Updated on 24 Oct 2025
The Schengen area consists of 29 countries in Europe. These nations have removed the internal border controls to enable smooth and free travel across the Schengen countries. This means travellers with a valid Schengen visa can move between these 29 countries without facing routine passport checks at internal borders.
Let’s explore the complete list of Schengen countries, the key features of the zone and what first-time visitors need to know.
What are Schengen countries?
Schengen countries are European nations that allow passport-free travel across their borders for short stays. The zone includes 25 EU countries and 4 non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Complete list of Schengen countries
The Schengen contract was signed in 1985 in a small village called Schengen in Luxembourg. The list of Schengen countries as of 2025 is given below.
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Country
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Details
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Austria
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Signed the Schengen Agreement on April 28, 1995; implemented the Schengen rules in December 1997
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Belgium
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One of the first countries to sign the Schengen Agreement on June 14, 1985. The Agreement came into effect on March 26, 1995
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Czech Republic
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On April 16, 2003, the Czech Republic signed the Schengen Agreement. However, it implemented the Agreement several years later, on December 21, 2007
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Croatia
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Croatia is a member of both the European Union and the Council of Europe. From January 1, 2023, Croatia began issuing Schengen visas
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Denmark
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Denmark signed the Schengen Agreement on 19th December 1996 and implemented the same from 25th March 2001
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Estonia
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A northern European country Estonia, joined the list of Schengen countries on 16th April 2003
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Finland
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Finland is next in the Schengen countries name list, which signed the Schengen Agreement on 19th December 1996
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France
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France is one of the 5 founding members of the Schengen Agreement
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Germany
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One of the 5 founding members of the Schengen Agreement
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Greece
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Joined the Schengen list on 6th November 1992 and implemented it from 1st January 2000
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Hungary
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Became a part of the Schengen Agreement on April 16th, 2003; began implementation on December 21st, 2007
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Iceland
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Signed the Schengen Agreement initially on 19th December 1996. A second Agreement was signed on 18th May 1999, replacing the first
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Italy
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Joined the Schengen list on 26th October 1997 though it previously signed the Agreement on 27th November 1990
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Latvia
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Featured in the European Union Schengen countries list from 21st December 2007
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Liechtenstein
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Last country to join the list of Schengen countries
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Lithuania
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Signed this border-free travel Agreement on 16th April 2003 and implemented it from 21st December 2007
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Luxembourg
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Another founding member of the Schengen Agreement
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Malta
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Joined the Schengen list on 16th April 2003 and was implemented on 21st December 2007
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Netherlands
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Among the 5 founding members of the EU & the Schengen Agreement
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Norway
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Became a part of the Schengen list on 19th December 1996, which was replaced by a new Agreement on 18th May 1999 and implemented on 25th March 2001
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Poland
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Signed the Schengen Agreement on 16th April 2003 and implemented it in late 2007
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Portugal
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Became part of the European Union Schengen countries list on 25th June 1991 and started implementing the Agreement from 26th March 1995
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Slovakia
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Signed the Schengen Agreement on April 16th, 2003 & implemented it on December 21st, 2007
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Slovenia
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Signed the Schengen Agreement on April 16th, 2003 and implemented it on December 21st, 2007
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Spain
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Signed the Schengen Agreement on 25th June 1991 and started its implementation on 26th March 1995
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Sweden
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Joined the Schengen list on 9th December 1996 and implemented it from 25th March 2001
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Switzerland
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Joined the Schengen list on 26th October 2004 and implemented the convention on 12th December 2008
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Bulgaria
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Signed the Schengen accession agreement in December 2023. From March 31, 2024, it joined the Schengen Area for air and sea borders; full land border integration took place on January 1, 2025.
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Romania
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Joined the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024, for air and sea borders. Full land border integration was completed on January 1, 2025.
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Important information about Schengen countries
The points below provide essential information about the Schengen countries.
- Visa requirements: As an Indian traveller, you will need a Schengen Visa to enter a Schengen country. Check the specific visa requirements before planning your trip. Apply for the visa well in advance to allow for processing time.
- Validity and duration: Ensure that your Passport is valid for at least 3 months from your intended departure date from the Schengen country. The Schengen visa typically allows a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. Be mindful of this restriction to avoid any overstays.
- Travel insurance: It is wise to have travel insurance for Schengen countries that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. Confirm that your insurance policy meets the minimum coverage requirements, usually a minimum of 30,000 euros.
- Border checks: While internal border controls were abolished within the countries in the Schengen Area, occasional random checks may still occur. Member countries have the right to conduct temporary border controls for a maximum of 30 days under exceptional circumstances, like security issues. Carry your Passport or national ID card at all times during your travels, as you may be required to present identification when crossing borders.
- Currency: Most Schengen countries use the euro as their currency. Ensure you have some local currency or a payment card accepted widely to cover your expenses. Research and learn about exchange rates and consider notifying your bank about your travel plans to avoid any card-related issues.
- Health and safety: Take necessary health precautions by checking if you need any vaccinations for the countries you plan to visit. Also, be aware of local laws, customs, and emergency contact numbers. Keep important documents, including copies of your passport and travel insurance, in a safe place.
- Itinerary and accommodation: Plan your itinerary in advance and ensure you have confirmed accommodation for each destination within the Schengen Area. Having proof of accommodation and a well-organised travel plan may help with the visa application process.
- Take note of non-Schengen countries: Note that some European Union countries are not part of the list of Schengen countries in Europe. In case you want to visit any of the nations, note that your Schengen Visa won’t be enough. You will have to apply for a separate visa to enter these European countries that are not in the Schengen country name list.
Essential features of the Schengen zone
The Schengen Area allows free movement between member countries without internal border checks for short stays. At the same time, all these nations follow uniform procedures at their external borders. A single Schengen visa gives access to all member countries for short visits.
There is strong cooperation between law enforcement agencies to provide public safety through shared information and joint operations. To support this, several advanced systems are being developed to manage security and border control efficiently. These include SIS (for alerts on missing persons or stolen items), VIS (for managing visa data), EES (to record non-EU visitors’ entries and exits) and ETIAS (for pre-screening visa-exempt travellers).
Tips for first‑time Schengen travellers
Given below are the tips for first-time Schengen travellers:
- First, identify the Schengen country where you’ll stay the longest.
- Prepare necessary documents like a valid passport (issued in the last 10 years), a visa application form, passport-size photos, overseas travel insurance, flight and accommodation details, financial statements and a cover letter explaining your trip.
- Book your visa appointment in advance.
- Be honest during the visa interview.
- Focus your itinerary on a few countries.
- Use public transport to save money.
- Understand local customs and rules.
- Carry your passport and visa at all times.
- Use travel apps or a local SIM card.
- Do not overstay your visa.
Reasons to buy Schengen travel insurance
Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for visa approval, and it should provide at least €30,000 coverage across all the Schengen countries. It should cover medical issues, trip delays, loss of items and more. When buying travel insurance online, you can compare plans and select the one that is suitable for your trip in the Schengen countries.
Conclusion
The Schengen Area lets you visit many beautiful and interesting places in Europe with just one visa. Before you book your trip, learn about the visa process, travel rules and your insurance needs. Having the right overseas travel insurance helps you get your visa and keeps you protected during your journey.
Looking for the right travel insurance? Then, fill out the form on this page to get tailored insurance solutions for your trip in Schengen.
FAQ
- How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?
Schengen visa processing usually takes around 15 working days, depending on the embassy and application demand.
- Do I need travel insurance for all Schengen countries?
Yes, your travel insurance must be valid for all 29 Schengen countries, and it should cover the entire travel period.
- Which are the non-Schengen countries in Europe?
Non-Schengen countries include Europe, including Ireland, Cyprus, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.