A Complete Guide to Schengen Visa Countries

Imagine visiting some of Europe's most beautiful places on your next trip. If you are already considering something similar, you must know about the Schengen area. Consisting of some of the most popular tourist destinations, the Schengen area is still a confusing mystery to many travellers. Not understanding the Schengen visa countries and how to travel through them can ruin the perfect European experience. So, let’s learn about this area in our new blog, A Complete Guide to Schengen visa countries. 

What is The Schengen Area?

Schengen area countries comprise a special area in the European continent consisting of 27 Schengen countries that signed the Schengen agreement. Brought together in 1985 in Luxembourg near a town called Schengen, an agreement was signed by only 5 countries, abolishing border control at the mutual borders between these countries. As more and more countries joined in, the Schengen area became one of the biggest free movement regions worldwide. 

The Schengen area is a free-movement zone, but it doesn’t mean that you don’t need a visa or passport to enter the Schengen area. Let’s find out what kind of visas are available to travel in the Schengen area. 

The EU Vs. The Schengen Area 

The European Union and the Schengen visa countries are totally different entities, even though many countries are part of both. Although almost all Schengen visa countries are located inside Europe, some may not be part of the EU. For example, the Schengen country list includes Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland, which share open borders with the Schengen countries but are not part of the EU. 

On the other hand, countries including Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, and Croatia are legally bound to join the EU. At the same time, Ireland and the UK are EU states, and none of these countries are a part of the Schengen agreement. Thus, all these countries have their border control and cannot be accessed through the Schengen visa. 

Types of Schengen Visa

To enter and travel in the Schengen area, there are certain types of visas that you can obtain based on your travel requirements. Here are the types of Schengen visas:

1. Short-stay visa 

A short-stay Schengen visa lets people stay in the Schengen area for 90 days or 3 months. The period of tourism is 180 days. The visa is valid for travel related to events, conferences, tourism, family visits, etc. 

2. Transit Visa 

This visa is valid if you need a very short-term visa specifically for transit, which means you are flying to another (non-Schengen) country through a Schengen country. 

3. Airport Transit Visa 

An Airport transit visa must be obtained for travellers from certain countries to pass through Schengen transit areas for international travel. 

It is, however, important to remember that the Schengen visas are only available for travelling and short stays, all done within 90 days. These short-term visas are invalid for people moving to the Schengen area for internships and academic purposes, and thus, they must obtain a work permit visa.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)

Countries like Australia, the US, Canada, and the UK currently don’t require Schengen visas. To make sure the tourists from these countries are not high-risk and to keep track of them, the EU brought a new system in the year 2021 called ETIAS. 

An ETIAS is basically a pre-approved security check since the above-mentioned countries do not have a detailed security check process during visa application. So, if you are a citizen of one of these countries, you will have to apply online for your ETIAS, and you can then enter the Schengen area for a time period of 90 days like any other Schengen visa holder. 

What are the Schengen Visa Countries? 

The 22 countries that are a part of the Schengen area, as well as the EU, include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. The rest of the non-EU Schengen countries include Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland.

Travelling in the Schengen area

As you have obtained the Schengen Visa, knowing the best travelling method to complement your Schengen visa is crucial. Here are some travel options you should consider: 

1. Travelling by flight 

One of the best options to travel through Schengen visa countries is to do it by air travel, especially if you are travelling long distances. So, if the Schengen visa countries you are visiting are far away, taking a flight can be the most convenient option.

2. Travelling by train 

The next option you have when it comes to travelling through the Schengen visa countries is to do it by train. Imagine the romanticism of travelling by train through the beautiful European countryside! 

3. Travelling by road 

When it comes to travelling by road, you have two options. You can take a bus and travel through the Schengen visa countries or rent a car for a more comfortable and personalised journey with a European road trip feel. 

Entry Requirements for Schengen Countries

By understanding and fulfilling these entry requirements into Schengen visa countries, you are paving the way for a smooth and enjoyable European travel experience. Sort this and your trip to Schengen is going to be a memorable one.

1. Visa Requirements

• Schengen Visa grants a 90-day stay within 180 days for business, tourism, or family visits.
• A Transit Visa is required for moving from a Schengen country to a non-Schengen one.
• An Airport Transit Visa is Needed to get through Schengen airports during international layovers.

2. Visa Application Process

• Decide on the Schengen visa country you’ll visit first.
• Get in touch with the embassy of that specific country to know about the application process.
• Collect and prepare all necessary documents, including your application form, passport, travel insurance, flight bookings, accommodation proof, and financial means for the trip. 
• Schedule your appointment with the consulate and submit your application. 
• Attend the visa application interview. 
• Pay the fees for your visa that are decided based on your citizenship and the type of visa you have applied for. 
• Wait as the processing time continues (usually two weeks or 15 days). 
• Collect your passport stamped in Schengen visa if your application has been approved. 
• Opt for insurance that gives you medical coverage while also offering emergency coverage.

3. ETIAS 

• It was introduced in 2021 for visitors from visa-free countries.
• This works on pre-approvals promoting security with background checks.

4. Documentation

• Your passport must last for at least three months beyond the specified stay.
• Your travel insurance must have a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and reparation.
• You must provide proof of your stay location at Schengen.

5. Tips

• Apply well in advance.
• Double-check all documents for accuracy.
• Present a well-structured itinerary.
• Ensure travel insurance meets Schengen visa requirements.

‍Navigating the Schengen area can seem overwhelming at the start. But once you know how exactly it works, you can freely travel through the Schengen visa countries with minimal checks and a 90-day visa. So, pack your bags and relish the beauty of the Schengen visa countries for your next trip!