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
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Total countries 30 26 EU + 4 non-EU
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Population 400M+ People living in the area
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Area 4.3M km² Land area covered
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Border checks None At internal borders
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
Special Cases: Bulgaria, Romania & Cyprus
Bulgaria & Romania: Joined Schengen for air and sea travel in March 2024. Land borders are expected to open fully in 2025. Until then, there may still be checks at land borders.
Cyprus: EU member but does not fully implement Schengen border controls due to the divided island situation. Time spent in Cyprus may not count toward your 90-day Schengen limit.
Cyprus: EU member but does not fully implement Schengen border controls due to the divided island situation. Time spent in Cyprus may not count toward your 90-day Schengen limit.
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 doesn't fully implement Schengen (explained above)
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.
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