Easier travel in Europe for Swedes

Traveling without having to carry a passport may soon be a reality in the Schengen area. 

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  Traveling without having to carry a passport may soon be a reality in the Schengen area.

• Swedes may soon have an easier time traveling in the European countries inside the Schengen area (the zone consisting of 26 European countries that have abolished passports and border control). The Swedish government’s amendment to border control legislation may make it unnecessary for Swedes to carry their passport, allowing the need for only their national identity card to prove who they are. “It will be easier and more convenient to travel,” says Interior Minister Anders Ygeman. The majority of the EU countries participate in Schengen, but those that don’t are Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania, Ireland and the UK; Swedish citizens currently need their passports for these non-Schengen countries. Approval is expected before the summer travel season.