Schengen europe countries
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Future formal association agreements may strengthen these arrangements, further integrating these microstates into the broader European free-movement framework.
Differences Between the European Union and the Schengen Area
The European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area are two distinct but overlapping entities in Europe, each with its own purpose and membership, which can sometimes cause confusion.
This seamless arrangement allows millions of residents, tourists, and business travelers to move freely across national frontiers without routine passport checks, effectively transforming the way people live, work, and explore the continent. For example, it was the case at the beginning of the pandemic in the spring of 2020.
The territories of the Schengen Area and the European Union do not coincide, although many European countries belong to both the Schengen Area and the EU.
Cyprus is a member of the European Union but is not a part of the Schengen Area.
This section breaks these countries into two clear categories:
- Non-EU countries in Europe
- EU countries not in the Schengen Area
Knowing this distinction helps travelers navigate visa policies, plan itineraries, and avoid entry complications.
Non-EU Countries in Europe
The non-EU countries in Europe are geographically European but are not members of the European Union or the Schengen Zone.
Conversely, countries like Norway and Switzerland are Schengen members despite not being in the EU. This distinction significantly impacts visa requirements and travel plans, particularly for non-European visitors.
For those requiring Schengen visas, understanding whether a country belongs to the Schengen or Non-Schengen group is vital.
Travelers need an Irish visa to enter Ireland, even if they hold a valid Schengen visa.
Romania is an EU member state that is awaiting full integration into the Schengen Zone. It maintains full border controls and does not participate in the Schengen framework.
On the other hand, several non-EU countries are full Schengen members through special agreements.
However, visitors must ensure they comply with Belarusian border rules.
Kosovo operates its own visa policies, separate from the Schengen Area and EU. While Schengen visa holders can often enter Kosovo under specific conditions, visitors must verify the rules for their nationality.
This Balkan nation is neither in the EU nor Schengen.
All of them, except for three countries, are members of the European Union. Understanding these rules is especially important for travelers entering the Schengen Area after visiting a Non-Schengen country, as border requirements and documentation can vary.
What is the Member State of First Entry?
When a traveler holding a Schengen visa enters the Schengen Area, the first country they visit is referred to as the member state of first entry.
Still, you can enter this country on a national or a Schengen visa. Moreover, distinguishing between Schengen membership and EU membership clarifies travel rights and responsibilities, as some EU countries are not part of Schengen, and some non-EU countries participate in the zone. The five Schengen countries of that time were joined by two more — Spain and Portugal.
The list of the Schengen Area member countries is constantly changing: new members join, and others leave.
The Schengen Area countries have signed the Schengen Agreement. However, there are ongoing discussions and negotiations aiming to deepen and formalize cooperation and association with Schengen. Another five countries are members of the EU but have no membership in the Schengen Area.
Let’s look at the specifics of visiting these countries.
Countries of the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is a unique European free-movement zone.
Visitors with valid multi-entry Schengen visas are often allowed to enter Serbia without a separate visa for short stays. For example, if a traveler without proper insurance or documentation tries to cross into the Schengen Zone from a Non-Schengen country, they may be turned back at the border.
Planning Your Itinerary
To avoid complications, travelers should:
- Confirm their member state of first entry before applying for a Schengen visa.
- Align their flight and travel plans with the stated entry country.
- Carry comprehensive travel insurance from a reliable provider like schengenprotect.com in cooperation with AXA insurance.
By carefully planning and understanding Schengen visa rules, including the member state of first entry, travelers can ensure smooth entry and avoid unnecessary stress.
List of Schengen visa countries and entry rules
The Schengen Area includes 29 States. This can impact travel times, itineraries, and visa requirements.
Understanding the distinction between Schengen and Non-Schengen areas is crucial for travelers who require visas, especially those journeying to Europe. This visa permits entry into all Schengen countries but must comply with member state of first entry rules.
Travelers entering from Non-Schengen countries need to provide:
- A valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond the trip).
- A Schengen visa, if required.
- Proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and financial means for the stay.
- Travel insurance meeting Schengen requirements (minimum coverage of €30,000).
For example, a traveler flying from Albania into Spain must present all required documents to Spanish border authorities since Spain will be the member state of first entry.
Common Scenarios for Travelers
Here are common examples to clarify the member state of first entry rules:
- Scenario 1: Entering Schengen after a Non-Schengen Visit
A traveler plans to visit Turkey first and then fly into Germany.Countries such as Cyprus are expected to join in the future, and association agreements with microstates like Andorra or San Marino could further extend Schengen’s reach.