Which are Schengen Countries: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re planning to travel to Europe, you may have heard about the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of countries in Europe that have abolished border controls between them. This means that you can travel between Schengen countries without having to go through passport control or customs. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on which are Schengen countries.

Table of Contents

1. What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a group of 26 countries in Europe that have abolished internal borders, allowing for the free and unrestricted movement of people and goods between them. This means that once you have entered the Schengen Area, you can travel freely between the countries without having to go through border checks.

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2. History of the Schengen Area

The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 by five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community. It was named after the small village of Schengen in Luxembourg, where the agreement was signed. The agreement aimed to abolish internal borders and allow for the free movement of people and goods between the signatory countries.

3. Which are Schengen Countries?

The following countries are currently members of the Schengen Area:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

4. How does the Schengen Area work?

The Schengen Area works by allowing for the free and unrestricted movement of people and goods between the member states. This means that there are no border controls between the countries, and you can travel freely between them without having to show your passport or go through customs.

5. Who can enter the Schengen Area?

Citizens of certain countries do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. These countries are:

• Andorra
• Argentina
• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Hong Kong
• Israel
• Japan
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Monaco
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Paraguay
• San Marino
• Singapore
• South Korea
• United States
• Uruguay
• Vatican City
• Venezuela

Citizens of all other countries need to apply for a Schengen visa.

6. How long can you stay in the Schengen Area?

The maximum duration of stay in the Schengen Area is 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. It is important to note that this 6-month period is not fixed and it keeps rolling. So, if you have stayed for 90 days in a 6-month period, you will have to wait for the next 6-month period to start to be eligible to re-enter the Schengen Area.

7. Do you need a visa to enter the Schengen Area?

Citizens of the 62 countries mentioned above do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area for stays up to 90 days. All other nationalities need to obtain a Schengen visa before entering the area.

8. How to apply for a Schengen visa?

To apply for a Schengen visa, you need to contact the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you wish to visit. You will need to provide the following documents:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages
• Completed visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Travel itinerary
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel insurance
• Proof of financial means

The visa application process can take up to 15 days, so it is recommended that you apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.

9. Can you work in the Schengen Area?

If you are a citizen of an EU member state, you have the right to work in any other EU member state, including those in the Schengen Area. Non-EU citizens need a work permit to work in the Schengen Area.

10. What are the rules for traveling with pets in the Schengen Area?

If you are traveling with a pet, you need to ensure that your pet is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and has a pet passport. You also need to ensure that you have the necessary documents for your pet to enter the Schengen Area.

11. What are the rules for driving in the Schengen Area?

If you are planning to drive in the Schengen Area, you need to have a valid driving license, valid insurance, and a vehicle registration document. You also need to ensure that your vehicle meets the emission standards of the country you are visiting.

12. What are the emergency numbers in the Schengen Area?

The emergency number in most Schengen countries is 112. This number can be used for emergencies such as accidents, medical emergencies, and fire.

13. What are the common scams in the Schengen Area?

Common scams in the Schengen Area include pickpocketing, ATM skimming, and fake police officers. It is important to be aware of these scams and take necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim.

14. What are some must-see places in the Schengen Area?

There are many must-see places in the Schengen Area, including:

• Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
• Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
• The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
• The Northern Lights in Norway
• The Swiss Alps in Switzerland
• The canals of Venice, Italy
• The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Netherlands
• The Acropolis in Athens, Greece

More about Schengen Area on wikipedia

15. Conclusion

The Schengen Area is a group of 26 countries in Europe that have abolished internal borders, allowing for the free and unrestricted movement of people and

goods between them. It is important to note that while there are no border checks within the Schengen Area, there are still security checks at airports and other transportation hubs.

To enter the Schengen Area, citizens of certain countries do not need a visa, while citizens of all other countries need to obtain a Schengen visa. The maximum duration of stay in the Schengen Area is 90 days within a 180-day period.

When traveling in the Schengen Area, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations for driving, traveling with pets, and emergency situations. Additionally, it is important to be aware of common scams and take necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim.

There are many must-see places in the Schengen Area, including famous landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural attractions. The Schengen Area offers a wide range of experiences for travelers, from cosmopolitan cities to rural countryside.

In summary, the Schengen Area is a fascinating and unique travel destination that offers travelers the opportunity to explore many different countries without the hassle of border checks and customs. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy all that the Schengen Area has to offer.

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5 Unique FAQs about Schengen Countries

1. Can I visit more than one Schengen country during my 90-day stay?
   Yes, you can visit as many Schengen countries as you like during your 90-day stay.
2. Can I extend my stay in the Schengen Area beyond 90 days?
   In some cases, it is possible to extend your stay in the Schengen Area beyond 90 days, but you will need to apply for an extension and meet certain requirements.
3. Do I need to exchange my currency when traveling within the Schengen Area?
   No, you do not need to exchange your currency when traveling within the Schengen Area. Most countries in the Schengen Area use the Euro as their currency.
4. Are there any age restrictions for entering the Schengen Area?
   No, there are no age restrictions for entering the Schengen Area. However, minors traveling alone may need additional documents and permissions.
5. Can I travel to a non-Schengen country from within the Schengen Area?
   Yes, you can travel to a non-Schengen country from within the Schengen Area, but you will need to go through passport control and customs when leaving and re-entering the Schengen Area.