What is the Schengen Area?
The world's largest visa-free travel zone, comprising 29 European countries with no internal border controls.
29
Member Countries
462 Million
Total Population
4.59M km²
Total Area
1985
Founded
About the Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Area is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement, signed in the small village of Schengen, Luxembourg. It represents one of the world's most ambitious achievements in international cooperation.
Within the Schengen Area, internal border controls have been abolished, allowing more than 400 million citizens — plus foreign visitors with valid visas — to travel freely between member states without passport checks.
The Schengen Area is not identical to the European Union. Some EU countries (like Ireland) are not part of Schengen, while some non-EU countries (like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) are full Schengen members.
European Microstates
Several small European states have special arrangements with the Schengen Area.
Monaco
De facto member via France
San Marino
De facto member via Italy
Vatican City
De facto member via Italy
Andorra
Not a member, but accessible
Liechtenstein
Full Schengen member
Overseas Territories
Schengen Visa Valid
- Canary IslandsSpain
- AzoresPortugal
- MadeiraPortugal
- RéunionFrance
- MartiniqueFrance
- GuadeloupeFrance
- French GuianaFrance
- MayotteFrance
Separate Visa Required
- Faroe IslandsDenmark
- GreenlandDenmark
- ArubaNetherlands
- CuraçaoNetherlands
- Sint MaartenNetherlands
- Caribbean NetherlandsNetherlands
- SvalbardNorway
EU Countries Not in Schengen
Not all EU members are part of the Schengen Area. These countries require separate entry.
Ireland
Opted out, has Common Travel Area with UK
Cyprus
Technical barriers, border issues
Bulgaria
Pending full membership (air/sea from 2024)
Romania
Pending full membership (air/sea from 2024)
How Border Control Works
Internal Borders
- • No passport checks between Schengen countries
- • Free movement by car, train, bus, or foot
- • Identity documents may still be requested
- • Temporary controls can be reinstated for security
External Borders
- • Strict controls at all external entry points
- • Harmonized visa policy for third-country nationals
- • Shared database (SIS) for security checks
- • Common standards for border guards
Planning to Visit the Schengen Area?
Check if you need a visa and start your application with our expert guidance.