What Is The Schengen Area?
Schengen Area – A European travel zone with no border checks and visa requirements
Schengen Area has abolished the borders between European countries and allows unrestricted movement between them.
Schengen zone allows for an improved and more accessible ability to fight crimes and other measures that a member country takes to control external borders.
The Schengen Area is a group of nations, including most EU countries and some non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein. The area also excludes Ireland and Romania / Bulgaria. It also includes Croatia & Cyprus, soon to join the EU.
Schengen Area Countries
The 26 Schengen area countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Current information about the Schengen Area shows 26 member countries in the European region.
Twenty-two member states have implemented the Schengen acquis.
The European Free Trade Agreement has four members, each of whom has a specific role in carrying out the agreement.
Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein are associate members of the Schengen Area but are not members of the EU. They have similar policies, such as borders that people can cross without a visa. They implemented the Schengen acquis through agreements related to the Schengen agreement.
These three nations, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, do not have a Schengen visa-free regime.
The Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands are unique members of the European Union and part of the Schengen zone. They are located outside the European continent, though.
There are currently twenty-eight EU member states in the Schengen area. Ireland, which still maintains opt-outs, is looking to join soon. Three more countries have not joined yet: Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia. Cyprus has also expressed interest in joining the zone soon.
The Schengen Area includes an area of more than 21,000 square miles, mostly made up of land. It has more than 400 airports and maritime ports, 500 land border crossings, and almost 4 million square kilometers.
Information for Schengen area countries
Schengen Area is a geographical region without internal borders in Europe. It means that its 26 member countries can travel to other countries without restrictions. The member countries are:
| Austria | Hungary | Norway |
| Belgium | Iceland | Poland |
| Czech Republic | Italy | Portugal |
| Denmark | Latvia | Slovakia |
| Estonia | Liechtenstein | Slovenia |
| Finland | Lithuania | Spain |
| France | Luxembourg | Sweden |
| Germany | Malta | Switzerland |
| Greece | Netherlands |
Austria
Austrian embassies around the world received almost 300,000 visa applications in 2019
Austria is one of the wealthiest countries in the world by per capita GDP terms, with an area of 83,871km2 and 8,712,137 residents.
Austria is located in central Europe and is bordered by eight countries, more than most the other European countries. Its capital, Vienna, remains one of the top European destinations for travelers.
Belgium
231,437 people from around the world applied for a Belgian visa in 2019
The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that allows States to operate without the individual barriers among member countries’ borders.
Belgium signed an agreement in 1995, and Belgium was one of the five countries that signed it. The country has an area of 30,528km2, a population of 11,358,379 people, and is considered small.
Belgium is a country in Western Europe, on the border of France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. Its capital city is Brussels, and that city has been an administrative center for the European Union since its inception.
Czech Republic
Six hundred twenty-three thousand two hundred fifty-five foreigners sought Czech emigration visas -representing 16% of applicants worldwide.
Czechia was founded in 1993, just as Czechoslovakia did. It shares borders with Germany, Austria, and Slovakia and has an area of 78,866 square kilometers.
The Czech Republic has a population of 10.6 million and comprises 64.3% Czechs, 35.2% Slovaks, 4.5% Moravians, 1.1% Ukrainians, and others.
The Czech Republic signed the Schengen agreement on 16 April 2003, had its implementation started years later, and is continuing today.
Denmark
Denmark received many more tourists in 2019, reaching one million more arrivals than in 2017.
Denmark is surrounded to the south by Germany, separating it from southern Sweden & Norway. They share a border and together have an area of 43,094 km2.
Denmark signed the Schengen Agreement on 19 December 1996 and implemented it on 25 March 2001.
The Schengen Agreement is the agreement that governs the area of the Schengen Area. The agreement creates a border-free zone within Europe, eliminating passports and other types of border control at its internal borders.
However, in Denmark, security measures announcing the reintroduction of border checks have been enacted due to the tension in Europe’s current security situation and threats caused by secondary movements.
The Nordic country of Norway boasts a population of 5,785,864 and one of the highest standards of living in Europe, along with a comfortable lifestyle, high-quality health care, and educational opportunities.
Estonia
Estonia received 138,249 visa applications in 2017. In the same year, there was a 6.6% increase of foreigners staying overnight in Estonia compared to the previous year.
Latvia is the only country bordering Estonia.
Estonia is a sparsely populated country of 45,338 km2. The population consists of about 1.3 million people, and the country is in the Baltic Sea. There are 2,222 islands and islets in Estonian waters that are well-preserved with minimal development.
Estonia considers itself a sovereign country and is part of the European Union. The Danes ruled Estonia along with the Swedes and Soviets, according to which Estonia joined an agreement reached in 2003.
Finland
Finland received over 827,520 applications for its Schengen visa in 2019. They received 1,5 million visitors from EU states, and Finland’s tourism industry is continuously growing.
Finland is a Nordic country that shares borders with Norway to the north, Sweden to the northwest, and Russia to the east.
Finland is famous for its educational system and is one of the safest and most eco-friendly countries on earth. Its 5,503,132 residents populate the happiest country in the world.
Finland has an area of 338,145 km2. It signed the Schengen agreement on 19 December 1996 and started its implementation on 25 March 2001.
France
Home to 64,720,690 people and not only wholly integrated into the Schengen zone since 1985, but France has also been a part of this unique form of cooperation since 1995.
France is a country that has so much to offer. Whether it’s the country’s fine wine or its sheer diversity, heritage sites, and luxury skiing resorts, the people of France have made it easy to experience all they have to offer and attracted 85.7 million foreign tourists in 2013.
France is one of the largest in the Shangan region – 551,695 square kilometers. France borders eight European countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra, and Spain.
Germany
Germany is one of the five founding countries of the Schengen Agreement, allowing free movement across Europe. The agreement was signed on 14 June 1985 and started its implementation on 26 March 1995.
Germany is comprised of 356,000 square kilometers and has 16 countries. Germany is the most populous member of the European Union and borders many other countries.
Germany is the largest and most populous member country of the European Union. It borders France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland.
Germany is one of the most powerful countries in the world. Its passport enables its 81,914,672 citizens to visit 188 countries visa-free. The German passport allows its holders to avoid paying visa fees when traveling abroad.
Greece
In 2019, Greece received the most applications worldwide from travelers to EU countries. The country received a total of 1,029,564 visa application submissions and placed itself in the 5th spot for Schengen area countries with the most applications received
The cradle of Western civilization, Greece, is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Hellenic Republic is the birthplace of democracy, western literature, historiography, political science, Olympic games, etc.
Greece shares land borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgari, and Turkey. Greece is a Mediterranean country dominated by many ancient civilizations, including Ancient Greece, Phoenicia, Etruscans, and Ancient Rome.
Though Greece is a member of the Schengen agreement, they are still not a part of the Eurozone.
Most Greeks think positively of the Schengen agreement.
Greece has an area of 131,990 km2 and 11,183,716 residents. It is a beautiful country with a unique cultural heritage and beautiful islands and beaches, making it a favorite destination for many travelers.
Hungary
Hungary is a Central European country in Eastern Europe bordered by the Carpathian Mountains to the north. Hungary has recently seen a rise in nationalism, causing tensions with its neighbors.
In 2019, Hungary received 263,940 applications for visas. It is one of the foremost medical tourism destinations in Europe and has a share of 42% of dental-related travel.
Hungary has diverse tourist attractions, including its natural and cultural heritage. The country is home to the world’s second-largest thermal lake, the Danube River, and it is also known for its wine and cuisine.
Hungary joined the European Union on 1 January 2004 and started to implement the Schengen agreement on 21 December 2007.
Iceland
Iceland is the most northerly and westernmost country in the world. It is an island located north of Europe, west of Greenland, south of the Arctic Circle, east of Denmark, and west across Iceland’s central highlands lies Norway.
Iceland is a popular destination for travelers because of its scenic beauty. In 2017, the country received 7,610 applications for visas compared to 2018’s figure of 36,216, which was more than last year’s 25,840 from 2016.
Iceland is one of the most popular destinations for travelers looking to escape the bustle of city life and soak up some natural beauty. The country’s top attractions include whale-watching, icebergs, geysers, and lava fields.
Ecotourism is also popular in Iceland, with tourists visiting the country to explore nature, learn about its unique wildlife and support local businesses.
Iceland is a country with a population of about 330,000. It is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean and the most southerly European country.
Iceland is a small island country in the North Atlantic. It became independent from Denmark in 1918 and was a member of the European Economic Community in 1962. Fishing, farming, and tourism are the economic base of Iceland.
Iceland is a member of the Schengen Agreement, allowing free movement of people and goods within most European countries. The country signed the first agreement on 19 December 1996 and signed a second agreement on 1 January 2009.
Italy
Italy submitted the third most visa applications to the Schengen area in 2019.
The Republic of Italy is a country that occupies the Italian Peninsula, as well as the two surrounding islands: Sicily and Sardinia. It is also the world’s thirty-sixth largest country by area.
Italy has a vibrant history and is heavily populated, giving it many different people and creating cultural attractions that make it popular.
Italy is a country that has given the world some of the most famous artists and scholars. Italy has also produced some of the most famous polymaths, including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Italy has also been a significant contributing country to science. Italy was one of the first countries to embrace the Industrial Revolution in its early stages during the 1850s.
The European Union implemented the Schengen Agreement on 26 October 1997 after signing it on 27 November 1990. The Schengen agreement eliminates barriers and allows free movement of people, goods, and services between Shangan countries.
Latvia
Latvia is a small country located in the Baltic Sea.
Latvia is the tenth most populous of the European Union member nations, with a population of 1,970,000. Latvia’s capital and largest city are Riga. The country shares borders with Estonia in the north, Lithuania in the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast.
Latvia became independent from the Soviet Union after being occupied by them for over 50 years. Latvia is currently ranked as the 23rd most developed country in the world and has a GDP per capita of USD 27,500.
The Schengen agreement is a treaty that stipulates the elimination of border controls on internal European borders.
It has, however, Latvia met with some backlash. The European Union states, which favor the agreement, believe it will benefit citizens and result in safer travel and economic exchanges.
Riga is the capital of Latvia, a country situated in Northern Europe. The country’s culture and architecture are known for their diversity and cultural heritage. Riga was named the European Capital of Culture for 2014.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small, mountainous country with a population of just 37,000 people. It has always been considered a tax haven, and its economy relies heavily on tourism.
Because of its central and strategic location in the heart of Europe, Liechtenstein is a wealthy country.
Liechtenstein was the last country to sign the agreement after joining in 1985.
Liechtenstein signed the Schengen Agreement in 1985, and it was initially an agreement between six countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
The idea of this agreement is that all these countries can freely travel to each other without having to go through border control procedures. However, Liechtenstein was the last country to join the agreement after signing it in 1985.
It’s not clear why Liechtenstein decided not to join this agreement, but there are many speculations as to why they didn’t join. One theory suggests that Liechtenstein wanted to maintain its independence from Germany and France, so it did not want anything to strengthen ties with them.
Lithuania
atvia, Belarus, Poland, and Russia are Lithuania’s neighbors. Its population is 2,908,249 re, and its capital city is Vilnius.
Lithuanian is one of the oldest languages in the world today. And along with Latvian, it is also one of only two living languages in the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family. The language has been spoken for over 2000 years, with its first written record dating to the 13th century AD.
Lithuania signed the Schengen agreement on 16 April 2003 and started its implementation on 21 December 2007. The Schengen agreement allows Lithuania to benefit from the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the European Union.
Worldwide, Lithuania received a total of 413,966 visa applications in 2019. This number is more than other countries, including Austria, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. Lithuania has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania, and the sites in Vilnius and Kaunas.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe, with a population of around 575,000. It has an area of 2,586 km2.
Luxembourg is one of the founding states of the Schengen Agreement, which was signed on 14 June 1985 in the village of Schengen area, Luxembourg. Luxembourg City is one of the three official capitals of Europe.
Luxembourg is among the wealthiest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of $100,000. In Western Europe, Luxembourg is one of the world’s safest countries and has a high minimum wage.
The country’s motto is ‘Mir wëllebleiwewatmirsinn,’ which means ‘we want to remain what we are.’ This is a translation of the original Dutch phrase, ‘als zij ons niet meer zijn, zullen wij niet meer zijn.’
Malta
The island country of Malta is a Southern European country that consists of an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The country’s area is 316 km2, with 429,362 residents.
Despite its small area and tourist industry, Greece received many applications for tourist visas. It is mainly known for its sun, sea, and beaches.
Some of its most alluring destinations for travelers are also ancient wonders such as the 5,000 years old Hagar Qim or the 4,000 years old Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.
Regarding tourism, the 5,000 years old, Hagar Qim has been one of Malta’s most alluring destinations for travelers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws many people every year.
It is also one of the three largest neolithic temples in the world. The 4,000 years old Hal Saflieni Hypogwas constructed during Phoenician times.
Malta signed the agreement on 16 April 2003 and began its implementation on 21 December 2007.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country with a rich history and culture. The Dutch are known for their progressive thinking and their love of freedom.
The Netherlands is an independent country that consists of twelve provinces. It has a total area of 41,526 square kilometers, and its population is 17,851,000.
The Netherlands has a long history dating back to the 9th century when the first settlers arrived in the region from Belgium. After separating from the Spanish Empire, the king formed the Dutch Republic in 1581.
The Netherlands is a country in Western Europe and has been a member of the European Union since 1995.
The Netherlands has one of the most developed economies in the world, with high GDP per capita and flexible labor markets. Amsterdam is its financial capital and largest city. It has many museums, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum.
The Netherlands borders Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the northwest. It has an area of 41,526 km.
Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and the world’s largest port outside Asia, with a large English-speaking population contributing to its success. Located in the Netherlands, this Western European country has the world’s highest English proficiency, contributing to some of Europe’s highest GDP.
Norway
Norway is a country located in the northern part of Europe. Its largest city is Oslo, with a population of 1,518,622 residents.
Norway’s stunning fjords and Viking heritage are the main reasons it attracts many visitors. The country received 196,082 visa applications in 2017, out of which 196 came from Kosovo.
Norway signed the Schengen agreement on 19 December 1996. A second agreement, which replaced the first, was signed on 18 May following the agreement’s incorporation into EU law with the Treaty of Amsterdam. Norway started implementation on 1 October 2003.
The region’s territory has been dubbed the “land of the midnight sun” because it receives 24 hours of daylight in some parts during summer. It can also be called “the land with constant light.”
Poland
Poland is an EU country located in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative subdivisions and has an area of 312,6 square kilometers.
Poland’s official language is Polish, but the country also has a significant population of ethnic Germans, Ukrainians, Jews, and Russians.
Poland was the first country to enter the European Union in 2004 and became a member state on 1 May 2004.
These are some of the most famous and visited cities in Poland. They range from medieval to modern, but all have an exciting history & culture to offer.
Poland is known for the Tatra National Park and the Bialowieza Forest. The most significant number of visitors come from Germany, followed by Britons and Russians.
Poland received 823,101 visa applications in 2017 and signed the agreement on 16 April 2003.
Portugal
Portugal is a small country with a population of 10,8 million people. It is located in the westernmost part of Europe and shares borderland only with Spain, to the north and east.
It has an area of 92,39 square kilometers and is ranked as the world’s 18th most densely populated country. Its capital city is Lisbon, which is also its largest city.
The Portuguese population comprises mainly ethnic Europeans who descend from settlers from different regions of Portugal or those who emigrated primarily from Galicia in Spain, Asturias in Spain, France, and Northern Ireland. Most Portuguese people are Roman Catholics, but significant numbers of Protestants and Muslims live in Portugal.
The Portuguese culture has been influenced by several factors, such as its location at the end.
In addition to having its football team and lovely beaches, Portugal is also renowned for its historic sites, many of which were significant in the history of Europe. The country holds a level of beauty that captivates many travelers throughout the year.
Most visited Portuguese spots include Lisbon, the capital city. It is famous for its many interesting historical sites, such as the National Palace of São Bento and its singular Gothic cathedral.
Other must-visit places include Madeira (a subtropical island) and Porto. They are well-known for their jaw-dropping beauty and impressive architecture.
In 1991, Portugal signed the Schengen Agreement alongside its only neighbor, Spain. The signing of the agreement brought about a series of reforms that included allowing citizens from any signatory country to have access to another without needing a visa or border check.
The Schengen agreement allowed Portugal to explore and develop trade with European countries previously closed off.
Slovakia
Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Its territory is 49,037km2, and it has a population of 5,444,218. The inhabitants are known as Slovaks, who speak the Slovak language.
Slovakia is a small country with a population of less than 5 million. It is the only country in Europe without an ocean coastline, but it has a border with Poland, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria.
The Slovakian economy relies heavily on manufacturing and exporting machinery and agricultural products. Slovakia’s largest trading partner is Germany. The country’s GDP per capita was $26,500 in 2017.
Slovakia shares borders in the north with Poland; Ukraine to the east; the Czech Republic to t
Slovakia became an independent country after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia on 1 January 1993. Ten years later, Slovakia became a member of the European Union.
Slovakia’s independence is due mainly to the work of two people – Vladimír Mečiar and Milan Kučan.
Vladimír Mečiar was a Slovak politician and leader of the movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS). He was Prime Minister of Slovakia from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2002 to 2004.
Milan Kučan was President of SFR Yugoslavia from 1990 to 1992, then President of SR Croatia from 1992 to 1997, then President of SR Slovenia from 1997 until 2003, when he resigned to become president emeritus.
Slovakia is a small country in Central Europe that is famously known for its castles and chateaux. Slovakia has the highest amount of castles per capita in the world. The Spiš Castle, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most famous.
Slovenia
Slovenia, a small country in the south of Europe, is a popular tourist destination. It has many natural resources and is one of the greenest countries in Europe.
Slovenia has a territory of 20,273 km2 and a population of 2,077,862. Italy borders it to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the east, and Croatia to the south.
One out of every four Slovenians lives abroad, most living in neighboring countries like Italy or Austria.
Slovenia has been expanding its borders recently, making it the smallest Schengen state. The country joined the Schengen Area on 16 April 2003 and completed the full implementation of the convention four years later on 16 April 2007.
Slovenia is a European country that has many sites to visit. Ljubljana’s capital is known for its cultural and architectural landmarks, including the Triple Bridge, the Old Town Square, and St. Nicholas Church. Lake Bled offers breathtaking views of the Julian Alps.
Spain
Spain is a country in Europe. It shares land borders in the north and northeast with France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay; and to the west and northwest with Portugal. Not many people know this lesser-known fact about Spain.
It is the second-largest country in the EU bloc, with a population of 46,347,576 residents.
This article will explore the history and culture of Poland, a country that has been the victim of many invasions from neighboring countries in recent centuries.
Madrid and Barcelona are two of the most visited destinations in Europe. They are famous for their architecture, culture, food, and nightlife.
The city is also known for its bullfights which attract thousands of visitors annually.
Spain signed the agreement alongside Portugal on 25 June 1991, and both started their implementation on 26 March 1995. The Spanish parliament ratified the agreement in 2006.
Spain has been implementing the agreement for over 20 years now.
The long period is an excellent example of how long it takes to implement EU law in a country with a different political and cultural background.
Sweden
Swedish embassies worldwide received and processed 248,347 visa applications for immigration in 2019.
Sweden is a Scandinavian country located in Northern Europe. It has an area of 449,964 km2 and shares land borders with Norway. The capital of Sweden is Stockholm, and the official language is Swedish.
Sweden’s history dates back to the Stone Age, but its modern history began in the late 12th century when it became a unified state under King Karl X.
Sweden has been one of the most prosperous countries in Europe for centuries, with a high standard of living and a developed social welfare system.
The Öresund bridge-tunnel is a bridge that connects Sweden and Denmark. It is the longest subsea tunnel in the world. The strait of Öresund, which it spans, separates the Danish island of Zealand from Sweden’s island of Scania.
The Öresund Bridge emerged as a vision to connect two neighboring countries in the late 1960s.
Construction began in 1978 to 1991. Sweden financed the construction through a public-private partnership, costing around USD 1 billion.
The Öresund Bridge is used by 160,000 vehicles daily and has an average speed of 80 km/h on its three lanes for cars, two for buses, and one for bicycles.
Sweden has been implementing the agreement on a large scale.
The Swedish government signed the agreement on 9 December 1996 and started implementing it on 25 March 2001.
The agreement’s primary purpose is to prevent Swedish companies from engaging in activities contributing to human rights violations or environmental damage.
Switzerland
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, but it has signed an agreement with the EU to establish a border-free area.
All members of the European Union signed the Schengen area agreement to create a single, border-free zone for travel within Europe.
Switzerland is between Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein.
Switzerland is a small country of just under three million people. It is bordered by Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the east and southeast, respectively, with Italy in the south. Luxembourg shares borders with Belgium in the northwest, France in the southwest, and Germany in the northeast.
Switzerland has one of the most potent European economies, and its 8,401,739 citizens have one of the highest living standards in the world.
In 2017, Switzerland received 517,010 visa applications. A large number of requests makes it the tenth Schengen country with the most received requests, even though it has a smaller area than most other member states.
The Benefits Of The Schengen Area
The abolition of borders between European countries has resulted in:
- If you are a national of any world country, you can freely cross the internal borders of the Schengen Area members and are not subject to border checks.
- The Schengen Area is a free-trade area that contains many countries. As a result, travelers from these countries can visit each other in just one or two days without needing to visit another country’s customs.
- Schengen Area visa conditions for all countries have recently been harmonized.
Improved collaboration between the police in member countries
“Legal aid system” may be a sour-sounding term, but it’s vital for reducing delays in the legal justice system and making things easier for judicial collaborators on both sides of the law. - An advanced shared database, assisting member countries to quickly exchange information about people and goods between them, known as Situation Intelligence System.
- Despite the extent of freedom given by the Schengen Area, European police have the authority to carry out internal and border checks. However, this is not considered a border control.
- The EU states have granted these rights to the police at the Schengen Zone’s internal borders, so you may need to answer questions about your stay in Schengen zone.
- If a country faces severe internal security threats, it has the right to reintroduce border checks temporarily. However, this can only happen for no more than 30 days.
The Conditions To Be A Member State In Schengen
Some European countries can join the Schengen Area immediately, but others need time.
Countries wanting to join the organization must be prepared to meet the rough prerequisites needed for their respective countries. These requirements vary greatly depending on each country:
- To control the external borders of the Area and issue Uniform Schengen Visas.
- To possess the competency necessary to work with other member countries ‘ law enforcement agencies for a more robust level of security after the abolishment of border controls.
- To apply the Schengen accords and associated rules, have employees trained in working with law enforcement, and protect users’ data, your company must update its security measures following the latest industry guidelines.
- The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a system that allows you to enter different countries without gaps. It is designed to facilitate connections, travel, and security among EU countries.
*Note: Before a country joins the visa-free Area, they undergo a Schengen Evaluation. After that, they go through periodic evaluations to ensure that their application of Schengen Acquis has been appropriate.
Which Are the Non-Schengen Countries in Europe?
The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that abolished border controls between European Union member countries.
However, there are still some countries in Europe that are not part of the agreement. Here is a list of all the non-Schengen countries in Europe:
Albania, Andora, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Ireland, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, The United Kingdom, and Vatican City.
- List of countries that are not in the European Union that receive a Schengen visa
- List of all European countries