Schengen Zone
The Schengen area is a region of 29 European countries that have abolished their internal borders to allow the free and unrestricted movement of people.
Most EU countries are within the Schengen Area except for Ireland and Cyprus. Additionally, several non-EU counties like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are integral members despite their non-EU status.
Which are the Schengen Area countries?
The 29 Schengen countries are Austria, Bulgaria*, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania*, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
*On March 31 2024, Bulgaria and Romania officially joined the Schengen area. This means that Schengen rules, including the issuance of Schengen visas and the elimination of controls at internal air and sea borders, plus land borders, will now be in effect in both countries
Schengen Countries Special Considerations
The following countries are special cases within the Schengen Agreement:
Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are associate members of the Schengen Area but are not members of the EU. They are part of the EFTA and implement the Schengen acquis through specific agreements related to the Schengen agreement.
Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have opened their borders but are not members of the visa-free zone.
The Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands are special members of the EU and part of the Schengen Zone, even though they are located outside the European continent.
