Be prepared to provide supporting documents

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 59 views

Introduction

The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished border controls and established a common visa policy. If you've traveled to any of these countries in the past, you may be wondering how to obtain historical Schengen travel records, especially if you no longer have your old passport. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of retrieving your Schengen exit records, even if you don't have your old passport.

Why Do I Need Historical Schengen Travel Records?

Historical Schengen travel records are essential for various purposes, including:

Visa applications: If you're planning to apply for a visa to enter the Schengen Area, you may need to provide proof of previous travel to the region.
Immigration purposes: Historical travel records can be required for immigration purposes, such as applying for a residence permit or citizenship.
Employment purposes: Some employers may require proof of previous travel to the Schengen Area as part of the hiring process.

Can I Still Get My Schengen Exit Records Without My Old Passport?

Yes, it is possible to retrieve your Schengen exit records even if you no longer have your old passport. Here are the steps you can follow:

Step 1: Contact the Embassy or Consulate of the Country You Entered

If you entered the Schengen Area through a specific country, you should contact the embassy or consulate of that country in your home country. They may be able to provide you with information on how to obtain your historical travel records.

Step 2: Fill Out a Request Form

You'll need to fill out a request form, which can usually be downloaded from the embassy or consulate's website. The form will ask for your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and passport number (if you remember it).

Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents

You may need to provide supporting documents, such as:

Proof of identity: A copy of your current passport or ID card.
Proof of travel: A copy of your flight itinerary or travel documents from the time you entered the Schengen Area.
Proof of residence: A copy of your residence permit or utility bill.

Step 4: Pay the Request Fee

You'll need to pay a fee for the request, which can vary depending on the country and the type of records you're requesting.

Step 5: Wait for the Response

It may take several weeks or even months for the embassy or consulate to process your request and provide you with your historical travel records.

Alternative Options

If you're unable to contact the embassy or consulate of the country you entered, you can try the following alternative options:

Contact the Schengen Information System (SIS): The SIS is a database that stores information on individuals who have entered the Schengen Area. You can contact the SIS directly to request your historical travel records.
Contact the European Union's (EU) Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex): Frontex is responsible for coordinating border control and immigration policies within the EU. You can contact them to request your historical travel records.

Tips and Precautions

When requesting your historical Schengen travel records, keep the following tips and precautions in mind:

Be patient: The process of requesting historical travel records can take several weeks or even months.
Be prepared to provide supporting documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready to avoid delays.
Be aware of the fees: The fees for requesting historical travel records can vary depending on the country and the type of records you're requesting.
Be cautious of scams: Be wary of scams or fake websites that claim to provide historical travel records. Only contact official government agencies or websites.

Conclusion

Q: What is the Schengen Information System (SIS)?

A: The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a database that stores information on individuals who have entered the Schengen Area. It is used by border control and law enforcement agencies to check the identity and travel history of individuals.

Q: How do I contact the SIS to request my historical travel records?

A: You can contact the SIS directly to request your historical travel records. However, please note that the SIS is a database and not a customer service center. You will need to provide your personal details and proof of identity to request your records.

Q: What documents do I need to provide to request my historical travel records?

A: You will need to provide the following documents to request your historical travel records:

Proof of identity: A copy of your current passport or ID card.
Proof of travel: A copy of your flight itinerary or travel documents from the time you entered the Schengen Area.
Proof of residence: A copy of your residence permit or utility bill.

Q: How long does it take to process a request for historical travel records?

A: The processing time for a request for historical travel records can vary depending on the country and the type of records you are requesting. It may take several weeks or even months for the records to be processed and provided to you.

Q: Are there any fees associated with requesting historical travel records?

A: Yes, there may be fees associated with requesting historical travel records. The fees can vary depending on the country and the type of records you are requesting.

Q: Can I request my historical travel records online?

A: In some cases, you may be able to request your historical travel records online. However, this will depend on the country and the type of records you are requesting. You should check with the relevant authorities to see if online requests are available.

Q: What if I don't have any proof of travel or residence?

A: If you don't have any proof of travel or residence, you may still be able to request your historical travel records. However, you will need to provide other forms of identification and proof of identity.

Q: Can I request my historical travel records if I'm not a citizen of the country I entered?

A: Yes, you can request your historical travel records even if you're not a citizen of the country you entered. However, you will need to provide proof of identity and proof of travel.

Q: What if I'm having trouble getting my historical travel records?

A: If you're having trouble getting your historical travel records, you can contact the relevant authorities for assistance. They may be able to provide you with additional information or help you with your request.

Q: Are historical travel records confidential?

A: Yes, historical travel records are confidential and are only accessible to authorized personnel. You can be assured that your personal information will be kept confidential.

Q: Can I request my historical travel records if I'm deceased?

A: No, you cannot request your historical travel records if you're deceased. However, your next of kin or estate administrator may be able to request your records on your behalf.

Q: Can I request my historical travel records if I'm a minor?

A: Yes, you can request your historical travel records if you're a minor. However, you will need to provide proof of identity and proof of travel, and a parent or guardian may need to accompany you to the relevant authorities.

Conclusion

We hope this FAQ has provided you with the information you need to request your historical Schengen travel records. Remember to be patient and prepared, and don't hesitate to contact the relevant authorities if you have any questions or concerns.