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Schengen Countries

All 30 member states of the Schengen Area

What is Schengen Membership?

The Schengen Area is a zone of 30 European countries that have abolished internal border controls. This means you can travel freely between these countries without passport checks at the borders.

For travelers, Schengen membership determines where you can go with a single visa or ETIAS authorization, and where the 90/180 day rule applies to your stay.

Schengen at a Glance

Total countries
30

26 EU + 4 non-EU

Population
400M+

People living in the area

Area
4.3M km²

Land area covered

Border checks
None

At internal borders

All 30 Schengen Member States

EU vs Non-EU Schengen Members

Most Schengen countries are EU member states, but membership in the EU and Schengen Area are separate. Four countries are in Schengen but not the EU, while some EU countries are not (yet) fully in Schengen.

Non-EU Schengen Countries (4)

  • Iceland — Part of Schengen since 2001, member of EFTA

  • Liechtenstein — Part of Schengen since 2011, smallest Schengen member

  • Norway — Part of Schengen since 2001, closely integrated with Nordic neighbors

  • Switzerland — Part of Schengen since 2008, neutral country in the heart of Europe

Countries NOT in Schengen

Not all European countries are part of Schengen. These notable exceptions have their own entry requirements:

  • Ireland — EU member but opted out of Schengen. Has its own visa system

  • United Kingdom — Left the EU and was never part of Schengen. Has the UK ETA system

  • Cyprus — EU member but does not fully implement Schengen (explained above)

Related Guides

Schengen Map

Visual map of all member states

90/180 Day Rule

How stay limits work

ETIAS Countries

Where you will need ETIAS

Schengen Countries FAQs

Is the UK part of the Schengen Area?
No. The UK was never part of Schengen, even when it was in the EU. It has its own border controls and the new UK ETA system for visa-exempt visitors.
Is Ireland in the Schengen Area?
No. Ireland opted out of Schengen to maintain the Common Travel Area with the UK. It has its own visa requirements separate from Schengen.
Can I travel between all 30 Schengen countries without border checks?
Generally yes. Once you enter the Schengen Area through any member country, you can travel freely to all others without showing your passport at borders. However, countries can temporarily reintroduce checks during emergencies.
Does my Schengen visa work in all 30 countries?
Yes. A valid Schengen visa allows you to enter and travel within all 30 Schengen countries. The same applies to ETIAS authorization when it launches.
Are there any EU countries not in Schengen?
Yes. Ireland and Cyprus are EU members but not fully in Schengen. Bulgaria and Romania have partial membership (air/sea only) as of 2024.

Learn More

ETIAS Guide

New travel authorization from 2026

Schengen Visa Guide

For nationalities needing a visa

UK Travel Requirements

UK is separate from Schengen

Travel Insurance

Recommended coverage for your trip

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