Schengen countries

The Schengen area represents a unique model of cooperation between 26 European countries that have signed an historic agreement for the free movement of people across their borders. This initiative, launched in 1985, aims to make it easier for citizens and residents to move around within the area, eliminating internal border controls.

Free movement of borders within the Schengen area

This agreement encompasses a variety of European nations, opening up all borders – land, air and sea. Once a person has entered one of the member countries of the Schengen Area, he or she can travel easily through the other members without undergoing border identity checks.

Schengen visa requirement

However, it is important to note that a Schengen visa is required for non-EU citizens wishing to enter any of these 26 countries. Once this visa has been obtained from one of the members of the Schengen Area, it authorizes free movement between these countries for a maximum of 90 days per half-year.

Crucial differentiation

It’s crucial to distinguish between the member states of the European Union and those of the Schengen area when planning your trip. To check whether your destination is included in the Schengen zone, please refer to the exhaustive list below:

MEMBER STATES OF THE SCHENGEN AREA:

• Germany
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Spain
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Norway
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Czech Republic
• Romania

Schengen travel insurance

Any application for a Schengen visa, in any member state of the Schengen area, requires compulsory Schengen insurance. This insurance is also valid for applications for attestation d’accueil in France.

We recommend that you check the validity of this information with the relevant authorities, as it is subject to change.

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