What is the Schengen Area and Which Countries Are Part of It?

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling across Europe without showing your passport at every border, you’re thinking of the Schengen Area. This agreement has made it easier than ever to move between European countries, whether for tourism, business, or study. But what exactly is the Schengen Area, and which countries are in it?

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a zone of European countries that have removed internal border controls. This means you can travel between member countries without passport checks, as if they were one single country in terms of border control.

The agreement was signed in 1985 in Schengen, a small town in Luxembourg, and has become one of the most important achievements of European cooperation.

Main Benefits of the Schengen Area

• Free movement: No passport controls between Schengen countries.

• Single visa system: One Schengen visa lets you visit multiple countries.

• Easier travel: Ideal for tourists, business travelers, and students.

• Stronger security cooperation: Countries work together to combat crime and share data.

• Boosts the economy: Facilitates trade and labor mobility.

Which Countries Are Part of the Schengen Area in 2025?

✅ EU Member States in the Schengen Area:

1. Austria

2. Belgium

3. Croatia

4. Czech Republic

5. Denmark

6. Estonia

7. Finland

8. France

9. Germany

10. Greece

11. Hungary

12. Italy

13. Latvia

14. Lithuania

15. Luxembourg

16. Malta

17. Netherlands

18. Poland

19. Portugal

20. Slovakia

21. Slovenia

22. Spain

23. Sweden

🇪🇺 Non-EU Countries in the Schengen Area:

24. Iceland

25. Liechtenstein

26. Norway

27. Switzerland

🏛️ Microstates with Open Borders:

Although not official members, these countries have no border controls with Schengen nations:

• Monaco

• San Marino

• Vatican City

Which EU Countries Are Not in Schengen?

• Ireland: Maintains its own border system and opted out of Schengen.

• Cyprus: EU member working toward full Schengen membership or with partial implementation.

Final Thoughts

The Schengen Area makes travel across Europe simple, fast, and convenient. Whether you’re backpacking through several countries or attending a business meeting abroad, understanding the Schengen zone helps you save time and plan your trip wisely.