Schengen Area Countries: Complete List for 2026
The Schengen Area is one of the most significant achievements of European integration, representing a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and border controls at their mutual borders. For travelers, understanding which countries are part of the Schengen Area is crucial for managing visa requirements, calculating permitted stays, and planning seamless European travel. This comprehensive guide provides the complete list of Schengen countries as of 2026, including recent additions and important distinctions between EU and Schengen membership.
All 29 Schengen Area Countries (2026)
As of 2026, the Schengen Area comprises 29 member states. Here is the complete list:
Recent Additions to the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area has expanded significantly in recent years. Understanding these recent additions helps travelers stay current with evolving travel regulations:
Bulgaria and Romania (2024)
After years of preparation and political negotiations, Bulgaria and Romania officially joined the Schengen Area in March 2024. Initially, the accession applied to air and sea borders, meaning travelers arriving by plane or boat to Bulgaria or Romania entered the Schengen Area without border checks. Land border controls were fully lifted on January 1, 2025, completing their accession. This historic expansion brings the total number of Schengen countries to 29 and significantly expands the geographical reach of the borderless zone in Eastern Europe.
Croatia (2023)
Croatia became the 27th member of the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023. Having joined the European Union in 2013, Croatia spent nearly a decade preparing for Schengen membership, upgrading border infrastructure and meeting the strict requirements for external border management. Croatia's accession was particularly significant as it connected the previously isolated Schengen territories in Central Europe with the Mediterranean, enhancing travel flow throughout the region.
EU Countries NOT in the Schengen Area
It's a common misconception that all European Union countries are part of the Schengen Area. In fact, two EU member states remain outside Schengen:
Ireland
Ireland opted out of the Schengen Agreement to maintain the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the United Kingdom, which allows free movement between Ireland and the UK without passport controls. This arrangement predates both countries' EU membership and remains in place even after Brexit. Travelers to Ireland must clear immigration separately, and time spent in Ireland does not count toward the Schengen 90/180-day limit.
Cyprus
While Cyprus is an EU member state since 2004, it has not yet joined the Schengen Area. The primary obstacle is the ongoing division of the island between the Republic of Cyprus (recognized internationally) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey). This complex political situation makes it challenging for Cyprus to meet Schengen requirements for external border management. Cyprus continues to work toward eventual Schengen membership, but no firm timeline has been established.
Non-EU Countries IN the Schengen Area
Conversely, not all Schengen countries are EU members. Four European countries participate in Schengen while remaining outside the European Union:
Iceland and Norway
Both Iceland and Norway are members of EFTA (European Free Trade Association) and participate in the European Economic Area (EEA). They joined Schengen in 1996, making them founding members of the borderless zone. Despite not being EU members, they have adopted most EU regulations related to the single market and free movement of people.
Switzerland
Switzerland joined the Schengen Area in 2008 through bilateral agreements with the EU. As a non-EU, non-EEA country, Switzerland has a unique relationship with Europe, participating in Schengen while maintaining independence in other policy areas. Swiss voters approved Schengen membership via referendum, recognizing the economic and practical benefits of borderless travel.
Liechtenstein
The tiny principality of Liechtenstein, sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria, joined Schengen in 2011. As an EFTA and EEA member, Liechtenstein participates in the European single market and has long maintained open borders with Switzerland through a customs union. Its Schengen membership formalized these arrangements within the broader European framework.
How Does This Affect the 90/180 Rule?
Understanding which countries are in the Schengen Area is essential for managing the famous 90/180-day rule. This regulation allows non-EU nationals (including Americans, Canadians, Australians, and many others) to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period without a visa.
Here's what you need to know:
- Only Schengen days count: Time spent in all 29 Schengen countries counts toward your 90-day limit. However, time spent in non-Schengen countries like Ireland, Cyprus, or the UK does not count.
- The clock is always running: The 180-day window is rolling, meaning it moves forward with each passing day. Your calculation changes daily as old days drop off and new days are added.
- All Schengen countries count equally: It doesn't matter which Schengen countries you visit. Whether you spend all 90 days in one country or spread your time across multiple countries, the limit is the same.
- Overstaying has serious consequences: Exceeding the 90/180-day limit can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans to the entire Schengen Area.
The recent additions of Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia mean that time spent in these countries now counts toward your Schengen limit, whereas it didn't before their accession. If you've been planning extended stays in these regions, you'll need to recalculate your available days.
Track Your Schengen Days with Our Free Calculator
Manually calculating your remaining days under the 90/180 rule can be complex and error-prone, especially with the rolling window calculation. Our free Schengen calculator does the math for you instantly.
Calculate Your Remaining DaysFrequently Asked Questions
Is the UK in the Schengen Area?
No, the United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Area and never was, even when it was an EU member. The UK maintained its own border controls and visa policies throughout its EU membership. After Brexit, UK citizens are now subject to the 90/180-day rule when visiting Schengen countries, meaning they can only stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Is Bulgaria in the Schengen Area?
Yes, Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area in March 2024 for air and sea travel, and fully joined including land borders in January 2025. Bulgaria is now a complete Schengen member, and time spent in Bulgaria counts toward the 90/180-day limit.
Does time in non-Schengen EU countries count toward my 90 days?
No, only time spent in Schengen Area countries counts toward the 90/180-day limit. Time spent in EU countries that are not in Schengen—specifically Ireland and Cyprus—does not count toward your Schengen stay limit. These countries have their own separate visa and immigration rules. Similarly, time spent in the UK (which is neither EU nor Schengen) also doesn't count.
Can I travel between Schengen countries without border checks?
Yes, one of the main benefits of the Schengen Area is the absence of internal border controls. You can travel freely between all 29 Schengen countries without passport checks at borders, similar to traveling between states in the US. However, you should always carry your passport or ID card as authorities can conduct random checks, and you'll need it for hotels, flights, and other services. Note that temporary border controls can be reintroduced in exceptional circumstances, such as major security events or public health emergencies.