Travelling through Europe is often associated with picturesque landscapes, diverse cultures, and an expansive historical narrative that spans centuries. However, for travellers, one of the most convenient aspects of European travel is the Schengen Area. This unique zone allows for seamless travel across multiple countries without the hassle of border checks. Whether you are planning a leisurely vacation or a business trip, understanding the Schengen Area and the countries that belong to it is essential. In this guide, we will explore the Schengen Area, its member countries, and key information that every traveller should know.
The List of Schengen Countries
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
The Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
As of 2024, the Schengen Area consists of 29 countries. Not all these countries are part of the European Union (EU), and some EU members are still not part of Schengen.
Bulgaria and Romania are the two most recent additions to the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024.
When is a Schengen visa required?
Individuals traveling from non-EU countries lacking visa-free agreements with Schengen nations necessitate a visa.
Citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan are exempt from needing a Schengen visa for short stays up to 90 days.
Travelers originating from these countries must procure an ETIAS authorisation commencing in 2025. This electronic document facilitates expedited background assessments and data collection of biometric particulars.
Not all third-world countries enjoy visa-free access to Europe. Accordingly, nationals of these countries must acquire a Schengen visa preceding any travel to the Schengen Area. Despite the complexity involved in obtaining this visa, an informative guide detailing easy Schengen visa countries to obtain is available for accessible visa processes.
Understanding the Schengen Zone
The Schengen Area consists of 29 countries where internal borders have been removed, facilitating visa-free travel. Entry into this zone requires meeting specific eligibility criteria. Following arrival, individuals can move throughout the area without needing to present their passports at border crossings.
The Schengen Area’s creation aimed to foster free movement and permit EU citizens to travel, reside, and work across member nations without complex administrative hurdles. This advantage also applies to non-EU nationals who meet visa-free travel standards or possess a legitimate Schengen visa, providing unrestricted movement within the designated zone. Internal border controls are consequently absent, assuring uninterrupted travel between member nations.
Understanding the Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement, established approximately 39 years years prior by Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, progressively reduced border controls within the participating countries. Originally designated after the town of Schengen in Luxembourg, this agreement was formally signed on June 14, 1985, and subsequently gained widespread adoption. The core objective has been the facilitation of travel without physical barriers where member states consent.
Non-Schengen European Countries
The Schengen Area includes numerous European nations within the European Union. The following countries are currently not included within the scope of the Schengen Area:
Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
What is the benefit of the Schengen agreement for non-EU citizens?
With a Schengen visa, you can easily visit multiple countries within the Schengen Area. Thanks to the Schengen Agreement, non-EU citizens holding a Schengen visa can enjoy unrestricted movement across the entire Schengen zone. For example, if you hold a German Schengen visa, you can also travel freely to Austria, Poland, Czechia, or any other Schengen country you don’t have a visa from without needing any additional documentation.
However, it is important for foreign nationals to adhere to the 90/180-day rule to avoid any legal complications. This means you can stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period in the entire Schengen Area.
Where Should I Submit My Application for a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa grants travellers temporary freedom to travel across the entire Schengen Zone for a maximum stay of 90 days days within a 180-day window. This short-term visa is suitable for various activities, including tourism, business engagements, or visits to family and acquaintances. To apply for a Schengen Visa, you will need to submit your application directly to the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country which will be your initial point of entry. If your travel plans entail spending a similar duration in several Schengen countries, it is recommended you submit your application through the embassy of the country where you’ll first enter the Schengen area.
Schengen Visa Tracking offers tools to monitor the status of your application, enabling you to remain informed throughout the processing stages. Most Schengen nations provide online tracking portals where you can oversee your application utilizing your unique reference number.
Booking a Schengen Visa appointment can present obstacles, but VisaFast can provide support, facilitating appointment acquisition within the stipulated timeframe and simplifying the application process.
Advantages of the Schengen Visa
Single Visa for Multiple Destinations: A key advantage of the Schengen Visa is its applicability for travel to all countries within the Schengen Area using a single authorization.
Streamlined Travel: The absence of internal border controls between Schengen states facilitates seamless and uncomplicated movement throughout the area.
Significant Aspects of the Schengen Area
Absence of Internal Border Controls: Individuals travelling within the Schengen Area are not required to present passports, leading to efficient and convenient movement between countries for tourists.
Enhanced Security Collaboration: Due to the lack of internal borders, Schengen member states maintain close cooperation in security matters. This cooperation is implemented through the effective sharing of intelligence for combating crime and terrorism.
Standardized Visa Policy: The Schengen Visa grants holders the right to travel freely across all member nations. The visa application procedures are standardized to a consistent extent across all participating Schengen countries.
Coordinated External Border Controls: Schengen countries coordinate their external border policies, irrespective of the specific point of entry into the Area; all requirements for entry remain identical.
Important Distinctions
The following distinctions are critical for understanding visa requirements:
- Not all European Union (EU) member states are included in the Schengen Area. Specifically, Ireland chose not to participate to uphold independent visa regulations.
- Several non-EU nations such as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are considered part of the Schengen Area.
- Cyprus is an EU member state however, it is presently not included within the Schengen Area.
Essential Considerations for Travel within the Schengen Area
Carry Supporting Identification: Although passport checks are no longer routinely conducted between Schengen states, prospective travelers are strongly advised to carry a valid form of identification, including a passport or national identity card, during their journey. Such documentation might be required for purposes of lodging reservations, flight check-in, and potential security screenings.
Strict Adherence to Stay Duration: A Schengen Visa entitlement typically permits stays of up to 90 consecutive days within a rolling 180-day timeframe. Strict compliance with this limitation is crucial to prevent potential fines and limitations on obtaining future Schengen visas or subsequent entries.
Mandatory Travel Insurance Coverage: As a condition for Schengen Visa issuance, applicants must present validated proof of travel insurance. The minimum required coverage amount is €30,000. Even if a Schengen Visa isn’t explicitly mandated, maintaining comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended.
Cross-Border Travel Opportunities: The Schengen Area facilitates uncomplicated and convenient movement throughout multiple countries. Destinations encompassing landmarks like the Norwegian fjords and coastal locations within Portugal represent just some of the readily accessible areas within the Schengen Area offering diverse touring options.
Concluding Remarks
The Schengen Area represents a significant instance of European collaboration, facilitating travel for citizens and visitors across 29 nations. This area, encompassing countries like Iceland and Malta, offers a broad array of cultural, historic, and natural destinations. Familiarizing oneself with the Schengen Area and its constituent countries can streamline European travel experiences, increasing convenience and overall enjoyment. The Schengen Area operates as more than simply a defined geographic zone—it signifies Europe’s inherent diversity and its foundational ideals.