Europe’s Schengen Area Visa Countries

 The Schengen Area consists of 29 European countries that have abolished internal border controls among member states and reinforced external borders with non-member countries under the Schengen Agreement, enabling seamless travel across participating nations. This is known as the Schengen Border Code. While most Schengen countries are also part of the European Union (EU), notable exceptions include Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Ireland, although an EU member, has opted out of the Schengen Agreement. 

The Schengen Area functions as a unified travel zone, enabling seamless movement across 29 European countries through a reciprocal free movement arrangement and a shared visa policy. This framework grants unrestricted travel to over 400 million EU citizens and non-EU nationals who reside in the EU or visit for study, business or tourism. 

EU citizens benefit from the right to live, work and travel freely across Schengen member states, without being subject to the entry restrictions and border controls that typically apply to non-EU nationals. 

Cailin McCaffery, case coordinator at Envoy Global, joins us to provide a comprehensive overview of the Schengen Area, including its benefits for international mobility, eligibility requirements and implications for workforce planning.

Schengen vs. EU Member States: What’s the Difference? 

The Schengen Area and the EU often overlap, but they serve different functions: 

• The Schengen Area focuses on border control and visa policy, allowing passport-free travel across 29 participating countries. 
• The EU is a political and economic union of 28 countries with shared governance, trade agreements and a common market. 

Schengen and EU Membership Overlap and Exceptions 

Most Schengen countries are also EU members, but not all. 

• Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein are Schengen members but not part of the EU. 
• Ireland is an EU member but opted out of the Schengen Agreement. 
• Cyprus is currently in its final stages of becoming a Schengen member state, with a targeted finalization date in 2026. 

These differences reflect varying national approaches to mobility and border management. 

Travel Implications 

As part of an area without internal border controls, Schengen member states do not conduct checks at their shared borders but instead implement coordinated controls at their external borders. At times when specific threats may exist, such as COVID-19 or terrorist attacks, Schengen countries may then enforce internal border checks. 

• Non-EU Schengen countries (e.g., Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein): Travelers from these countries may face additional checks when entering EU member states.
• Non-Schengen EU countries (e.g., Ireland): Travelers arriving from these countries may be subject to immigration checks and must present a valid ID. Entry requirements may differ from those within the Schengen Zone. 

The Schengen C Visa: What You Need to Know 

A Schengen C Visa allows eligible non-EU nationals to travel across all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It applies to both air and land borders and supports short-term travel for: 

• Business 
• Tourism or vacation 
• Visiting family or friends 
• Cultural or sporting events 
• Medical treatment 
• Education 
• Official or diplomatic missions 
• Air or sea transit 

Schengen Visas may be issued as single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry. The type of visa granted depends on the traveler’s itinerary and the supporting documents submitted with the application.

Application Process 

To apply for a Schengen C Visa, foreign nationals must: 

1. Determine the correct consulate: 
   • Applicants should submit their visa application to the consulate of their ‘main’ Schengen destination.  
     • This refers to the country where they plan to spend the most time or where the primary purpose of their trip will take place.  
     • If no main destination can be identified, the application should be submitted to the consulate of the country whose external border the applicant will cross first—i.e., their initial point of entry into the Schengen Area. 
     • If visiting multiple countries, apply where you will spend the most time. 
   • If time is evenly split, apply at the consulate of your first point of entry. 
2. Submit your application: 
   • No less than 15 days before travel. However, most consulates prefer that an application be submitted at least three weeks in advance of the planned travel date. 
   • No more than six months in advance. 
3. Meet eligibility requirements, including: 
   • Valid passport 
   • Proof of travel purpose and itinerary 
   • Sufficient financial means to support your stay 
   • Travel health insurance 
   • Accommodation details 

Note: A Schengen Visa does not guarantee entry. Upon arrival, border officials may still require proof of purpose, financial means or other documentation. 

ETIAS: European Travel Information and Authorization System 

In addition to the Schengen C Visa, many travelers will soon need to obtain ETIAS, a new pre-travel authorization required for visa-exempt nationals entering the Schengen Area. The EU created ETIAS to strengthen border security and streamline entry procedures. 

Key Facts About ETIAS 

• Who needs it: Non-EU nationals from over 60 visa-exempt countries (e.g., U.S., Canada, Australia). 
• Purpose: Required for short-term travel related to tourism, business or transit. 
• Duration: Permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, similar to the Schengen Visa. 
• Launch timeline: The Entry-Exit System (EES) will launch in October 2025. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to become mandatory in Q4 of 2026. For a detailed breakdown of how the EES will work—including timelines, affected traveler groups and employer considerations—visit Envoy Global’s EU Entry-Exit System guide.

Looking Ahead 

Several European countries are expected to advance toward full accession to the Schengen Area in the coming years. While recent expansions have included countries like Croatia and soon Cyprus, future candidates must meet a range of criteria related to border security, visa policy alignment and infrastructure readiness before joining. The accession process remains rigorous, ensuring that new members can uphold the standards of Schengen cooperation. 

About Envoy Global 

As the Schengen Area evolves with new visa rules and systems like ETIAS and EES, staying informed is essential for employers and travelers navigating cross-border mobility.

At Envoy Global, we combine smart, friendly legal teams with smart, friendly technology to facilitate immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first.   

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs and help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving environment.