Is Britain included in the Schengen zone? What is the Schengen Agreement? Single and double entry visas

Everyone knows about the existence of the Schengen zone and the European Union. But here’s a paradox: the absolute majority equate these two associations, which is fundamentally wrong. Let's figure it out.

The Schengen Agreement, signed by 26 countries, implies the free movement of citizens of these countries within the territory of the Schengen member states. No border controls at internal borders, with the exception of external borders with countries bordering the Schengen area.

In turn, the EU is a political and economic union of 28 countries.

Thus, the Schengen area and the European Union are completely two different organizations. Not all EU countries are part of the Schengen area, just as not all Schengen countries are members of the EU.

However, a tourist who has received a Schengen visa stamp from one of the relevant countries in his international passport (we will not go into all the nuances, since there are several categories of visas, and besides, no one has abolished the concepts of “first entry” and “main country of residence”), has the right to move freely within the countries included in the Schengen area.

As of 2019 list of Schengen member countries looks like this (in alphabetical order):

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Hungary
4. Germany
5. Greece
6. Denmark
7. Iceland
8. Spain
9. Italy
10. Latvia
11. Lithuania
12. Liechtenstein
13. Luxembourg
14. Malta
15. Netherlands
16. Norway
17. Poland
18. Portugal
19. Slovakia
20. Slovenia
21. Finland
22. France
23. Czech
24. Switzerland
25. Sweden
26. Estonia

Upon careful examination, you will notice that four states from the above list are not members of the European Union. We are talking about Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

In addition, four current members of the European Union are not among the countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement. These are Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania and Croatia. This is due to the fact that these countries joined the EU after the creation of the Schengen zone, and for various reasons do not yet reach the appropriate level. For example, Romania is accused of insufficiently fighting corruption, and Cyprus has an unresolved conflict with Turkey (occupation of the northern part of the island).

True, if you have a Schengen visa, you can freely enter these countries, although a few years ago some of them required their own national visas for entry.

Keep in mind also that such dwarf European states as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican, which are not members of the European Union, are de facto included in the Schengen zone.

Great Britain and Ireland, which are full members of the EU, but are not part of Schengen and implement their own passport and visa policy, have a special place in the European Union.

To date list of member countries of the European Union next (in alphabetical order):

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Bulgaria
4. Great Britain (preparing to leave the union!)
5. Hungary
6. Germany
7. Greece
8. Denmark
9. Ireland
10. Spain
11. Italy
12. Latvia
13. Lithuania
14. Luxembourg
15. Malta
16. Netherlands
17. Poland
18. Portugal
19. Romania
20. Slovakia
21. Slovenia
22. Finland
23. France
24. Croatia
25. Czech
26. Sweden
27. Estonia

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the above lists of Schengen and the European Union may well undergo changes in the near future. Do not forget that Albania, Iceland, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Montenegro are in line for EU membership. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are also knocking on the door of the European Union. And there is more and more talk about depriving Greece of membership in the EU or the Schengen zone.

The Schengen zone means a territory in which 26 European countries have designated their internal borders for the free movement of their citizens, trade, and the fight against crime, creating a common set of laws and treaties.

As of 2019, the Schengen area includes 26 countries.

There are countries that are not members of the European Union, but are included in the Schengen area:

• Norway;
• Iceland;
• Switzerland;
• Liechtenstein.

The Schengen area means an area in which 26 European countries have abolished their internal borders, for the free and unrestricted movement of people in accordance with common rules for controlling external borders and fighting crime by strengthening a common judicial system and police cooperation.

The Schengen area covers most EU countries, with the exception of Great Britain, Ireland and countries that may soon become part of it: Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus.

Non-EU countries include Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, but they are also part of the Schengen area.

Schengen countries:

The Schengen area includes the following countries:

• Austria,
• Belgium,
• Czech Republic,
• Denmark,
• Estonia,
• Finland,
• France,
• Germany,
• Greece,
• Hungary,
• Iceland,
• Italy,
• Latvia,
• Liechtenstein,
• Lithuania,
• Luxembourg,
• Malta,
• Netherlands,
• Norway,
• Poland,
• Portugal,
• Slovakia,
• Slovenia,
• Spain,
• Sweden
• Switzerland.

All these countries are located in Europe, of which:

22 members fully comply with Schengen legislation:

Four of them are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), implementing Schengen legislation through various agreements relating to the Schengen area.

Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are associate members of the Schengen area, but are not members of the EU.
Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City open their borders to Schengen visa holders, but are not members of the visa-free zone.

The Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands are special members of the EU and part of the Schengen area, although they are located outside the European continent.

There are six other EU members that have not joined the Schengen area:

• Ireland and Great Britain,
• Romania, Bulgaria,
• Croatia and Cyprus.

The length of the external borders of the Schengen zone reaches 50,000 km in length, the area is 4,312,099 million km2, hundreds of airports and seaports are located in the Schengen zone, the population is 419,392,429,000 people.

Note:
It should be remembered that most Schengen countries are members of the European Union, but the Schengen area and the European Union are different things.

Information on visa requirements for Schengen countries

The holder of a single Schengen visa can travel to all 26 member countries of the Schengen area:

For detailed information about the document requirements for obtaining a visa, select the desired country from the table:

Main features of the Schengen area

The abolition of borders between European countries has led to the following:

• Citizens of any country in the world, while in the Schengen area, can freely cross the internal borders of member states, without border checks;
• Common standards for crossing external and internal borders were developed;
• There are harmonized and uniform conditions for entry and issuance of short-term visas for all Member States;
• Improved cooperation between police forces of member countries
• Privileged judicial cooperation between members, including faster extradition of criminals and easier relocation for the execution of criminal sentences;
• An advanced common database to help member countries quickly share information about people and goods between them, known as SIS

Despite the degree of freedom guaranteed by the Schengen area, the police enjoy the power to carry out checks at internal borders and border areas in special circumstances, but these are not considered border checks.

The police may require information from people at internal borders about their stay in the Schengen area and additional related issues.

If a serious security threat arises for a Schengen member country, the member country may temporarily resume border checks at its internal borders, but for no more than 30 days;

Types of Schengen visa

A Schengen visa, issued by any of the Schengen member states, allows its holders to travel freely and cross the internal borders of any Schengen countries. It also grants the right to enter all EFTA Schengen countries.

Member countries of the European Union that are not members of the Schengen countries also grant visa-free entry to third-country nationals if they have a valid Schengen visa and the non-Schengen country has a visa waiver agreement with that country (see information higher in the country).

There are 3 types of Schengen visas:

UNIFORM SCHENGEN VISA (USV)

A single Schengen visa is a permit issued by one of the member countries of the Schengen area for residence in a Schengen country for up to 90 consecutive days, every 3 months. USV can be used as a transit visa.

• Single: A unified visa allows its holder to enter the Schengen area once for a limited period of time; after leaving the country, the visa expires automatically.
• Double: similar to a single-entry visa, except that its holder can enter a Schengen member state twice; after the second border crossing, the visa expires automatically.
• Multiple: The holder of this visa can cross the Schengen zone as many times as necessary during the validity period of the visa. But stay in the Schengen country is limited to 90 consecutive days within 6 months.

Limited Territorial Visa (LTV)

LVV holders can only enter the Schengen member country that issued the visa. You cannot visit other Schengen countries unless you have received permission to do so during the visa process.

National visa

Issued to those who will undergo training, work or permanently reside in the territory of the Schengen countries.

Popular questions about the Schengen area

Which European countries are not members of the Schengen area?

European countries outside the Schengen area:

Albania, Andora, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Ireland, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Vatican City.

Is the UK part of the Schengen area?

No. The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen area and therefore you are not allowed to enter the UK using a Schengen visa.

Can I travel within the Schengen area with a residence permit?

The residence permit allows you to travel freely throughout the Schengen area without any additional documents. The residence permit appears in your passport. However, you must notify the authorities if you intend to travel in and out of the Schengen area.

Can I travel to more than one member country with the same Schengen visa?

Yes, once your visa is issued, you can travel within the Schengen area as long as you do not exceed the time limits provided by your visa.

Schengen Area, or - these are the member countries of the Schengen Agreement that have agreed to be guided by uniform rules for issuing entry visas to citizens of foreign countries. The Schengen area includes 26 European states that have joined the agreement of the same name, signed in the village of Schengen (Luxembourg) in 1985. In terms of international travel, the Schengen area operates much like a single state, with border controls on the external border - when entering and leaving the zone - but no border controls on the internal borders of the states included in the zone.

Schengen rules imply the elimination of border controls on internal borders between states included in the zone, and at the same time strengthening border controls with third states bordering the zone. The countries also undertake to maintain a common policy towards temporary travelers (including a common Schengen visa), conduct coordinated controls at external borders and develop cross-border police and judicial cooperation.

For identification at airports, hotels or at police controls, a passport or ID card from an EU member state or a Schengen signatory country may be required. In exceptional cases, if there is a threat to internal security or public order (for example, during important political summits or sporting competitions), border controls at internal borders between certain Schengen countries may be restored for a limited period of up to 30 days.

The Schengen zone came into existence on March 26, 1995, when border controls were abolished at the internal borders between seven countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. In 1997, Italy and Austria joined them. In 1999, the Treaty of Amsterdam became part of the agreement acquis communautaire(the current set of EU legal norms adopted by a country upon accession to the EU). In 2000, Greece joined the zone, and in 2001, the Schengen zone included member states of the Scandinavian Passport Union (Denmark, Finland, Sweden), as well as states that were not members of the European Union - Iceland and Norway.

In 2007, 9 more countries entered the zone - the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia (all of which became EU members three years earlier). Switzerland joined the Schengen zone on December 12, 2008, Liechtenstein - on December 19, 2011, they became, respectively, the third and fourth states in the zone that are not members of the European Union.

Schengen countries

Currently the Schengen area includes the following countries:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Hungary
4. Germany
5. Greece
6. Denmark
7. Iceland
8. Spain
9. Italy
10. Latvia
11. Lithuania
12. Liechtenstein
13. Luxembourg
14. Malta
15. Netherlands
16. Norway
17. Poland
18. Portugal
19. Slovakia
20. Slovenia
21. Finland
22. France
23. Czech
24. Switzerland
25. Sweden
26. Estonia

And the Schengen countries are two different associations. Currently, the Schengen area includes 22 of the 28 EU countries.

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

Located outside Schengen, but included in the European Union: Great Britain, Ireland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia and Romania.

The accession of states to the EU is accompanied by the harmonization of national legislation with Schengen legislation. However, the full implementation of Schengen legislation requires a number of practical measures, primarily in strengthening the security of the external borders of the Union, which may take considerable time. As a result, some EU members do not fully apply the EU Schengen legislation: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia and Romania. Passport control is still carried out at all borders of these states, and the short-term visas issued by them are not Schengen, that is, they provide the right to visit only these states.

Automatically included in the Schengen zone (but did not sign the agreement):

• Andorra (has no border controls with Spain and France).
• Monaco (has no border controls with France).
• San Marino and Vatican City (has no border controls with Italy).

Excluded territories (a separate visa is issued for them): Great Britain and Ireland - signed the Schengen agreement, but left passport control. Separate visas must be opened for these countries. But you can enter Ireland with a valid UK visa.

Schengen visa categories

Category B. A transit visa valid for one, two or, in exceptional cases, several entries for the purpose of traveling through the territory of one of the participating states to a third state. The transit period does not exceed 5 days. This type of visa is not issued to citizens of states that are granted the right to visa-free stay in the territory of countries participating in the Schengen legislation.

As of April 5, 2010, category B visas are no longer issued for the Schengen area, but are still issued for countries and territories outside the Schengen area.

Category C. A short-term visa, valid for one or more entries, and the total duration of stay cannot exceed three months (90 days) out of any six-month period (180 days) throughout the territory of the Schengen countries. This type of visa is not issued to citizens of states that are granted the right to visa-free stay in the territory of countries participating in the Schengen legislation.

A category C visa, issued by a state that fully implements Schengen legislation, gives the right to enter and travel throughout the Schengen area (except LTV visas). A category C visa, issued by a state that partially applies Schengen legislation, gives the right to enter and move only within the territory of that state.

For transit through the airports of Schengen countries, even if it is not intended to leave the airside of the airport when traveling from a third country to a non-Schengen country, citizens of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Democratic Republic of the Congo , Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Eritrea, Ethiopia are required to obtain a short-term visa category C in advance from the diplomatic mission of a Schengen member country. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the passenger being denied boarding on a flight to a Schengen country, or the airline incurring significant financial liability and may even be subject to serious administrative sanctions, including a ban on flights to EU countries.

Participating states have the right to extend the visa requirement for transit through international airports on their territory to citizens of other states. In particular, citizens of the Russian Federation must have a visa for transit through an airport in France, provided they arrive there on a direct flight from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Egypt, Moldova, Turkey or Ukraine.

The visa requirement when transiting through an airport of a Schengen member country from a non-Schengen country to a third non-Schengen country does not apply to those who:

• has a valid national visa or residence permit issued by a Member State of the Schengen Agreement or a State party to EU legislation in the field of visa policy and security;
• has a valid residence permit issued by Andorra, Canada, San Marino, the USA or Japan, provided that this document guarantees an unconditional right of return to the country concerned;
• holds a valid visa from a Member State of the EU or European Economic Area, Canada, the USA or Japan, or is returning from the relevant country immediately after such a visa has been used;
• is a family member of an EU citizen;
• has a diplomatic passport;
• is a member of the aircraft crew who has the citizenship of a state party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Category D. National visas for stays exceeding 90 days. Being national, they are issued by each state in accordance with its legislation. From April 5, 2010, a category D visa issued by a state that fully implements Schengen legislation gives the right, while residing in the territory of the country that issued it, to move throughout the Schengen area for no more than three months (90 days) out of every six months (180 days), thereby abolishing thus the previously existing combined category C+D.

FTD And FRTD (UTD-ZhD). Simplified road (FTD) and railway (FRTD) transit documents. A special type of visa issued by the diplomatic authorities of the Republic of Lithuania only for transit between the main territory of Russia and the Kaliningrad region through the territory of the Republic of Lithuania.

In exceptional cases of a humanitarian nature, even states that fully implement Schengen legislation can issue category C visas, which are valid only on their territory and do not grant the right to travel throughout the Schengen area. These visas are designated LTV (limited territorial validity).

In addition, in a type C visa, special notes may be made in the first line (“Valid for” / “Valable pour”), excluding one or more Schengen member countries from the validity of this visa. In this case, the entry contains a two-letter country code and a minus sign (dash) before the two-letter code. For example, “ESTADOS SCHENGEN (-LI)” means that the visa is not suitable for visiting Liechtenstein, which is, however, a full member of the Schengen Agreement, and entry into the Principality on this visa will be illegal for the visa holder.

For how long is a Schengen visa issued?

Depending on the period for which a Schengen visa is issued, there are several types of documents. A single-entry permit allows you to visit the country once. Moreover, within the Schengen zone you can cross the country’s border an unlimited number of times. These types of visas are obtained for tourist, visitor, transit or business trips. In turn, a single-entry visa is divided into two types: short-term and long-term. Short-term visa gives permission to stay in the country for up to 90 days. A long-term visa is required to study or work abroad. Its duration is more than 90 days.

A multiple entry visa allows you to visit the country several times without having to obtain additional permits. A limited multiple visa allows entry a limited number of times, which is specified in the document. This could be 4, 5, 7 or 10 trips. An unlimited multiple entry visa allows any number of visits to the selected country.

Purpose of travel to obtain a Schengen visa

There are several types of visas depending on the purpose of the trip. The most common types of Schengen are:

• tourist visa - allows you to visit the country without the right to study or work;
• visit visa - used to visit relatives, friends or acquaintances. To register, you must have an invitation from a private person. It also does not allow you to work or study within the country;
• a business visa is issued at the invitation of a foreign organization and is considered as a business trip. This permission, in turn, can be single, double or multiple;
• transit visa - issued for the purpose of transit crossing the country. It is issued for a short time. To obtain it, you must have a visa to the country that is the destination of your final trip and tickets. This type of visa can be single or double entry;
• A work visa allows you to obtain legal work in the European Union. Usually issued for a period of up to 1 year;
• A study visa is required to study in the Schengen countries. Its duration is also, as a rule, 1 year;
• medical visa - issued for the purpose of undergoing treatment or medical consultations.

So, for example, when applying for a Schengen visa to Poland category “C”, the following types of visas are opened:

• 01 – tourist visa;
• 02 – visa for a private visit;
• 03 – visa for participation in sporting events;
• 04 – visa for carrying out economic (commercial) activities;
• 05 – work visa for up to 6 months;
• 06 – transport visa for cargo carriers;
• 07 – work visa with restrictions;
• 08 – visa for cultural interaction and participation in international conferences;
• 09 – official visa to represent the country’s interests at international meetings and organizations;
• 10 – visa for study (first and second stages, as well as master’s degree);
• 11 – visa for vocational training;
• 12 – visa for study or practice;
• 13 – teacher visa;
• 14 – visa for scientific activities;
• 15 – visa for treatment;
• 16 – visa to fulfill a request for a residence permit, as well as residence in Poland;
• 17 – visa for accompanying or joining with citizens of the EU/EFTA/EEA or Switzerland;
• 18 – visa for participation in cultural or educational exchange programs, humanitarian programs, as well as summer student programs;
• 19 – visa for humanitarian purposes and international missions;
• 20 – other reasons for issuing a visa (other categories include applicants whose purpose of visit does not meet any of the defined visa categories, as well as applicants who apply for a visa for the purpose of exit/entry within the framework of purchasing tourism);
• 21 – long-term visa for political asylum;
• 22 – visa for resettlement of relatives of repatriated families;
• 23 – use of powers in accordance with the Pole’s Card;
• 24 – repatriation visa;
• 25 – use of temporary protection;
• DYPLOMATYCZNA – diplomatic visa;
• SŁUŻBOWA – work visa;
• KURIERSKA – courier visa.

How to get a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa must be applied for at the embassy of the country where you are traveling for the main purpose.

If you plan to visit several Schengen countries, you need to apply for a visa at the Embassy of the country in whose territory you will stay the longest.

If the length of stay in several Schengen countries is the same, a visa must be applied for from the country of first entry.

note: Having a visa does not automatically guarantee the right to enter the Schengen area. When crossing the border, the customs service may ask you to provide a valid travel document, a valid visa and documents confirming your solvency, purpose of travel, duration of stay, availability of a return ticket, etc.

Collection of documents

Each consulate has its own package of documents, so be sure to check the information at the embassy of the country for which you want to obtain a visa. Here is the minimum package of documents that are usually requested to obtain a visa:

1. Application form completed and signed by the applicant;
2. A foreign passport valid for at least three months after the expected date of last departure from the Schengen area, having two blank pages and issued within the last ten years;
3. A copy of the internal passport (issued from the age of 14): pages with the biographical data of the applicant, with notes on the issued foreign passport, marital status and registration;
4. 2 photos. Size 3.5x4.5 cm, no older than six months, light, but not white background;
5. Hotel reservation/invitation/confirmation of sponsorship from the inviting person. If not available, an appropriate written description of the planned trip;
6. Ticket reservation or any other route confirmation;
7. Certificate from work with salary information. If you are not working, you must provide other proof of financial means and intention to return to your home country: bank account/credit card statement for at least three previous months, proof of real estate, sponsorship letter;
8. A photocopy of the pages of the old passport with previously obtained Schengen visas;
9. Medical insurance for the entire period of the intended trip, valid in all Schengen countries and covering any expenses that may arise in connection with returning home for medical reasons or the need for emergency medical care. The minimum sum insured is 30,000 euros.

If you are planning a trip to Europe, knowing the list of Schengen countries 2016 will help you correctly adjust your route. A distinctive feature of the Schengen Agreement is the abolition of passport control when moving citizens of those states that are part of this zone. When holding any particularly significant events of a political or sporting nature, the borders between the states parties to the agreement may be closed. But this ban can last no more than 30 days.

Members of the Schengen area

The first countries to sign a document on simplification of border control were Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and France. The practical effect of the agreement began in 1995 after the abolition of border controls between the first signatories of the document.

As of 2016, the complete list of Schengen countries is as follows:

Austria;

Belgium;

Hungary;

Germany;

Spain;

Iceland;

Luxembourg;

Netherlands;

Norway;

Portugal;

Slovakia;

Slovenia;

Finland;

France;

Switzerland;

Estonia.

Total: 26 European countries. It is worth noting that 22 countries from this list are members of the European Union. The remaining four - Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein - are not.

Features of Schengen

There are a number of European satellite states that have not signed the document on simplification of passport control.

However, they were accepted automatically:

1. San Marino.

2. Andorra.

3. Monaco.

4. Vatican.

Also, in Europe there are states waiting to join - these are Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus. Entry into the territory of these countries is allowed with a Schengen visa stamped in the passport. However, upon departure you must go through passport control.

Entry procedure for foreigners

If a citizen of a state that is not included in the zone receives a Schengen visa, he can move throughout the territory of all countries party to the agreement.

But, there are certain conditions:

1. The first state into which a foreign citizen is required to enter must be the one that issued the visa.

2. It is required to obtain an entry permit from the state in which your stay will be the longest.

Schengen is a society that consists of twenty-six states. At the next meeting of the union, it was decided to weaken passport control between intersecting borders. This enabled residents of the Schengen area countries to move freely throughout its entire territory, as if in a single country. It also ensured equal rights at the international level for movement across each other’s borders. Citizens of Schengen countries have an indisputable right to travel to other countries without obstacles. So, which countries have received the opportunity for such movement and are included in Schengen?

Schengen countries

The Schengen zone currently includes the following states:

• Austria;
• Belgium;
• Hungary;
• Denmark;
• Germany;
• Holland;
• Greece;
• Iceland;
• Spain;
• Italy;
• Latvia;
• Lithuania;
• Luxembourg;
• Liechtenstein;
• Malta;
• Norway;
• Poland;
• Portugal;
• Slovakia;
• Slovenia;
• Finland;
• France;
• Czech Republic;
• Sweden;
• Switzerland;
• Estonia.

The agreement was initially signed in June 1985 by only five members of the European Union out of ten existing at that time. It was not possible to immediately reach a unanimous decision between the different countries of the European community. After all, the topic concerned the loss of protection from international control. For this reason, the Schengen Agreement had to be established outside the European Association. The battle for the Convention lasted for six years. And yet, the desired result was achieved, the Convention on the Introduction of the Schengen Agreement to the annex on the annulment of visas and borders was approved.

This decision led to new regimes in the union of European countries, and they contradicted the previous norms. For this reason, the completion of the procedure for the establishment of the Schengen zone was postponed until 1995. In general, the word Schengen comes from a village in Luxembourg with the same name, where the very first agreement was signed. The number of countries wishing to join the union increased and the process of accession of countries continued. To regulate this flow and the procedures for their adoption, a new resolution had to be urgently adopted, included in the norms of the European Union and immediately put into effect.

But over time, the contradictory effect of this decision also emerged. Strictness on the part of officials has decreased significantly in the Schengen countries and against this background, border controls with non-European countries have increased. Which significantly complicated the passage across borders for citizens of the country who did not enter the EU.

According to the adopted rules, it became possible to travel from one Schengen state to another without presenting a passport and without going through control, as well as without other existing rules.

Do not confuse the EU and Schengen with each other, these are completely two different authorities.

So, the countries in the Schengen area include twenty-two states that are part of the European Union, and four members of the European Free Trade Association.

EFTA is made up of ten major Fair Trade importers from nine European countries.

• Austria;
• Belgium;
• Main importers:
• Germany;
• Spain;
• Italy;
• Netherlands;
• France;
• Switzerland.

Great Britain;

This association existed unofficially for three years. Its founders were the most reputable European importers. The organization became official in the 90s and was located in the Netherlands.

EU countries by year of accession: Belgium 1958; Germany 1958; Italy 1958; Luxembourg 1958; Netherlands 1958; France 1958; UK 1973; Denmark 1973; Ireland 1973; Greece 1981; Spain 1986; Portugal 1986; Austria 1995; Finland 1995; Sweden 1995; Hungary 2004; Cyprus 2004; Latvia 2004; Lithuania 2004; Malta 2004; Poland 2004; Slovakia 2004; Slovenia 2004; Czech Republic 2004; Estonia 2004; Bulgaria 2007; Romania 2007; Croatia 2013.

1. The following are seeking EU membership:
2. Iceland;
3. Albania;
4. Macedonia;
5. Serbia;
6. Türkiye;

Montenegro;

Increase in emigrants

To tighten controls, some states have reintroduced controls at certain borders. The following states introduced emergency surveillance: Austria introduced verification with Hungary and Slovenia; Germany established control with Austria; Denmark has established maritime and land borders with Germany; Norway included exclusively maritime borders with Denmark, Germany and Sweden.

Hungary decided to separate from countries that are not part of the Schengen border fence, and more specifically with Croatia, Serbia and, oddly enough, Slovenia, which is part of the union.

All of the above means only one thing: moving around the Schengen zone is not as unimpeded as planned. In May 2017, the European Union Commission insisted on partially lifting the restrictions that countries had created over time. But it still extended the period of restrictions included in the norm for another six months, and not as required by the norms for three months. This is due to Greece and its large number of expats. And since September, the European Commission has refused to renew them. But somehow 5 states managed to extend border controls between borders until mid-2018.

Almost Schengen

In addition to the Schengen Agreement, there are smaller agreements between other partner countries. In mid-2014, four states allowed crossing each other's borders on internal visas for each. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania and Croatia, these are the states that are allowed to visit with all possible visas. Now having permission to enter the territory of Cyprus, you have the opportunity to visit three more countries - Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania. But with Romanian, Bulgarian or Croatian visas, entry to Cyprus is prohibited. The agreement signed by these countries has nothing to do with Schengen.

Read about what visa you need to apply for to travel to Bulgaria.

States that are not included in Schengen

There are European countries that are not covered by the Schengen visa for the reason that, being part of the European Union, they refused to sign the Schengen agreement on a single visa area.

Therefore, we will introduce you to what a Schengen visa is and which countries will be able to allow you into their territory. Of the entire EU membership, 6 countries are not part of the Schengen area. Some countries are not and do not seek to become part of the Schengen Agreement. Some countries are still waiting their turn to be considered as candidates for joining Schengen - these are Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania and Croatia. But Ireland and Great Britain did not express a desire to enter into an alliance. Accordingly, a visa to these countries must be issued individually. Although they are part of the EU, they did not support the idea of ​​​​abolishing passport control, for this reason the Schengen visa does not apply to them.

Read about how to get a Schengen visa yourself.

What does this mean? According to the latest data, the EU consists of twenty-eight states, and they are subject to domestic legislation. Countries have the right to opt out of Schengen regulations or laws at any time, so they refuse to take part in certain political matters.

There are countries that have not signed the Schengen agreement, but automatically began to join Schengen. Andorra automatically joined Spain, Monaco followed France, and the Vatican and San Marino joined Italy. But in the case of Andorra, there are difficulties in returning from it, since its territory has formally become an exit from Schengen.

But Croatia, although it joined the European Union, has not yet managed to enter the Schengen zone. Therefore, a Croatian visa is valid only on its territory and nothing more. But crossing the Croatian border with a Schengen visa is carried out without problems. The signing of permission to join was planned for July 2015, but according to the latest information, it has not yet become a member. At the end of 2017, the European Parliament supported Croatia’s entry into the Schengen zone and plans to consider this issue in 2019.

Popular Schengen visa countries in 2018 among tourists

To make your vacation a success and get the most out of your Schengen visa, check out which countries are on the list of especially popular holidaymakers in 2018.

First on the list - Italy. The cost is high, but popularity is growing every year. Many attractions in different parts of the country attract people to visit it many times. Italy is suitable for any tourist, both for those who like to ski from the mountains and for those who prefer to bask in the sun.

Spain famous for its national cuisine, sun and architecture. You can bask in the sun at any time of the year.

The first thing that is associated with France it's Paris, fresh croissants, coffee and the Eiffel Tower. Tourists also have access to the Cote d'Azur with clean beaches and the French Alps for skiing.

Vacations in the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary and Poland will also surprise and delight you.

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