If you’re planning a trip across Europe, the Schengen Area is a concept you absolutely need to understand. In this post, you’ll get access to everything you need to know before traveling. Made up of 27 countries, this agreement makes travel much easier by allowing you to explore multiple nations with a single visa. In addition, Schengen offers a border-free experience, which means that once you’re inside, you can move freely between member countries.
What the Schengen Area Means
The Schengen Area covers most European countries where internal borders have been removed, making it possible for people to move freely. Created in 1995, the Schengen Agreement was one of the European Union’s greatest achievements to promote integration and tourism across the region. As a result, with just one Schengen visa, you can visit all participating countries without going through immigration at each border.
Which Countries Are in the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area includes 27 countries, many of which are top tourist destinations. Below is the full list, followed by a map highlighting them in green.
- Germany (DE)
- Austria (AT)
- Belgium (BE)
- Croatia (HR)
- Denmark (DK)
- Slovakia (SK)
- Slovenia (SI)
- Spain (ES)
- Estonia (EE)
- Finland (FI)
- France (FR)
- Greece (GR)
- Hungary (HU)
- Iceland (IS)
- Italy (IT)
- Latvia (LV)
- Liechtenstein (LI)
- Lithuania (LT)
- Luxembourg (LU)
- Malta (MT)
- Norway (NO)
- Netherlands (NL)
- Poland (PL)
- Portugal (PT)
- Czech Republic (CZ)
- Sweden (SE)
- Switzerland (CH)
⚠️ Note: In addition to the official list, some European microstates like Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City maintain open or semi-open borders with Schengen countries and therefore follow the same rules.
Which Countries Are Not Part of Schengen
Although Schengen covers much of Europe, it doesn’t include every country. Therefore, if you plan to visit these destinations, you’ll need to check their specific visa requirements.
Here’s a list of countries outside Schengen, shown in red on the map below:
- Albania (AL)
- Andorra (AD)
- Belarus (BY)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA)
- Bulgaria (BG)
- Cyprus (CY)
- Georgia (GE)
- Ireland (IE)
- North Macedonia (MK)
- Moldova (MD)
- Montenegro (ME)
- Romania (RO)
- Russia (RU)
- Serbia (RS)
- Turkey (TR)
- Ukraine (UA)
- United Kingdom (GB)
⚠️ Note: Although many EU members belong to Schengen, not all do. For example, Bulgaria (BG), Cyprus (CY), Croatia (HR), Ireland (IE), and Romania (RO) have different rules.
Do You Need a Visa to Enter the Schengen Area?
Whether you need a visa to enter the Schengen Area depends on your nationality.
Citizens of some countries may stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits without needing a visa. Travelers from other countries, however, must apply for a Schengen visa in advance. This visa is unique and allows travel between all the countries that are part of the Schengen Area.
Even for those who do not require a visa, authorities may ask for documents such as:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance (with a minimum coverage of €30,000)
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the stay
These are common requirements to ensure smooth entry, regardless of visa necessity.
For more Europe travel tips, check out:
What to Do in Brussels: Best Attractions, Food, and Travel Tips
Amsterdam Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Best Time to Visit and Where to Stay
Milan, Italy: What to Do in 1 Day
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