The Schengen Area is important for both tourism and the rapid crossing of borders in Europe. However, the countries in the Schengen Area are constantly changing: therefore, it is worth checking which countries are included in the Schengen Area and which are only part of the EU.
In general, the list of Schengen countries is often changing. According to forecasts, Bulgaria will soon join this area. Therefore, the Schengen Area countries represent a dynamic list that will continue to change.
What is the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is one of the most important spaces for free movement in Europe. Its uniqueness is that, as a general rule, there is no permanent border control on the internal borders between the participating states. Thanks to this, traveling between several European countries can take place almost as simply as moving between regions of a single state. At the same time, common rules for checks apply at the external borders, and separate requirements for entry and duration of stay are established for citizens of third countries.
As of 2026, the Schengen Area includes 29 states. Among them are 25 European Union countries and four non-EU states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania became full participants in Schengen on January 1, 2025, after which control at the land internal borders with them was lifted.
It is important to understand that membership in the European Union and participation in the Schengen Area are not the same. In 2026, EU members that are not part of Schengen remain Cyprus and Ireland. Cyprus continues to move towards full integration into the Schengen area, while Ireland maintains a special exception and retains its own border control regime.
For travelers, it is important to understand not only the list of countries but also the principles of how the area operates. A Schengen visa, if required for a particular citizen, usually allows for short-term trips throughout the Schengen territory. At the same time, the maximum duration of such stay, as a general rule, is 90 days within any 180-day period. This limit is common for the entire area, not established individually for each country.
The Schengen Area is a territory of European states where regular checks on persons at internal borders have been abolished. The main idea is that a person, after legally crossing the external border, can move more freely between the participating states without the need to undergo full passport checks every time. The name comes from the Luxembourg village of Schengen, where the first agreement on the gradual abolition of controls at shared borders was signed in 1985. Subsequently, cooperation expanded, and the Schengen rules became an important part of the European border regulation system.
The modern Schengen Area encompasses significantly more than just the absence of passport booths at internal borders. Participating states apply joint approaches to controlling external borders, short-term visas, exchange of information, and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. This model allows combining freer movement of people with increased control at the external boundary of the shared space. For example, a traveler can arrive in Poland and then travel by car or train to Germany, France, and Belgium without undergoing regular passport control at each of these internal borders. All listed countries are part of one Schengen Area.
However, the absence of permanent internal control does not mean the complete absence of checks. Law enforcement agencies may conduct document checks in border areas, at transport hubs, or in other situations provided by law. In addition, a state may temporarily restore control at a specific section of the internal border if there are serious threats to public order or internal security. The external border of the Schengen Area is significant. It is at entry from a non-Schengen country that the main border check takes place. At this point, a passport, visa, or another basis for entry, the purpose of the trip, duration of the planned stay, and other necessary circumstances may be checked. The Schengen Area is not a separate state. Participants maintain their own governments, laws, tax systems, employment rules, and long-term residence requirements. Common rules apply primarily to border control, short-term trips, and security cooperation.
This is why a Schengen visa does not automatically grant the right to work or live in any country of the area. For long-term residence, the corresponding national grounds of the specific state are required: a residence permit, long-term visa, or other document depending on the purpose of stay.
In 2026, the Schengen Area consists of 29 states. Its current composition was formed after the completion of Bulgaria and Romania's accession process. They began fully applying Schengen rules from January 1, 2025.
The abolition of internal control is of great practical significance for tourism, international transport, cross-border work, education, and business trips. People can plan routes through several states without considering the need to undergo standard passport control at each internal border.
At the same time, the rules for the stay of foreigners do not become unlimited. If a citizen of a third country is allowed to stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days, that period counts for the entire area. Moving from France to Germany or from Austria to Italy does not reset the clock.
Which countries are part of the Schengen Area
As of 2026, the Schengen Area includes 29 countries. It comprises most EU member states, as well as four countries that are not part of the EU.
The current list is as follows:
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Austria;
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Belgium;
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Bulgaria;
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Croatia;
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Czech Republic;
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Denmark;
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Estonia;
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Finland;
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France;
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Germany;
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Greece;
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Hungary;
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Iceland;
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Italy;
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Latvia;
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Liechtenstein;
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Lithuania;
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Luxembourg;
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Malta;
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Netherlands;
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Norway;
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Poland;
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Portugal;
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Romania;
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Slovakia;
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Slovenia;
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Spain;
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Sweden;
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Switzerland.
Thus, in 2026, the total number of Schengen states is 29.
The area includes major European countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, as well as much smaller countries like Luxembourg, Malta, and Liechtenstein. Despite differences in size, economic development, and government structure, they apply common Schengen rules in relevant areas.
It is important to pay attention to Bulgaria and Romania. In older materials, these countries are often seen separately from Schengen or in lists of countries still awaiting accession. This information no longer reflects the current situation. From January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania became full participants in the Schengen Area.
Croatia joined Schengen earlier— in 2023. Its accession also significantly changed the map of free movement in the southeast part of Europe.
A separate group consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. They are not EU members but are part of the Schengen Area based on separate cooperation. Therefore, a trip to these states under Schengen rules is counted together with other countries in the area.
For example, if a foreigner visits Germany, France, Switzerland, and Norway during a short-term trip, all days spent in these countries count toward the total allowed time. You cannot spend 90 days in Germany and then get another 90 days in Switzerland since both countries belong to the same space with respect to short-term stay.
It is also important to distinguish the country of visa issuance from the territory in which it can be used. A regular Schengen visa, if it has the appropriate territorial validity, allows visiting all Schengen countries. However, the issuance of the document must be based on the actual route and primary purpose of travel.
If the trip involves visiting several countries, when applying, it is necessary to correctly identify the main destination country according to the actual travel plan. The mere fact that entry occurs through a certain state does not automatically mean that it should be the main place of stay.
The Schengen list may change in the future. The most obvious potential addition is Cyprus, which is a member of the European Union but, as of 2026, is still not part of the Schengen Area. As long as the relevant procedures are not completed, Cyprus cannot be included in the current list of 29 states.
Therefore, in 2026, the correct number is 29 countries. It includes 25 EU states and four outside the European Union.
EU countries that are not part of Schengen
The European Union in 2026 unites 27 states, but two of them are not part of the Schengen Area. These are Cyprus and Ireland. This situation clearly demonstrates that membership in the EU does not mean automatic participation in Schengen.
Cyprus is a member state of the European Union, but as of 2026 is not on the list of 29 Schengen Area countries. The country is working on joining the common area, but full internal border control with Schengen states has not yet been completely lifted. For a tourist, this means that Cyprus should be considered separately from the Schengen Area. A trip from Germany to Cyprus is not a normal movement between two Schengen states. Separate border crossing rules apply.
Ireland has a different legal situation. It is also a member of the European Union, but is not part of Schengen and retains its own border and visa control system. The country has a special status that allows it not to adhere to certain provisions of the Schengen Area. Hence, the route France – Belgium – Netherlands takes place within Schengen, while the route France – Ireland involves exiting the Schengen Area. Ireland should also not be confused with Great Britain. The United Kingdom is not a member of the European Union after Brexit and also not part of the Schengen Area. Ireland, on the contrary, remains an EU member state.
Cyprus and Ireland have their own entry and border control rules. Therefore, when planning a trip, it is essential to check not only whether a country is an EU member but also its status concerning Schengen. This issue should be particularly highlighted during combined travel. For example, the route Poland – Germany – France – Ireland will involve movement within Schengen until the moment of departure to Ireland. After that, a separate regime will apply.
Cyprus and Ireland are not counted as ordinary internal stops on the Schengen route. This is also vital when evaluating documents and entry conditions. For citizens of third countries, having a Schengen visa does not automatically grant the right to enter Ireland. Ireland has its own visa policy. Similarly, the entry rules for Cyprus must be considered separately according to the current regime. Therefore, in 2026, the structure of the EU and Schengen presents a simple mathematical model: of the 27 EU states, 25 belong to Schengen, while two – Cyprus and Ireland – remain outside it.
Schengen countries that are not part of the EU
Four Schengen Area states are not members of the European Union. These are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Their participation in Schengen is the result of separate agreements with the EU. They apply Schengen rules concerning border control and short-term trips, but do not become EU members.
Iceland is located far from continental Europe, yet is a full part of the Schengen Area. For short-term travel, the stay in Iceland counts toward the overall Schengen time limit. Norway is also not part of the EU but is a participant in the Schengen Area. This means that crossing the border between Norway and other Schengen countries is generally not accompanied by permanent passport checks. Switzerland has a similar status. The country is not part of the EU but participates in the Schengen system. At the same time, Switzerland retains its own currency, state authorities, and national legislation in many areas. Liechtenstein is the smallest country in this quartet. It is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen Area. Its example particularly illustrates the difference between the concepts of 'European Union' and 'Schengen.'
Participation of these countries in Schengen does not imply that their citizens receive all rights of EU citizens. Schengen membership primarily regulates issues related to crossing borders, border control, and associated procedures. Therefore, a Swiss citizen does not become an EU citizen merely because Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. Similarly, a Norwegian citizen does not gain European Union citizenship by the country's participation in Schengen.
For tourists, the difference is often less noticeable. If a foreigner travels between Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France, all of these countries belong to the common space regarding internal border control.
However, for work, study, obtaining a residence permit, or relocation, the rules may be entirely different. The Schengen Area does not create a universal residence permit for all 29 states. Thus, tourist status should not be equated with the right to long-term residence. To reside in Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, it is necessary to meet the national requirements of the respective state. These four non-EU participants of Schengen significantly expand the geography of the free movement area. At the same time, their participation does not change the fact that the EU and Schengen remain different in terms of composition and legal nature of the unions.
What rules apply for travel within the Schengen Area
The main rule is the absence of systematic border control at internal borders. After legal entry into the Schengen Area, a person can move between the participating countries without undergoing the standard border procedure each time they cross a border.
For instance, after entering Poland, one can continue traveling to the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, or other Schengen countries. One does not need to obtain a separate Schengen visa for each country. However, it is recommended to have an identification document with you. The absence of permanent border control does not mean that there are no identity verification requirements. In certain cases, countries may temporarily restore control at internal borders. The reasons can be security threats, serious risks to public order, or other circumstances provided for by the regulations. Therefore, during travel, one should not assume that there will never be checks at each internal border under any circumstances.
For foreigners, it is essential to adhere to entry conditions. Having a visa, if required, is only one of the conditions. During checks, the purpose of the trip, the availability of necessary documents, and other circumstances may be clarified.
A Schengen visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry. A single-entry document allows crossing the external border once to enter the zone. A multiple-entry visa enables taking several trips within its validity period but does not eliminate the restrictions regarding the total number of days. It is important not to confuse the duration of a visa with the permitted length of stay. For example, a visa may be valid for several years, but this does not imply the possibility of staying continuously in Schengen throughout its validity. For short-term trips, the primary rule remains 90 days within any 180 days. It applies to the entire territory of the Schengen Area.
In 2026, important changes in border control also occurred. The Entry-Exit System (EES) was fully operational at the external borders of the Schengen Area as of April 10, 2026. It is designed for the electronic registration of entrances and exits of third-country nationals traveling for short stays. Instead of relying solely on stamps in the passport, data regarding the crossing of the external border is recorded in an electronic system. During the relevant procedures, personal data, information from travel documents, facial photographs, and fingerprints may be registered.
This has practical implications for counting lengths of stay. The electronic system allows for more accurate determination of when a foreigner entered and left the Schengen Area. In 2026, preparations continue for launching ETIAS for citizens of countries that can engage in short visa-free trips. It is expected that the system will begin operation in the last quarter of 2026. ETIAS is not a visa but a pre-travel electronic authorization for designated categories of visa-free travelers. Thus, the modern travel system within Schengen combines freer movement inside the area with more technological control at its external borders.
How long can one stay in Schengen countries
For short-term trips of third-country nationals, the main rule is the 90/180 rule. It means that the permitted length of stay is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period, unless other rules provide for different regimes. This limit is calculated for the entire Schengen Area. If a person has spent 40 days in France, 20 days in Italy, and 30 days in Germany, the total will be 90 days. After using 90 days, one cannot simply move to another country in Schengen to get a new period. All countries in the area are accounted for together. The calculation is done using a rolling 180-day period. This means that there is no single fixed period like “January – June” or “July – December.” For each day of stay, the previous 180-day span is evaluated.
The counts include both the day of entry and the day of exit. Even if a person crossed the border late in the evening and left the territory the next morning, these dates count as two calendar days of stay. For example, a stay from May 1 to May 10 inclusive represents 10 days. If after this a second trip occurs, the first 10 days continue to be counted during the next calculation as long as they do not exceed the relevant 180-day period. That is why those who travel frequently throughout Europe should keep a precise record of dates. This is especially vital if trips approach the maximum allowed 90 days.
A different regime applies to those who have a residence permit or long-term visa from a specific state. Such documents are intended for long-term stay and are not equal to a standard short-term Schengen trip. For example, a residence permit in Germany provides legal grounds for residing in Germany according to the conditions of that document. However, the ability to undertake short trips to other Schengen countries does not grant automatic rights for residence or work there without restrictions. For long-term residence, it is necessary to have the appropriate legal basis. This can be a work visa, study permit, family reunification, residence permit, or other status provided for by the legislation of the specific state.
It is also important to understand the difference between the duration of a visa and the number of allowed days. For example, a multiple-entry visa may be valid for several years, but this does not equate to the right to remain in the zone continuously throughout that period. Violating the 90/180 rule could cause problems during future trips. Depending on the specific situation, additional checks, administrative consequences, return decisions, or other prescribed legal measures may arise.
In 2026, monitoring of compliance with time limits becomes more digitalized thanks to the EES system. Relevant data about crossing the external border is recorded electronically, allowing for the automated detection of cases of exceeding the permitted length of stay. Therefore, residence in the Schengen Area cannot be calculated on the principle of “90 days in each country.” The correct approach is to sum the total number of days across all 29 Schengen states within the relevant 180-day span.
How does the Schengen Area differ from the European Union
The Schengen Area and the European Union are closely connected but are not the same structure. The European Union is a political and economic union of states encompassing a wide range of issues—from the functioning of the internal market to common policy in specific areas. The Schengen Area focuses primarily on border control and free movement of people among the participating states.
In 2026, the European Union has 27 member states. The Schengen Area includes 29 countries. This difference arises because two EU states—Cyprus and Ireland—are not part of Schengen, while four non-EU countries—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—are participants in the Schengen Area.
The EU regulates significantly more issues than Schengen. Its system encompasses economic relations, trade, competition, citizen rights, common policies, and other directions. The Schengen space primarily ensures the absence of systematic control at internal borders and common approaches to controlling external borders. One should also not equate Schengen with the Eurozone. The Eurozone consists of states that use the euro as a common currency. Schengen is a space without systematic internal border control. Some Schengen states use the euro, but others have their own currencies. For example, Switzerland is part of Schengen but uses the Swiss franc. Norway is in the Schengen Area, but its currency is the Norwegian krone. Denmark is also part of Schengen but retains the Danish krone.
Being part of Schengen also does not automatically grant the right to work. A foreigner may have the right to undertake a short tourist trip to Germany, France, or Italy, but this does not mean they can work there without additional permission.
Another fundamental difference pertains to citizenship. Citizenship of an EU country is tied to the citizenship of a particular member state and provides the status of a European Union citizen. A state's participation in the Schengen Area does not create such a status.
Similarly, a residence permit issued by one state is not a universal permit for residence in all 29 Schengen countries. It may offer some opportunities for short trips to other countries in the zone, but long-term residence is governed by national rules. For tourists, the difference between the EU and Schengen is most noticeable when planning routes. If travel occurs between Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany, all of these states are simultaneously members of both the EU and Schengen. If the route includes Switzerland, it remains part of Schengen but is not an EU member.
If the route involves Ireland or Cyprus, the situation differs. Both countries are EU members, but as of 2026, are not part of the Schengen Area. Therefore, to determine border crossing rules, it is not enough to know only a country’s status concerning the European Union. It is also necessary to ascertain whether it is a participant in the Schengen Area. The difference can be conditionally phrased as follows: the EU defines a broad system of political and economic cooperation among states, while Schengen creates a shared space without regular internal border control. These systems are interconnected but have different compositions and purposes.
That is why the current Schengen list in 2026 does not match the list of European Union states. For travel, calculating lengths of stay, and determining the need for a Schengen visa, one should orientate primarily on the specific status of each state in the Schengen Area.
Conclusion
In 2026, the Schengen Area unites 29 states. It includes 25 countries of the European Union and four states that are not EU members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania became full participants in Schengen on January 1, 2025, so they must be present in the current list.
The Schengen Area consists of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Cyprus and Ireland are members of the European Union, but as of 2026, do not belong to the Schengen Area. Thus, they need to be considered separately when planning European trips. The main advantage of Schengen lies in the absence of systematic border control between participating states. Meanwhile, common rules for checks apply at external borders, and individual countries may temporarily restore control at internal borders under specific circumstances.
For short-term trips by third-country citizens, the main restriction remains the 90 days within any 180 days rule. It applies to the entire Schengen Area, so stays in different countries are totaled.
In 2026, border procedures also became more digital. The EES system has been fully functioning since April 2026 and is used for the electronic registration of crossings of the external border by third-country citizens during short stays. The launch of ETIAS for designated visa-free travelers is also expected in the second half of 2026.
Thus, the Schengen Area and the European Union are different concepts. The EU has 27 member states, while Schengen in 2026 consists of 29 countries. For proper trip planning, it is essential to consider the current status of each state, entry rules, and the total duration of stay in the entire Schengen Area.
However, the list of countries in this area is changing, so it is worth regularly updating data about it.