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Last Update: 29-10-2024
If you're planning a trip to Europe, the Schengen Area is likely on your itinerary. This visa zone covers 29 European countries, allowing passport-free travel across borders for up to 90 days. Understanding the Schengen Agreement and the Schengen visa countries can help you explore Europe with ease and clarity. In this guide, I’ll cover the Schengen Area countries, visa requirements, and essential travel tips.
The Schengen Agreement is a foundational pact that created Europe's border-free travel zone. Signed on 14 June 1985, in the small Luxembourg village of Schengen, this agreement originally included only five European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Over time, more countries joined, and today, the Schengen Area includes 29 countries that participate in border-free travel and harmonized visa policies.
The Schengen acquis defines the legal framework that allows for short stay visas, primarily aimed at tourists and business travelers. Those holding a Schengen visa can enter any of the Schengen visa countries and move freely within the Schengen Area without additional border checks, except in specific situations where temporary internal border controls may be introduced for security reasons.
The Schengen visa countries includes 29 European nations which are as follows:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, 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.
Together, these countries make up the Schengen Area, where travelers can move freely without regular border controls.
Not every European country is part of the Schengen Area, despite being part of the European Union. Several EU countries, including Ireland, have chosen not to join the Schengen Area and maintain their own border checks. Additionally, non-EU microstates such as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City are not Schengen members but maintain open borders with Schengen countries.
Yes, Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit countries within the Schengen Area for short stays. This visa allows for up to 90 days of travel within any 180-day period across the 29 Schengen visa countries. Indian travelers must apply for this visa through the embassy or consulate of the main Schengen country they plan to visit. With a valid Schengen visa, they can freely move within the entire Schengen Area without needing additional visas for each country.
Traveling within the Schengen Area is convenient due to the lack of internal border controls. For tourists, this means fewer border checks and smoother, uninterrupted travel across borders. Additionally, Schengen visas streamline the process by eliminating the need for separate visas for each country on the Schengen visa countries list.
Obtaining a Schengen visa involves a few essential requirements which are as follows:
Processing times can vary depending on the embassy, country of application, and other factors. Generally it may take up to 15 to 25 working days.
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To give you a taste of the Schengen countries, here are a few words about some of the popular destinations in Schengen area:
The Schengen Area is a prime example of European integration, enabling millions to travel freely across multiple nations without border restrictions. For visitors, understanding the Schengen visa countries list and requirements can simplify travel plans and open doors to some of Europe’s most captivating destinations. Whether you're drawn to the culture of Italy, the landscapes of Norway, or the history of Greece, the Schengen visa offers seamless access to explore Europe.
By preparing thoroughly and respecting visa guidelines, you can make the most of your European adventure across these 29 Schengen visa countries.
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows travelers to move freely within the 29 Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s required for Indian passport holders who wish to visit any Schengen country for tourism, business, or family visits.
With a single Schengen visa, you can visit all 29 Schengen countries without needing separate visas for each one, as long as you stay within the allowed 90-day period.
The Schengen acquis refers to the collection of legal measures that govern the Schengen Area, covering aspects from visa policies to border control rules.
If you’re visiting more than one Schengen country, apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you’ll spend the most time. If your stay is split equally, apply at the embassy of the country you’ll enter first.
It’s recommended to apply at least 3 to 6 weeks before your travel date. Schengen embassies allow applications up to 6 months in advance, ensuring enough time to process the visa.
Required documents include a valid passport with at least three months of validity post-departure, travel insurance with €30,000 minimum coverage, proof of accommodation, a detailed itinerary, and proof of financial means (bank statements, salary slips). Each country may have additional requirements.
A standard Schengen visa for Indians costs around €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12. Fees may vary slightly by country and are typically non-refundable, even if the visa is denied.
Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances, like medical emergencies or unforeseen events, and must be requested at the relevant immigration authority in the country you’re in. Approval is rare, so it’s best to plan your stay within the initial 90-day limit.
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