The Schengen Area is a region consisting of 27 European countries that have taken the significant step of eliminating their internal borders, enabling seamless and passport-free movement of people within the area. This vast territory encompasses an area of 4,312,099 square kilometres, equivalent to 1,664,911 square miles.

List of countries in schengen area

The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries, and here is the list of those countries:

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

The Schengen Area has a total area of 4,312,099 square kilometres and a population of 419,392,429 as of 2018. In 2022, there were an estimated 1.3 billion border crossings within the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area is a major economic and political zone. It is estimated that the Schengen Area accounts for 40% of the world's GDP and 25% of its trade. The Schengen Area is also a major tourist destination, with over 700 million tourists visiting the region each year.

The Schengen Area is a success story. It has created a passport-free zone that has made travel within Europe easier and more convenient. The Schengen Area has also helped to boost the economy and tourism in the region.

Schengen Area Visa Policy

The Schengen Area countries have a unified visa policy for nationals of specific countries requiring a visa to enter their territory. However, the European Union (EU) determines visa exemptions on a case-by-case basis. 

Schengen states also adhere to common regulations for granting short-stay Schengen visas, which are valid across all Schengen countries. These visas permit individuals to stay and travel within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any six-month period.

Your purpose of travel will determine the type of visa issued by the embassy or consulate of your Schengen destination country.

Accessing the Schengen Area countries

To gain entry into a country within the Schengen Area, you will need to present specific documents at the Schengen port of entry. If you have obtained a Schengen visa beforehand, you should present your passport with the Schengen visa sticker to the immigration official at the port of entry. 

Additionally, they may request proof of purchased Schengen travel insurance and evidence of accommodation in Europe. These documents are essential for ensuring a smooth entry into the Schengen Area.

Is the Schengen Area secure?

The Schengen Area's security system heavily relies on technology to reinforce its external borders and effectively collect, process, and share information related to external border management. To learn more about the Schengen Area's security systems, you can refer to additional information available on this topic.

Are the small sovereign states in Europe part of the Schengen Area?

Although Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City have no border controls with the Schengen countries surrounding them, they are not officially part of the Schengen Area. Monaco has an open border with France, while the Vatican City and San Marino have open borders with Italy. Andorra retains border controls with both France and Spain but accepts Schengen Visas (multiple-entry visas only).

In contrast, Liechtenstein has been a member of the Schengen Area since 2011. However, it does not issue visas but recommends visitors to apply for a visa at other Schengen countries.

The stand of the territories of Schengen nations outside Europe

The Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira are the only territories of Schengen countries that are part of the Schengen Zone, despite not being located in the European continent.

On the other hand, the French overseas departments of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and the overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin are part of the European Union but not part of the Schengen Zone.

The six Dutch territories in the Caribbean and the Danish territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland are neither part of the European Union nor the Schengen Area.

Influence of the Schengen Area on border states

The Schengen Area has significantly impacted border control within its member countries, with several key features aimed at facilitating borderless travel:

• Elimination of Internal Borders: Internal borders between Schengen member countries have been abolished, allowing for seamless movement of people within the area. Instead of border checks, harmonised controls are conducted at the external borders based on jointly agreed criteria.

• Free Movement Between Schengen Countries: Travellers can move freely between Schengen countries without undergoing border checks. However, they are required to present identification documents at ports of entry and airports.

• Facilitation of Smooth Road Traffic: Schengen member states are committed to ensuring smooth flow of road traffic between their borders, reducing delays and enhancing transportation efficiency.

• Limited Police Checks: Police checks are permitted only for the purpose of preventing potential public security threats. The focus is on maintaining security while facilitating unrestricted movement.

• Joint Police Cooperation: The establishment of joint police centres and teams fosters increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies. This collaboration enables activities like hot pursuit and cross-border surveillance to enhance security across the Schengen Area.

• Common Asylum Policies: Non-Schengen citizens crossing the external border of the European Union are subject to common rules and asylum policies. This ensures a consistent approach to handling immigration and asylum matters.

Overall, the Schengen Area aims to promote greater mobility and cooperation among its member countries while maintaining security and control at the external borders.

The International Border Control

Under the Schengen rules, individual countries' national authorities retain the ability to temporarily and exceptionally reintroduce internal border controls when faced with a significant security threat or serious shortcomings at the external borders that may jeopardise the overall functionality of the Schengen Area. 

This regulatory framework is governed by the EU's Regulation (EU) No 1051/2013, which provides the necessary guidelines for such situations. These measures ensure that member states can respond effectively to exceptional circumstances while maintaining the fundamental principles of the Schengen Agreement.

Standards of becoming a member of the Schengen Area

To become a member of the Schengen Area, aspiring countries must meet specific criteria outlined in the Council Regulation (EU) No 1053/2013. 

These criteria include:

• Demonstrating the ability to effectively control the external borders on behalf of other Schengen countries.
• Issuing uniform Schengen Visas in accordance with the Schengen rules and regulations.

• Proving the capability to collaborate efficiently with other Schengen states in maintaining a high level of security after the elimination of internal border controls.

• Complying with all Schengen rules and regulations, including those concerning border controls, visa issuance, police cooperation, and personal data protection.

• Establishing connectivity to and utilising the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS) to enhance information sharing and security cooperation.

• Undergoing a "Schengen evaluation" to assess their readiness for joining the Schengen Area. This process includes visits by expert teams from the European Commission to evaluate the applicant country's adherence to Schengen standards. Following each visit, a Schengen Evaluation Report is compiled, and if any weaknesses are identified, recommendations for corrective action are provided.

The Schengen Evaluation Mechanism is in place to monitor existing member countries' compliance with their duties and responsibilities. Approximately 5 to 7 member states undergo evaluation visits each year, during which their adherence to Schengen regulations is assessed, and any necessary recommendations for improvement are made. This mechanism ensures the continued adherence to the Schengen principles and standards within the Schengen Area.