List of countries under schengen

The Schengen Area is one of the world’s largest free-travel zones, created under the Schengen Agreement. It allows free movement of people across internal borders of participating states, without the need for repeated border checks. If you hold a valid Schengen visa, you can travel to all Schengen countries with just one visa application.

Below is the complete list of countries under Schengen, along with key information about the Schengen acquis, visa policy, and travel rights.

List of countries under Schengen

The Schengen area consists of 29 Schengen states (as of 2025):

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

These countries have removed internal border controls, allowing travelers with a valid visa to move freely within the zone.

Key highlights of the Schengen Area

• Schengen Agreement: Signed in 1985, later integrated into EU legislation through the Schengen Convention.
• Schengen acquis: The body of rules governing Schengen countries, including visa policy, residence permit rules, and border controls.
• Free movement: Citizens of EU member states and third country nationals with a Schengen visa can travel freely across internal borders.
• External borders: Strict checks are carried out at the external borders of the Schengen Area.
• Schengen Information System (SIS): Shared security and identity-checking database used by law enforcement agencies.
• Medical insurance: Mandatory for most visa applications, covering emergency expenses during travel.

Schengen visa essentials

1. Types of Schengen visas

• Single-entry visa – Allows entry once into the Schengen states.
• Multiple entry visa – Permits multiple entries across other Schengen countries during the visa validity period.

2. Documents required

When applying for a Schengen visa, travelers usually need:

• Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond travel
• Medical insurance
• Proof of accommodation & financial means
• Flight reservation or travel plan
• Additional documents depending on home country

3. Visa fee

The visa fee is uniform across all Schengen countries, though exemptions apply to certain groups like children and family members of EU citizens.

4. Schengen visa eligibility

• Third country nationals who require a visa to enter EU member states.
• Applicants with a valid passport from their home country.
• Travelers with medical insurance covering at least €30,000 in emergencies.
• People who can provide proof of funds (bank statements, income proof).
• Applicants with confirmed travel plans (return ticket, itinerary, hotel booking).
• Travelers with no criminal record or security risk flagged in the Schengen Information System.

Schengen countries inside and outside the EU

Not all Schengen states are EU member states. For example:

• Non-EU members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
• EU members outside Schengen: Ireland (has opted out), Cyprus (yet to join fully)

Special territories and exceptions

French Guiana, San Marino, and Vatican City are not official Schengen states but have special travel arrangements.

Colour coded stickers and high security registration plates (HSRP) for vehicles ensure compliance with transport rules inside the zone.

Frequently asked questions

1. How many countries are under the Schengen Area?

Currently, there are 29 Schengen countries, including most EU countries and a few non-EU states.

2. Is a Schengen visa valid for all Schengen states?

Yes. A valid visa allows travel across all Schengen countries without new border checks.

3. Do I need medical insurance for a Schengen visa?

Yes, medical insurance covering emergencies is a mandatory requirement.

4. What is the difference between the EU and the Schengen Area?

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union, while the Schengen Area focuses on border controls and free movement. Not all EU members are in Schengen.

5. Can I travel to San Marino or Vatican City with a Schengen visa?

Yes, entry is generally permitted since they have open borders with Italy, but they are not official Schengen states.

Conclusion

The list of countries under Schengen includes 29 European nations that allow seamless travel across their internal borders. With a single Schengen visa, travelers can explore multiple countries like France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland without additional border checks.

For car owners, tourists, students, and third country nationals, the Schengen Area ensures simplified travel, enhanced security via the Schengen Information System, and the freedom to explore Europe with one visa application. Additionally, having travel insurance is important when obtaining a Schengen visa, as it helps ensure safer journeys throughout the area.

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ARN: Zuno/Blog/DM/List of countries under schengen/08/25/22