As of 2026 the Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries that have abolished routine passport controls at their mutual borders, allowing visa‑free short‑stay travel across the zone.
Current Schengen members (2026)
| Country | Year joined | EU member |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | 1997 | Yes |
| Belgium | 1995 | Yes |
| Bulgaria | 2024 | Yes |
| Croatia | 2023 | Yes |
| Czech Republic | 2007 | Yes |
| Denmark | 2001 | Yes |
| Estonia | 2007 | Yes |
| Finland | 2001 | Yes |
| France | 1995 | Yes |
| Germany | 1995 | Yes |
| Greece | 2000 | Yes |
| Hungary | 2007 | Yes |
| Iceland | 2001 | No |
| Italy | 1997 | Yes |
| Latvia | 2007 | Yes |
| Liechtenstein | 2011 | No |
| Lithuania | 2007 | Yes |
| Luxembourg | 1995 | Yes |
| Malta | 2007 | Yes |
| Netherlands | 1995 | Yes |
| Norway | 2001 | No |
| Poland | 2007 | Yes |
| Portugal | 1995 | Yes |
| Romania | 2024 | Yes |
| Slovakia | 2007 | Yes |
| Slovenia | 2007 | Yes |
| Spain | 1995 | Yes |
| Sweden | 2001 | Yes |
| Switzerland | 2008 | No |
Prospective expansion (2027)
No new member has been officially confirmed for 2027. Cyprus is the most likely candidate; in July 2026 the European Commission gave a positive assessment of its technical preparedness, but the Council must still approve the removal of internal border controls. If approved, Cyprus would become the 30th Schengen state. EU candidate countries—Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia and Bosnia‑Herzegovina—are expected to align with Schengen rules as part of broader EU accession, but none have a confirmed accession date for 2027.
Countries outside the Schengen Area
- Ireland – EU member but part of the Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom.
- Cyprus – EU member since 2004; still subject to its own entry rules.
- United Kingdom – Outside both the EU and Schengen; a Schengen visa does not grant entry.
- Western Balkans – Albania, Bosnia‑Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia (entry rules vary; some accept valid Schengen visas or residence permits under specific conditions).
- Other European states – Moldova, Ukraine, Türkiye.
Travelers should verify entry requirements for any non‑Schengen destination, as they may differ from the rules applicable within the 29‑country zone.
Who needs a Schengen visa in 2026?
Citizens of more than 60 countries can enter the Schengen Area visa‑free for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180‑day period. Visa‑exempt nationals include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, the United States and the United Kingdom, among others.
A major change is expected later in 2026 with the launch of ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Once operational—scheduled for the last quarter of 2026—eligible visa‑exempt non‑EU travelers will generally be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation before entering participating Schengen states.
For stays longer than 90 days, a national long‑stay visa or residence permit from the intended country of residence is required.
Required documents for a short‑stay Schengen visa (Type C)
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond planned departure, at least 2 blank pages)
- Completed visa application form (one per applicant)
- Two passport‑size photos (35 × 45 mm, light background)
- Travel medical insurance covering at least €30 000, valid throughout the Schengen Area
- Proof of travel purpose (hotel bookings, itinerary, invitation letter, or business invitation)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements for the last 3–6 months, income certificate, or sponsor letter)
- Flight or travel bookings (round‑trip tickets or confirmed reservations)
- Civil‑status documents (marriage or birth certificates when traveling with family)
- Parental consent (notarised authorisation if a child travels without one parent)
Requirements may vary slightly between consulates, so applicants should consult the specific embassy or consular website before submitting their request.
Source article: www.astons.com
