Schengen area - Visa information for Schengen countries - Visa reservation (2023)

When filling out your visa application form to visit Europe, you may have come across the term "Schengen". Have you ever wondered what "Schengen" means? What is the Schengen area? What is the Schengen area? Read this article to learn more about the Schengen area of ​​countries, the map and the list of countries that are part of it!

WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY SCHENGEN AREA COUNTRIES?

The 'Schengen area' consists of a group of European countries that have no restrictions on tourist travel within their territory. With the Schengen agreement, these countries abolished all types of border controls along their borders in order to facilitate the travel of tourists to other countries of the Schengen area. This means that the whole area functions as one country, where you only need one 'Schengen' visa to travel through the member countries of the Schengen area.

The Schengen Agreement, which introduced the concept of free movement between member countries and abolished all restrictions along their borders, was signed in the small wine town of Schengen in Luxembourg. So if you were curious why it's called 'Schengen', here's the explanation!

HISTORY of the Schengen Agreement

The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 between five European countries with the intention of removing all border restrictions. The founding signatories were Luxembourg, West Germany, Belgium, France and the Netherlands - five member countries of the then 10 European Economic Community (EEC).

The most important decision made through the agreement was the abolition of joint border controls between these member countries. Proposals were also made to remove vehicle security checks, which would allow travelers to easily cross the border.

All countries that were part of this agreement became known as Schengen countries, and the territory that contained these countries was called the Schengen area. Although it initially started with five countries, many more countries have joined the Schengen area. There are currently 26 member countries and several other territories and micronations. The last country to join the list of Schengen countries was Liechtenstein in 2011.

The agreement introduced a common Schengen visa system in 1995, resulting in cross-border freedom for visitors as long as they had a Schengen visa. Thus, in effect, an area was created that can be considered as one country where you can travel without multiple visas for each country – only one Schengen visa for the entire area! Furthermore, recently the rules of the Schengen Agreement have been incorporated into the rules of the European Union, since most of the Schengen countries are members of the EU.

CENSUS OF SCHENGEN AREA COUNTRIES

The 26 countries that are currently members of the Schengen Agreement are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal , Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

From this list, four Schengen countries - Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Iceland and Norway - are not members of the European Union. Therefore, they are officially known as countries associated with the Schengen activities of the EU. This means that these countries are obliged to accept the decisions made by the EU, even if they are not part of it. Two of these non-EU members, Norway and Iceland, are members of the Nordic Passport Union.

In addition to these countries, the Schengen area also includes the Caribbean islands belonging to France and three European microstates — Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican. Those territories and micronations have open or semi-open borders for visitors.

Although Ireland and the United Kingdom have negotiated an opt-out, they continue to follow the systematic rules of the Schengen area along with other EU member states.

The Schengen area is home to more than 4,000,000 people and covers more than 4,000,000 km². If you have never been to the Schengen area before and want to discover this beautiful part of the world, here is a guide to each of the countries that are part of the Schengen area to help you decide.

Austria

Austria has an area of ​​83,871 km² and a population of 8,891,388. During 2018, there were 306,133 visa applications for Austria, and of that total number, 19,098 (6.2%) were rejected. It is a country worth visiting at any time of the year. You can ski in winter and hike in the Alps in summer. It has everything from stunning architecture to incredible national parks. It has famous cities like Vienna and Salzburg and lesser known places like Worthersee and Kaprun. Wherever you go or whatever you do in Austria, you will love it from the first moment.

Belgium

With an area of ​​30,528 km², Belgium may not be large, but it is full of interesting things to see and do. The Gothic-style Grand Palace of Brussels is a sight to see or go to one of the city's most photographed attractions - Mannekin Pisa. Stroll through Bruges and see the beautiful architecture of the main squares or simply wander along the canals and see if you can find the most beautiful street in town. It is a popular place to visit, with more than 200,000 visa applications received in 2018. Brussels is a destination that will surprise you!

Czech Republic

There is a reason why the Czech Republic is one of the most visited countries in Europe. It has an area of ​​78,866 km² and you'll find beautiful cities like Prague and Brno to explore, as well as delicious food and drink to enjoy. Try Oblogne chlebíčky or Kolace if you have a sweet tooth. If you want to get back to nature, the Czech Republic has it all, from the stunning Snezka Mountains to the beautiful forests of Šumava National Park – perfect for walking or cycling! In 2018, the Czech Republic was one of the 10 easiest countries to obtain a Schengen visa with 4.7% of rejected applications out of a total of 662,902. This means that more than 95% of requests are approved. A large number of approved visa applications for a beautiful country - maybe you should visit it!

Danish

Denmark ranked 10th out of the top 10 Schengen visa receiving countries, with 7% of the 164,003 visa applications rejected. There are more than 5.5 million people who call Denmark home, and with an area of ​​43,094 km², there are sure to be plenty of attractions to keep you busy. Silkeborg is surrounded by beautiful forests and lakes that are great for exploring. There are more than a few charming towns like Copenhagen, Aarhus and Ribe where you can shop till you drop, party the night away or visit tourist attractions like the AROS museum or the Wadden Sea National Park.

Estonia

In 2018, 127,561 applications were received, of which 1.6% were rejected. This is a small percentage of rejections and means that Estonia is the second easiest country to get a Schengen visa. Estonia covers an area of ​​45,338 km² and has everything - medieval cities, islands and national parks. You won't go far wrong if you take a trip to Tallinn with its beautiful old town and bustling nightlife. There are beaches on Parnu where in the summer months you will be among the 1,322,920 locals enjoying the sun. Karula and Lahemaa National Parks with stunning bays and forests to discover! Estonia is a fascinating and fun destination for all tastes.

Finnish

Why not try Finland? It has 338,145 km² and many charming lake towns such as Hameenlinna and the Åland Islands. You will be glad you decided to visit. There is also a lot of culture, so if you like music or art, museums or architecture, you have come to the right place. There are stunning natural attractions to see, such as the Aurora Borealis or Korvatunturi, where, according to legend, Santa Claus lives! Finland received 769,049 visa applications in 2018 and just over 13,000 were rejected, meaning more than 98% were issued. Don't delay your trip to this beautiful country any longer!

France

France's size of 551,695 km² means there is something for everyone. If you're looking for romance, the Seine River is the perfect place to spend the night with your loved one. Head to the top of the Eiffel Tower for an impressive view of Paris or head to Bordeaux to sample some of the impeccable wines on offer. You can visit the historic center of Strasbourg or the gardens and cathedral of Bourges. In 2018, 629,997 visa applications were rejected out of 4,010,604, but don't let that discourage you! Apply today because there's no end to the exciting things to do in France!

Germany

Every inch of Germany's 357,050 km² has something interesting or exciting to see and do. In the north, you'll find wilderness with rolling hills and a coastline that comes alive with tourists all year round. The West is where you'll find wine country and treat yourself to a bottle or 2. Beautiful forests await your exploration in central Germany and Berlin, one of Germany's many lovely cities in the east. Go south to the forest and lake areas. In 2018, 2,056,296 visa applications for Germany were received, and only 9.1% were rejected – a small percentage considering the number of applications!

Greece

In 2018, 4.9% of visa applications were rejected, which means that Greece was the 9th easiest country to get a visa. Greece is a popular destination because it is easy to get a visa. Not only that, with almost 132,000 km², it is a fascinating country to visit. There are beautiful islands - perfect for lazy days on beautiful beaches or swimming in the azure blue sea. There are beautiful villages and spectacular gorges to explore, as well as hundreds of ancient ruins and temples. The food is delicious too – why not try a Greek salad washed down with a glass or 2 of Retsine!

Mađarska

Hungary has an area of ​​93,030 km² and a population of 10,522,246 and has many beautiful cities like Budapest and Gyor that have everything you could want in a destination. In 2018, there were some228,793 visa applications were received, and only 17,762 were rejected. there are mbenefits for culture lovers, and cafes, restaurants and bustling nightlife for those who like to eat and drink. In nature you will find impressive caves in Aggtelek or head to Bukk to see the impressive Carpathians.

Island

Iceland has joined the list of the easiest countries to obtain a Schengen visa and with a rejection rate of 1.7% in 9,334 applications received in 2018, this country has reached the 3rd place. If you are looking for an amazing experience, go to Iceland! It is a country like no other. In Iceland's area of ​​103,000 km², you will find surreal landscapes with lava fields and huge glaciers that will amaze you. Take a trip to Lagoa Azul – a geothermal spa – and relax in the hot blue water. Or head to Landmannalaugar in the middle of Iceland for exceptional beauty like you've never seen before!

Italy

In 2018, there were 1,844,140 visa applications for Italy and 15,882 (7.4%) were refused in another popular country to visit. With an area of ​​301,318 km², Italy is known as a beautiful country due to its incredible coastline, lakes and mountains. You can walk along the Cinque Terra, ski in Cortina d'Ampezzo or visit one of the picturesque Umbrian villages such as Perugia or Gubbio. Italy also has many historical attractions such as the Colosseum in Rome or Pompeii near Naples. The food is also fantastic with a range of traditional dishes such as pizza and pasta. Don't let the population of 60,627,291 put you off, it only adds to the charm and makes it one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe!

Latvia

Latvia is another country where the success rate of visa applications is high. In 2018, it was the fourth easiest country to get a visa with almost 99% of applications approved. Latvia has an area of ​​64,589 km² and is a fascinating country with towns and cities to explore. Visit the capital, Riga, where you can explore the beautiful old town or Sigulda with its castles and other historical attractions. For those who like being outdoors, there are opportunities for walks in beautiful forests as well as a wide coast with white sand beaches. There is something incredible to see and do in this beautiful destination!

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is only 160 km² and only 37,910 people live there. Despite its small size, especially compared to some of its larger European neighbors, there is still plenty to see and do. There are beautiful castles and churches like those in Balzers. You might want to visit the mountains in Triesenberg or the Roman ruins in Nendeln. Or you can head to Vaduz for traditional food in a cozy restaurant. Whatever you do, you will find that Liechtenstein is a beautiful country to visit.

Lithuania

In 2018, Lithuania received 353,059 Schengen visa applications, of which 4,701 were rejected, representing a rejection rate of 1.3%. This meant that this country with its 65,300 km² was the easiest country to get a visa. Lithuania is a European country that may not be high on your list of places to visit, but you should consider it. The capital is Vilnius, which has a beautiful old town, where the architecture is out of this world. Lithuania also has a coast and locals flock to Palanga in the summer to enjoy the warm weather and white sandy beaches. There are also national parks where you can walk, cycle or simply enjoy the scenery.

Luxembourg

Another country with a high success rate in obtaining visa applications, Luxembourg, received 10,876 applications and only 401 were not issued. With an area of ​​2,586 km² and borders with Belgium, France and Germany, Luxembourg has many natural beauties. There are many hiking trails such as the Mullerthail Trail where you can see impressive rock formations, streams and castles along the way. There are parks for walking or relaxing. In the capital of Luxembourg, you can visit the fortified castle, which offers an excellent view of the city.

Malta

Malta lies in the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe. It has an area of ​​only 316 km² and a population of 439,248 inhabitants. In 2018, more than 30,000 Malta visa applications were received and more than 25,500 were accepted. The capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the many historical buildings you can find in the city. Malta is also good for coastal walks, especially in Sliema. You also have the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino which are home to most of Malta's nature and beauty.

Netherlands

With a population of 17,059,560 and an area of ​​41,526 km², the Netherlands is a country you will likely visit again and again. The sheer number of people in attendance gives Amsterdam and Rotterdam a bustling atmosphere with plenty of cafes and bars where you can enjoy a few drinks after a day of sightseeing. You also have cities like Maastricht with its medieval center and Kinderdijk with its famous windmills. A good way to get around and see everything is to rent a bicycle, which is a very popular means of transportation, especially in cities. During 2018, there were 682,484 with an acceptance rate of 87%, making the Netherlands a preferred destination for many travelers

Norway

Norway has an area of ​​385,155 km² and only on a part of that area one of the most impressive things you can see in Norway is the Aurora Borealis or Aurora Borealis. It will make your jaw drop - no matter how many times you see it. Indeed, Norway is full of amazing things - midnight sun, beautiful fjords and much more. Cities like Oslo will give you their dose of culture and nightlife, and Bodo is the place to go if you want to visit the Lofoten Islands. Norway has a very low rejection rate of 9.5% of the 164,591 visa applications received in 2018.

Poland

Last year, with 526,517 applications received and a rejection rate of 3.2%, Poland was the 5th easiest country to get a Schengen visa approved. There is no end to what Poland can offer its visitors. Visit culturally rich cities or see fantastic landscapes, caves and mountains. You have the museums and theaters of Warsaw or the market in Krakow. Take a dark tour of Auschwitz or enjoy the forests, beaches and lakes that can be found throughout the country. Poland's 312,683 km² has something for everyone!

Portugal

Portugal has a lot to offer and you can do whatever you want there. It covers an area of ​​92,391 km² and you have mountains to hike, deserts to explore and beaches to swim. Portugal is also an important surfing destination. Albufeira is the main tourist spot, but you can detour in towns like Évora and Beja. You can also eat international food and a wide variety of local dishes such as Bacalhau (cod) and leitão (roast pork) and combined with local wine it will be a real pleasure! In 2018, 266,516 visa applications were received, and of that number, more than 83% were accepted!

Slovakia

In 2018, Slovakia was the 7th easiest country to obtain a Schengen visa, with just under 96% of the 26,797 applications approved. It has an area of ​​49,037 km² and it's amazing what you can find in Slovakia. Visitors will find their own little piece of paradise. Architecture lovers will be attracted by Bratislava with its Gothic and Baroque buildings. Culture lovers can visit museums and palaces in Košice to learn more about the country's history. There are also the High Tatras for adventure and sports addicts who can play on the slopes in winter or hike in summer.

Slovenia

When traveling in Europe, don't forget about Slovenia. The coast and Karst are full of hills and caves, and the coast of the Adriatic Sea is beautiful. There are more than 2,000,000 people living in Slovenia who will be more than happy to help you or simply make friends. On Slovenia's 20,273 km² you will find mountains, lakes and vineyards where you can try some of the locally produced wines. Head to Ljubljana and Piran for culture, cathedrals and castles. In 2018, 26,403 applications were received for Slovenia, and 23,771 were accepted.

Spain

In 2018, there were 1,701,379 visa applications for Spain and only 9.3% were rejected. Spain has an area of ​​510,000 km² and is another European country that seems to have it all - mountains to ski, beaches to relax and fantastic cities to explore. Not only that, it has a coastline that stretches for several hundred kilometers with stunning resorts and beautiful hiking trails. Experience Barcelona for its architecture or Seville for its culture and everything in between, you'll need more than one trip there!

Sweden

Sweden has 9,971,638 inhabitants and an area of ​​449,964 km², and in 2018 more than 88% of the 253,292 applications were accepted. In this beautiful country, if you want nightlife, shopping and all that the city has to offer, visit Stockholm or Linkoping. If you're looking for an adventurous holiday, head to one of Sweden's 30 national parks, where you can hike through forests and along streams. There are opportunities for skiing or bird watching. Whatever you like to do, you will find it in Sweden!

Switzerland

Switzerland is an amazing destination for travelers who want to head to Europe. There are 41,285 km² full of cultural cities with numerous museums, medieval castles, carnivals and festivals. Bern has a great nightlife with plenty of bars and clubs, and Interlaken is the place for you if you like skydiving or rafting. With 556,520 visa applications received in 2018 and 92.6% approved, get your visa today because there really is so much to see and do in this beautiful country!

Here it is, a guide through all 26 countries of the Schengen area. It's up to you to decide which one to visit first!

Statisticsquoted on the official website of the European Union

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10 EASIEST SCHENGEN VISA COUNTRIES TO APPLY AND GET A SCHENGEN VISA

When applying for a Schengen visa, the requirements are the same regardless of which consulate you use; however, the application process varies slightly from consulate to consulate. But when we look at the different countries that make up the Schengen area, there are some that have a fantastic visa record. With that in mind, let's take a look10 easiest Schengen countriesto obtain a Schengen visa.

29 COUNTRIES OUTSIDE OF SCHENGEN YOU CAN TRAVEL TO WITH A SCHENGEN VISA

If you get a visa to travel within the Schengen area, did you know that other countries that are NOT part of itSchengen areaDO THEY ALLOW entry with your schengen visa? It makes trips around the world including countries inEuropean Union(EU) much easier for citizens who need a visa. So why not take advantage of these visa waiver rules and travel to more placesnon-Schengen countriesthan you planned!

POSSIBLE MEMBERS OF THE SCHENGEN AREA:

There are some other members of the European Union that are likely to be part of the Schengen area countries. This includes Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. Although these countries have expressed their desire to be included in the Schengen area, their status is still not resolved for several reasons. It is mostly a long list of regional and political issues that still need to be resolved in these regions, such as the dispute over Cyprus or concerns related to the influx of illegal migrants.

Without a doubt, there are very strict qualification criteria that need to be met to become a Schengen country, such as showing that they can take responsibility for controlling the external border of the area and that they use the Schengen Visa Information System. It is also important that these countries demonstrate their cooperation with other Schengen countries, maintaining a high level of border security, as well as their willingness to follow Schengen rules.'

Likewise, there are some other territories, including Madeira, the Azores and Guadeloupe, which are located on the European continent but are not yet part of the Schengen Agreement. In the future, they are obliged to join the Schengen area. So, they currently follow all the rules implemented by the Schengen Agreement. The assessment for their inclusion in the Schengen area is based on air border security, visas, police cooperation and personal data protection in those countries. They can be members of the Schengen area countries after completing the evaluation and fulfilling these requirements.

This is everything you need to know about the Schengen countries in one capsule. I hope this information will help you a lot during your trip to the Schengen area. Rest assured, your tour will surely be exciting, as your itinerary can include everything from the most glamorous cities to rustic European villages and mystical landscapes!

Now, the only thing stopping you from a long-awaited vacation in your favorite Schengen countries is probably the visa application process. We know that applying for a Schengen visa can be quite a daunting task. So, if you need any help while applying, just contact us.

YesVisa reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no-objection letter templates to our clients from USA, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and worldwide . we also offeritinerary visa leta,travel health insurance,hotel reservations for visa,Mark check seen,tourist guides,visa interview guides,Whole packageand much more. Feel free to find out more about how we can help you with our visa servicescontact ustoday.

Last updated: September 25, 2020