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.

Quick Overview of Schengen Countries 2026

Upcoming Schengen Country List 2027

The Schengen Area currently has 29 members, and no additional country has been officially confirmed to join in 2027. However, Cyprus is the most likely candidate for the next expansion and made significant progress towards full membership in 2026.

In July 2026, the European Commission confirmed a positive assessment of Cyprus’s technical preparedness following monitoring carried out in December 2025. The country must still complete the remaining steps before the Council can approve the lifting of internal border controls, so there is currently no confirmed accession date.

If Cyprus completes the process and receives the necessary approval, it would become the 30th member of the Schengen Area.

EU candidate countries including Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are also expected to align progressively with Schengen rules as part of the broader EU accession process. However, none of them is currently confirmed to join either the EU or the Schengen Area in 2027.

Which Countries Are Not in the Schengen Area?

While the Schengen Area covers much of Europe, several countries remain outside it and maintain their own border and entry rules.

• Ireland is an EU member but remains outside Schengen, largely because of its participation in the Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom.
• Cyprus has been part of the EU since 2004 but has not yet fully joined Schengen. Until accession is completed, its national entry rules continue to apply.
• The United Kingdom has its own visa and border regime and is outside both the EU and Schengen. Holding a Schengen visa does not give a traveller the right to enter the UK.
• The Western Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia are not part of Schengen. Entry requirements vary, and some of these countries accept valid Schengen visas or residence permits under specific conditions.

Other European countries outside Schengen include Moldova, Ukraine and Türkiye. Travellers should check the individual entry requirements of any non-Schengen destination, as they may differ from the rules applying within the 29-country area.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa in 2026?

Citizens of more than 60 countries and territories can travel to the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Visa-exempt travellers include nationals of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, the United States and the United Kingdom, among others.

A major change is expected later in 2026 with the introduction of ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Once operational, eligible visa-exempt non-EU travellers will generally need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling to participating European countries. The system is scheduled to launch in the last quarter of 2026, although the exact date has not yet been announced.

For stays exceeding 90 days, travellers generally need a national long-stay visa or residence permit issued by the country where they intend to live, work or study.

What Documents Are Required for a Schengen Visa?

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

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FAQ

Which countries are in the Schengen area but not in the EU?

Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are Schengen members but not part of the European Union.

Susanna Uzakova

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor

Is the UK in the Schengen Zone?

No, the United Kingdom is not and has never been a part of Schengen. You’ll need a separate visa to visit the UK.

Susanna Uzakova

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor

Which countries might join Schengen next?

Cyprus is currently the most likely next country to join the Schengen Area. In 2026, it received a positive assessment of its technical preparedness, although full accession still requires the remaining conditions to be met and formal EU approval. No official accession date has been confirmed. EU candidate countries in the Western Balkans may join Schengen in the longer term as their European integration progresses, but none currently has a confirmed timetable for membership.

Susanna Uzakova

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor

Can you freely travel within Schengen?

Yes, there are no routine border checks between Schengen countries. However, temporary controls may be reintroduced for security or migration reasons.

Susanna Uzakova

Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor

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