Which countries are in the Schengen area, and which EU countries are not?

Which countries are in the Schengen area?

The EU's common rules for short stays apply in 29 European countries: 25 EU countries and 4 non-EU countries. Together these countries make up the Schengen area, and checks at the internal borders between them have been abolished.¹²

Which EU countries are not in the Schengen area?

Cyprus and Ireland. EU visa rules do not apply in either country; each issues visas under its own national rules, so check with its embassy or consulate.¹

Cyprus takes part in the Schengen cooperation, but the Council has not yet abolished its internal border controls. The Commission says its integration into the Schengen area is under way.²

A valid visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen country can also be used to travel to Cyprus, but visas and residence permits issued by Cyprus are not valid for travel to Schengen countries.¹

Ireland is allowed by the Schengen Protocol not to apply the Schengen rules (an opt-out), so it keeps its own visa and border policies. It has asked to take part in some areas, including the Schengen Information System and police and judicial cooperation.² The list of nationalities that need a visa for Ireland differs slightly from that of other EU countries.¹

When did Bulgaria and Romania join?

The Schengen area has been expanded several times. Bulgaria and Romania were the last countries to join, on 1 January 2025.²

The Schengen project began in 1985, on board a vessel on the River Moselle, where Luxembourg, Germany and France meet.²

Are there border checks between Schengen countries?

Normally not. Once you have crossed the external Schengen border and border guards have checked your documents, you are not subject to further checks when travelling within the area.¹

In exceptional circumstances, Schengen countries may bring back temporary checks at their internal borders, as a last resort. A country that does so must inform the Council, the European Parliament, the Commission and the public.¹²

If you plan to travel to or through a country with such checks, Your Europe says to carry your passport and other supporting documents.¹

Does one Schengen visa cover all 29 countries?

A Schengen visa automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries. You may need a separate visa for countries that are not in the Schengen area.¹

The common rules cover short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.¹² Our page on the 90/180-day rule explains how to count the days.

This is not legal advice. Check entry rules with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

What this page cannot tell you

• Page dates differ. The Migration and Home Affairs page is dated 27 May 2025; Your Europe was last checked by the Commission on 19 August 2026. Cyprus's position may change as its integration continues.²¹
• Microstates not covered. Neither page lists Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, so we say nothing about them.
• Temporary internal checks change. The Commission keeps an overview of which countries currently have them; we did not reproduce it.
• Not covered here: the new digital border systems, which have their own page.

Related: How does the 90/180-day rule work? · EES and ETIAS: what changes at Europe's borders · Which countries use the euro in 2026? · Where does 'roam like at home' work, and where does it stop?.