EXPLAINER: Where is the Schengen area?

Former lawmaker Zaldy Co – who is wanted for graft and malversation of public funds in connection with a P289 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro – is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities and is seeking political asylum in France. 

Before he came under France’s custody, Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told reporters in Prague that Co was still within the Schengen area in Europe.

The Schengen area is composed of over 30 countries - 27 EU Member States and four non-EU countries, which are Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The EU countries that are part of the Schengen area are:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Republic of Cyprus
• Czechia (Czech Republic) 
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden 

The term “Schengen” may ring a bell for many, especially those who have traveled to Europe or those who wish to do so. 

A Schengen visa allows travelers from outside the European Union (EU) to visit up to 90 days in any 180-day period to one or several countries in the Schengen area. 

International law expert Romel Bagares said Co’s diplomatic passport would have allowed him to enter some countries multiple times. 

“Kasi (because), if you have a diplomatic passport, normally you’re also issued multiple entry visa. You can travel there but not an extended, usually up to 180 days,” he told GMA News Online. 

But the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that Co’s regular and diplomatic passports have been revoked as of December 2025. 

A Schengen visa is issued by a Schengen State. It allows travelers to enter the Schengen area for short-term visits or land transit throughout the Schengen area, or airport transfers specifically through international transit zones. 

“Nationals from third countries that require a visa to enter Schengen need to apply for a Schengen visa. These visas are processed and issued by Schengen States, in accordance with harmonised standards and requirements,” the EU said.

“Holders of Schengen visas can enter the Schengen area and are subject to entry and exit checks. These checks, which rely on systems like the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS), are carried out at the external border where the person is entering but are done on behalf of all Schengen States,” it added. 

The Schengen initiative was launched 40 years ago in 1985 during a symbolic gathering on a boat on the Moselle River – a location where the borders of France, Germany, and Luxembourg meet, the EU said.

This cooperation, which abolished internal border controls within participating nations, began with the signing of the Schengen Agreement by five founding nations: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. 

According to the EU, the Schengen is governed by common rules that regulate cross-border police and judicial cooperation. 

Within Schengen, the EU said there are mechanisms that allow law enforcement authorities to conduct cross-border surveillance and hot pursuit to enhance security and fight transnational crime. 

It added that there is a streamlined extradition system and mutual recognition of criminal judgments to strengthen legal cooperation across member-states. 

Asylum 

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Co is seeking asylum in France, citing alleged political persecution.

Citing information from the DFA, the Palace official said Co may actually roam around the Schengen area.

According to the EU, the asylum border procedure applies to applicants “who have not yet been authorised to enter the territory.”

The procedure is mandatory in the following cases:

• When applicants mislead the authorities;
• When applicants are considered a danger to national security or public order; and
• When applicants come from a non-EU country with a low international protection rate. 

“The procedure lasts 12 weeks, from the moment the asylum application is registered until the person no longer has the right to remain nor is allowed to remain. The 12-week procedure also includes the administrative decision and possible appeal against it,” the EU said. — JMA, GMA News