The Schengen Area is a region in Europe consisting of 27 countries that have signed a treaty to allow free movement of people by eliminating border checks between member countries. This allows travelers holding a Schengen visa or a residence permit from one member state to move freely across the internal borders of all Schengen countries, without undergoing border control or showing travel documents between these nations.
The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985 and implemented in 1995, has created one of the world’s largest areas of free movement, simplifying travel across Europe for both citizens and visitors. Whether traveling for business, tourism, or work, the Schengen visa opens up vast opportunities for seamless travel across multiple European countries. Below is the full list of Schengen countries.
List of All Schengen Countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia (joined in 2023)
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
How the Schengen Zone Works
Once inside the Schengen Area, individuals can travel across member countries without showing passports or undergoing additional checks at borders. However, travelers are still subject to random checks within the Schengen Zone, as authorities enforce security and immigration policies.
While most Schengen countries are part of the European Union (EU), some, like Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, are not EU members. Conversely, some EU member states, such as Ireland, are not part of the Schengen Zone.
Schengen Visa and Travel
To visit the Schengen Area, travelers from non-Schengen countries often require a Schengen visa. With this visa, one can visit multiple countries within the Schengen Area on a single trip without needing separate visas for each country. The visa allows stays for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
This flexibility and openness have made the Schengen Area a top destination for tourists, business travelers, and professionals seeking to explore or work across Europe.
Conclusion
The Schengen Area represents one of the world’s most significant examples of international cooperation, removing borders and enabling seamless movement across European countries. For travelers, whether you’re planning a vacation, business trip, or simply exploring Europe, the Schengen visa provides access to a vast and diverse region.
With 27 countries to visit, the Schengen zone offers incredible opportunities for exploring the rich cultural, historical, and scenic landscapes of Europe, all with the ease of borderless travel.
