The Schengen Area is a territory of 27 European countries that have abolished their mutual borders, allowing for passport-free movement of people within the area. It covers an area of 4,312,099 square kilometers which is 1,664,911 square miles.
Here is the list of the 27 Schengen countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czechia
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
On the above list Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein are not EU members. They are part of of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
The European Union member states have a common list of the countries, the nationals of which need a visa in order to enter the Schengen territory. The EU decides on visa exemptions case by case.The Schengen states also have common rules for issuing short-stay Schengen visas, which are valid within the entire Schengen area. These visas allow a person to stay and travel in the territories of Schengen states for a maximum of 90 days in any six month period.
Depending on the purpose of your travel the embassy or consulate of your Schengen destination country will issue you the appropriate visa.
How Can I Gain Entry Into the Countries of the Schengen Area?
To enter a country in the Schengen Area you must present some additional documents at the Schengen port of entry. If you have already obtained a visa for the Schengen area, you need to show your passport with the Schengen visa sticker to the official at the Schengen port of entry. However, they might also ask for proof of purchased Schengen travel insurance and some evidence of accommodation in Europe.
Schengen Area Security System
Technology plays a crucial role in the Security System of the Schengen Area, in the reinforcement of external borders and the collecting, processing, and sharing of information that is relevant to external border management. Read more about the Schengen area security systems here.
Are European Microstates Part of the Schengen Zone?
Though Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City have no border controls with the Schengen countries that surround them officially they are not part of the Schengen Area. While Monaco has an open border with France, the Vatican City and San Marino have an open border with Italy.Andorra retains border controls with both France and Spain and accepts Schengen Visas (multiple-entry visas only).
On the other hand, Liechtenstein which has been a Schengen zone member country since 2011, does not issue visas but recommends visitors to apply for a visa at other Schengen countries.
