Schengen Visa Countries: Complete List, Map & Rules (2025)
The Schengen Area brings together several European countries that have abolished internal border controls. With a Schengen visa, travelers can move freely between all member states for short stays, without applying for a separate visa for each country.
As of 2025, the Schengen Area includes 29 countries, making it one of the largest zones of free movement in the world.
List of Schengen visa countries (2025)
Below is the official list of countries included in the Schengen visa, valid in 2025. A single Schengen visa allows travel to all these countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Austria 🇦🇹
- Belgium 🇧🇪
- Bulgaria 🇧🇬
- Croatia 🇭🇷
- Czech Republic 🇨🇿
- Denmark 🇩🇰
- Estonia 🇪🇪
- Finland 🇫🇮
- France 🇫🇷
- Germany 🇩🇪
- Greece 🇬🇷
- Hungary 🇭🇺
- Iceland 🇮🇸
- Italy 🇮🇹
- Latvia 🇱🇻
- Liechtenstein 🇱🇮
- Lithuania 🇱🇹
- Luxembourg 🇱🇺
- Malta 🇲🇹
- Netherlands 🇳🇱
- Norway 🇳🇴
- Poland 🇵🇱
- Portugal 🇵🇹
- Romania 🇷🇴
- Slovakia 🇸🇰
- Slovenia 🇸🇮
- Spain 🇪🇸
- Sweden 🇸🇪
- Switzerland 🇨🇭
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, even though it is not a member of the European Union. This means that a valid Schengen visa allows entry into Switzerland, under the same rules as other Schengen countries.
Travelers can visit Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and there are no internal border controls between Switzerland and other Schengen states. For visa-required nationals, Schengen-compliant travel insurance is mandatory, covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses and emergency repatriation.
How many countries are in the Schengen visa area?
The Schengen visa currently covers 29 countries. Once issued, the visa allows entry and travel across all Schengen states, without additional border checks between member countries.
This is why the Schengen visa is often described as a single visa for multiple European countries, simplifying travel across Europe for non-EU nationals.
European countries outside the Schengen Area
Not all European countries are part of the Schengen Area. Some European countries without a Schengen visa system include:
- United Kingdom (But foreign residents in the UK need Schengen insurance.)
- Ireland
- Cyprus
These countries apply their own national visa rules and are not covered by a Schengen visa.
Expert insight on Schengen visa & travel insurance
For travelers subject to a Schengen visa, travel insurance is mandatory. The policy must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses and include emergency repatriation, and it must be valid in all Schengen countries.
This requirement applies regardless of the specific countries visited within the Schengen Area.
For travelers applying for a Schengen visa, choosing a compliant and reliable travel insurance is a key step in the application process. HelloSafe offers a streamlined online subscription journey, allowing travelers to compare negotiated rates from well-known insurers recognized by Schengen consulates and VFS centers. The insurance certificate is issued immediately after subscription, making it suitable for urgent visa applications. In case of a visa refusal, HelloSafe policies include a refund option, reducing the financial risk associated with the application process.
Get your Schengen travel insurance certificate in 2 minutes
FAQ
Schengen visa countries are European states that belong to the Schengen Area, a zone where internal border controls have been removed. A single Schengen visa allows travelers to enter and move freely between all member countries for short stays, without needing separate visas for each destination.
As of 2025, the Schengen visa covers 29 countries. This number may evolve over time as new countries join the Schengen Area or fully implement border-free travel rules.
With a valid Schengen visa, you can visit all 29 Schengen countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden. The visa allows travel between these countries without additional border checks during the authorized stay period.
The Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. This limit applies to all Schengen countries combined, not per country.
No. Several European countries are outside the Schengen Area, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland and Cyprus. These countries apply their own national visa policies and are not covered by a Schengen visa.
Yes. For travelers required to obtain a Schengen visa, travel insurance is mandatory. The policy must cover at least €30,000, include medical expenses and emergency repatriation, and be valid in all Schengen visa countries.
Some insurers offer a refund in case of visa refusal, provided official proof is submitted. Platforms like HelloSafe highlight insurance policies that include this option, helping applicants reduce financial risk when applying for a Schengen visa.
