Planning a European adventure? If you're visiting any of the 29 Schengen countries, you'll likely need a Schengen visa. This single visa allows you to explore all member countries without additional border checks. Before moving forward with your application, you must know which countries are in the Schengen Area.
Which are the Schengen visa countries list?
Here is the list of all 29 European countries that come into the Schengen Area:
1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia
5. Czechia
6. Denmark
7. Estonia
8. Finland
9. France
10. Germany
11. Greece
12. Hungary
13. Iceland
14. Italy
15. Latvia
16. Liechtenstein
17. Lithuania
18. Luxembourg
19. Malta
20. The Netherlands
21. Norway
22. Poland
23. Portugal
24. Romania
25. Slovakia
26. Slovenia
27. Spain
28. Sweden
29. Switzerland
Note: Bulgaria and Romania are the two most recent additions to the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024. However, their Schengen membership is currently limited to air and sea travel.
Who needs a Schengen visa?
Some countries, such as the UK and the US, have visa-free agreements with the Schengen states. Starting in 2025, travellers from these countries must obtain an ETIAS authorisation. This electronic document streamlines background checks and collects biometric information.
Not all third-world nations are allowed visa-free travel to Europe. Because of this, citizens of those nations must obtain a Schengen visa before visiting the Schengen Area. While obtaining this visa is not easy, we have found a guide on easiest countries to get a Schengen visa that offers more accessible processes.
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa?
You can typically apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you intend to visit. This is usually the country where you plan to spend the longest trip duration. However, in some cases, you may be able to apply at a visa application centre authorised to handle Schengen visa applications.
Note: For guaranteed on-time visa Schengen appointments, consider Atlys.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area comprises 29 countries. These countries have abolished internal borders, allowing visa-free travel between them. To enter the Schengen Area, you must meet specific requirements, but once inside, you can move freely without needing to show your passport at the borders.
The Schengen Area was established to promote free movement and allow EU citizens to travel, live, and work in any member state without difficult procedures.
This benefit extends to non-EU citizens as well. Those who qualify for visa-free travel or hold a valid Schengen visa can enjoy unrestricted movement within the Schengen zone. Internal border checks are eliminated, allowing seamless travel between member countries.
What is the Schengen Agreement?
The Schengen Agreement, initiated 39 years ago by Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, aimed to gradually eliminate border controls between these countries. Named after a town in Luxembourg, the agreement was signed on June 14, 1985, and has attracted many signatories.
Which European countries are not part of the Schengen Area?
The European continent is home to many countries that are either members of the European Union (EU) or part of the Schengen Area. However, The following European countries are not part of the Schengen Area:
1. Albania
2. Armenia
3. Azerbaijan
4. Belarus
5. Bosnia and Herzegovina
6. Georgia
7. Kosovo
8. Moldova
9. Montenegro
10. North Macedonia
11. Russia
12. Serbia
13. Türkiye
14. Ukraine
15. United Kingdom
What is the benefit of the Schengen agreement for non-EU citizens?
Due to the Schengen agreement, non-EU citizens holding Schengen visas can enjoy unrestricted movement within the Schengen zone. For example, a German Schengen visa grants access to Austria, Poland, Czechia, and all other Schengen member countries without requiring additional documentation.
However, to avoid legal issues while in the Schengen Area, foreign nationals must adhere to the 90/180-day rule.
