Schengen Area. While Norway is not part of the Schengen Agreement, it still maintains a close relationship with the EU. Norway is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which means that Norwegians have many of the same rights and benefits as EU citizens.

What are the advantages of being a non-Schengen member?

While being a non-Schengen member has its downsides, it also has its advantages. One of the main advantages is greater control over borders and who enters the country. As a non-Schengen member, Norway can require passports and border checks, which can help identify potential security threats and prevent illegal immigration. Additionally, while Norway is not part of the Schengen Agreement, it still maintains a close relationship with the EU and is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Being a member of the EEA and EFTA gives Norway many of the same benefits and protections as EU member states. For example, Norwegians have the right to live and work in other EEA countries, and Norwegians have access to the single market. However, Norway is not required to follow all the EU’s rules and regulations, and it is not required to participate in the EU’s agriculture, fisheries, or justice and home affairs policies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Norway’s decision not to join Schengen is a complex issue with multiple factors at play. The importance of Norway’s national borders, combined with its complex geography, made it difficult for Norway to join Schengen and still maintain control over its borders. Being a non-Schengen member has its downsides, but it also has its advantages. While Norway may not be part of the Schengen Agreement, it still maintains a close relationship with the EU and is part of the EEA and EFTA.