Schengen Country List 2026

As of 2026, the Schengen Area includes 29 European countries, such as France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Greece, allowing people to travel between them without internal border checks. This visa-free zone simplifies movement across much of Europe and is based on the Schengen Agreement, which eliminates routine passport control at shared borders.

While most Schengen countries are also part of the European Union, several non-EU nations like Switzerland and Norway are also included. Meanwhile, countries like Ireland, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom remain outside the zone.

Below, you’ll find the full list of Schengen countries in 2026, as well as details on who needs a visa, how to apply, and what documents are required.

While the Schengen Zone covers much of Europe, several countries remain outside it. These include Ireland, Cyprus, the UK, and the Western Balkan states (which are either non-EU or not yet part of Schengen):

• Ireland – The only EU country that opted out of Schengen. It maintains its own border controls due to the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK. This allows free movement between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland.
• Cyprus – An EU member since 2004, Cyprus has not yet joined the Schengen Zone due to ongoing territorial and technical issues. Accession is expected around 2026. Currently, a Schengen visa does not grant entry to Cyprus.
• United Kingdom – Never part of the Schengen Zone, even when it was in the EU. The UK operates its own immigration and visa system. A Schengen visa is not valid for UK travel.
• Western Balkans – Countries such as Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are not part of either the EU or the Schengen Zone (though many are EU candidates). Each country has its own visa policy, and a Schengen visa does not automatically allow entry.

Citizens of over 60 countries can travel to the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). These countries include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, the United States, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and others.

However, starting in 2025, visa-free travellers must register through the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay national visa or residence permit from the relevant Schengen country.

Want to live or invest in a Schengen country long-term?

Astons can help you secure EU residency through real estate investment, private equity funds, or government programmes in countries such as Hungary, Cyprus, Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Malta.

To apply for a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) in 2026, you’ll typically need:

• Valid passport – At least 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen Area and at least 2 blank pages.
• Completed visa application form – One per person, including minors.
• Two passport-size photos – 35×45 mm, on a light background.
• Travel medical insurance – Must cover at least €30,000 and be valid across all Schengen countries.
• Proof of travel purpose – Hotel bookings, itinerary, or invitation letter for tourism or private visits; business invitations for work travel.
• Proof of financial means – Recent bank statements (3–6 months), income certificate, or sponsor letter.
• Flight or travel bookings – Round-trip tickets or confirmed reservations.
• Civil status documents – Marriage certificate, birth certificates (if traveling with family).
• Parental consent – Notarised authorisation if a child is travelling without one parent.

Each country may have slight variations or additional requirements, so always check the specific consulate’s website before applying.

Gain the right to live, work, and travel freely across the Schengen Zone — for you and your family.

Start your journey with Astons today.