Welcome to SchengenVisaInfo – The most comprehensive and up-to-date guide about Schengen Visas. Since 2013, we have guided more than 280 million individuals in understanding the EU travel entry requirements and visa application process in a very simple way.
What is Schengen?
Schengen refers to the EU passport-free zone covering most European countries. It’s the largest free travel area in the world.
It is a region of 29 European countries that have abolished their internal borders to allow the free and unrestricted movement of people. It covers a vast area of 4,718,084 km2 and is home to over 448 million citizens.
Which Are the Schengen Area Countries?
Most EU countries are within the Schengen Area except Ireland and Cyprus which will soon be part of it. Additionally, several non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein are integral members despite their non-EU status.
The 29 Schengen countries are Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, 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.
Map of the Schengen and EU Countries
On March 31st, Bulgaria and Romania officially joined the Schengen area. This means that Schengen rules, including the issuance of Schengen visas and the elimination of controls at internal air and sea borders, will now be in effect in both countries.
Why Is It Called Schengen?
The name Schengen comes from a town in Luxembourg where Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands signed the Schengen Agreement in 985.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a travel permit issued by Schengen Area members to third-country nationals listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 for short-term purposes, such as tourism or business trips. The Schengen visa holder can visit all 29 Schengen countries.
Check Whether You Need a Schengen Visa and Where to Apply
Use our visa wizard to check if you require a Schengen Visa. If you do, it will help you find out where to submit your visa application.
Schengen Visa Wizard
I am a citizen of:
I am travelling to:
I am travelling from:
Have you ever been denied entry into the Schengen Area?
Do you hold a valid residence permit of ?
How Does It Work?
The Schengen Visa Wizard is very simple, and all you have to do is input your country of residence and destination Schengen country, and the Wizard will do the rest of the work:
- Choose your home country and the Schengen country you’re visiting.
- Then, click “next step.”
- Here, you have to select the country where you’re traveling, as sometimes you may be living in a different country than your home country— click “next step” to see the results.
- Check out the result, which can be one of the following:
- You need a visa, after which the Wizard automatically shows you where in your country to apply for the visa.
- You don’t need a visa, which means you’re free to enter any country in the Schengen Area — the Wizard will also provide you with information about the 90/180-day rule to ensure you don’t overstay.
Stat: In 2024, over 11.7 million people used their Schengen visas to travel to Europe.
Which European Countries Issue Schengen Visas?
All European countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement can issue a Schengen visa.
You can click on the relevant country for more information:
Apply for a Visa to Bulgaria
Bulgaria became a partial member of the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024.
Apply for a Visa to Liechtenstein
Currently, we do not have detailed information about Liechtenstein.
Apply for a Visa to Luxembourg
Apply for a Visa to Romania
Romania became a partial member of the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024.
How Long Can You Stay in Europe With a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen allows you to stay in Europe’s Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The exact number of days you can spend in the Schengen Area is stated on your visa sticker. The consular officer handling your visa application decides on the validity of your visa.
Depending on duration and validity, Schengen visas are categorized as follows:
- Single-entry visa. It allows you to enter the Schengen Area once and remain there for the number of days permitted. Once you leave, you cannot re-enter.
- Double-entry visa. Allows you to enter the Schengen Area two times. In both entries, the number of days cannot exceed that stated on the sticker.
- Multiple-entry visa. Allows you to enter the Schengen Area multiple times during its validity. The total number of days on all combined entries cannot exceed the days stated on the visa sticker.
Double and multiple-entry visas follow the 90/180 rule, where the combined number of days you spend in the Schengen Area in all entries cannot exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
Calculating the 90/180 Rule
If you are unsure about the 90/180 rule and about how long you can stay in Schengen with a visa, you can use our handy visa calculator. Just enter the entry and exit dates of all your trips to the Schengen Area since you got your visa, and see how many days you have left.
Is It Possible to Extend a Schengen Visa?
It’s possible to extend a Schengen visa only in exceptional circumstances. For example, for
- humanitarian reasons (e.g., you’re undergoing medical treatment in Schengen or there is a family emergency which prohibits you from leaving),
- due to a force majeure (e.g., natural disaster, war, civil unrest),
- or other compelling personal reasons.
You cannot extend a Schengen visa past its validity simply because you want to stay longer in Europe. If you have a valid reason for staying in a Schengen state for longer than your Schengen visa’s validity, then you should apply for the appropriate national (long stay) visa, such as a work visa, study visa, etc.
For What Travel Purpose Are Schengen Visas Issued?
Schengen visas are issued for the following travel purposes:
- Tourism and holidays.
- Business trip.
- Visiting friends and family.
- Attending cultural, religious, or sports events.
- To transit in a Schengen airport (A type visa).
- Official visits.
- Medical treatment.
- To attend a short-term study course or for research purposes.
The process for applying for a Schengen visa is the same, regardless of what your travel purpose is. While you are completing the visa application form, you just have to specify the reason why you are requesting the Schengen visa.
What might differ between countries is the document checklist that you must present together with your Schengen visa application form.
Can I transit through a Schengen airport without a visa?
Transit rules differ between countries. Some nationalities can transit without a visa, while others always require one, even for a short layover. Always check the rules for the specific airport you’ll be using.
Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) vs. Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)
- The Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) is the commonly-issued type of Schengen visa—it allows the holder to enter all Schengen States during the visa’s validity period.
- The Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV) on the other hand, is typically issued in specific cases, such as for humanitarian reasons, for reasons of national interest or due to international obligations. It allows the holder to visit only the Schengen State which issued the visa, or only the specific Schengen States mentioned in the visa sticker.
Can I travel to multiple Schengen countries with one Schengen visa?
Yes, if you have a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) you can travel to any of the Schengen Area countries as long as you don’t exceed the maximum stay.
Schengen Countries Special Considerations
The following countries are special cases within the Schengen Agreement:
- Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein are associate members of the Schengen Area but are not members of the EU. They are part of the EFTA and implement the Schengen acquis through specific agreements related to the Schengen agreement.
- Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City have opened their borders but are not members of the visa-free zone.
- The Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands are special members of the EU and part of the Schengen Zone, even though they are located outside the European continent.
European Countries That Are Not Part of the Schengen Area or the EU
Here is a list of European countries that are neither members of the European Union nor participants in the Schengen Zone:
- Albania
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- Kosovo
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Russia
- Serbia
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
How Does a Country Join the Zone?
To join the Schengen Area, a European country must go through an evaluation process and be able to meet a specific set of conditions known as the Copenhagen Criteria.
- To be able, on behalf of other member countries, to control the external borders of the Area as well as to issue Uniform Schengen Visas.
- To possess the competence that, after the abolishment of border controls between member states, to capably collaborate with other member countries’ law enforcement agencies for a greater level of security.
- To be equipped in applying “Schengen Acquis” or rules for controlling land, sea, and air borders, issuing short-stay visas, police collaboration as well as protection of personal data.
- To be ready to join and put in use the Schengen Information System (SIS).
FAQ
When is the best time to book an appointment for my Schengen visa application?
The earliest you can file a Schengen visa application is six months before you start your planned trip. The latest you can file a Schengen visa application is at most 15 working days before you intend to travel.
The recommended time to file a Schengen visa application is at least one month before your trip.
My passport will expire within 6 months of my planned trip. Can I still apply for a Schengen visa?
According to the Schengen visa code, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa if my passport expires in two months?
As a general rule, it’s not possible. Your passport should have an expiration date that is at least 3 months after your planned return from the Schengen State.
However, the Consulate may make exceptions to this requirement in specific emergency situations.
What happens if I lose my passport while in the EU/Schengen Area?
Contact your country’s embassy or consulate immediately for assistance in obtaining a replacement travel document.
I have a Schengen visa but will be arriving a couple of days later than my stated entry date. Is that a problem?
Minor delays are usually okay. However, extremely late entry or significant changes to your plans might raise questions at border control.
Are There Any Internal Border Checks Between Schengen Member States?
While Schengen strives for unrestricted movement, occasional security checks by the police might occur, although these checks are not intended to be as extensive as full border controls.
Is the UK a Schengen Country?
The UK is not a Schengen country because it has opted to maintain its own immigration and border control policies. Therefore, if you are travelling to the UK, you will be subject to the UK’s specific visa and entry requirements, which are separate from the Schengen Area.
Are All European Countries in the Schengen Area?
No, out of 45 European countries, only 29 are in the Schengen Area. Some have opted out of the agreement, and others do not currently meet the eligibility criteria to sign it.
Can I Visit More than One Schengen Country?
Yes, with a valid Schengen visa, you can visit any of the 29 countries that are members of the Schengen Agreement.
Can I Use a Schengen Visa to Visit Ireland?
No, it is not possible to travel to Ireland with a Schengen visa. Despite being a member of the European Union, Ireland has chosen to stay outside the Schengen Agreement, maintaining its independent visa and border control systems.
Do I Have to Present My Passport at Schengen Area Border Crossings?
Although there aren’t regular border checks, it’s advisable to carry your passport or ID card in case authorities request identification.
Data Protection
Your personal data during the visa application process is protected and stored in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation).
Legal Base
- Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).
- Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 amending Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).