Schengen Area Overview and Potential Impact of Spain’s Expulsion

The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that abolished internal border checks, allowing free movement of people and goods. The agreement was signed in 1985 and entered into force in 1995. While most members are EU states, four non‑EU countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – also participate.

Spain is currently a full member. If it were expelled or suspended, internal border controls would be reinstated, requiring passports or ID checks for travel to neighboring Schengen states. This would create longer queues at airports and road crossings, increase costs and delays for freight transport, and make Spain a less attractive destination for tourists. Cross‑border workers would also face new administrative hurdles, potentially affecting the labor market and regional economies.