Schengen Countries List 2025 – Updated Travel Guide

Introduction

Planning a European adventure in 2025? One of the biggest perks of visiting Europe is the Schengen Area, a travel zone where you can move freely across dozens of countries with just one visa. However, travelers often get confused about which countries are part of the Schengen Agreement—especially since new updates have rolled out in recent years.

This blog is your updated guide to the Schengen countries in 2025, along with visa requirements, FAQs, and expert travel insights to help you plan smarter, not harder.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that agreed to remove internal border controls, making travel nearly as seamless as moving between U.S. states. Introduced in 1995, this system lets visitors use a single Schengen Visa to explore multiple nations.

In 2025, the Schengen Zone continues to expand, and knowing the latest country list is crucial before applying for your visa.

Schengen Countries List 2025 (Updated)

Here’s the official list of Schengen countries as of 2025:

Country	Region	Notes (2025 Update)
Austria	Central Europe	Full member
Belgium	Western Europe	Full member
Croatia	Balkans	Joined in 2023
Czech Republic	Central Europe	Full member
Denmark	Northern Europe	Full member
Estonia	Baltic	Full member
Finland	Nordic	Full member
France	Western Europe	Full member
Germany	Central Europe	Full member
Greece	Southern Europe	Full member
Hungary	Central Europe	Full member
Iceland	Nordic (Non-EU)	Schengen member, not EU
Italy	Southern Europe	Full member
Latvia	Baltic	Full member
Liechtenstein	Microstate	Non-EU, Schengen member
Lithuania	Baltic	Full member
Luxembourg	Western Europe	Full member
Malta	Mediterranean	Full member
Netherlands	Western Europe	Full member
Norway	Nordic (Non-EU)	Schengen member
Poland	Central Europe	Full member
Portugal	Southern Europe	Full member
Slovakia	Central Europe	Full member
Slovenia	Central Europe	Full member
Spain	Southern Europe	Full member
Sweden	Nordic	Full member
Switzerland	Central Europe (Non-EU)	Schengen member

✅ Total: 27 Schengen countries in 2025

Countries Not in the Schengen Zone (But Often Confused)

Many travelers assume all EU nations are Schengen members—but that’s not true. As of 2025:

• Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus – EU members, but not part of Schengen yet.

• Ireland – Remains outside Schengen, follows its own visa rules.

This distinction is critical when planning multi-country trips.

Why Knowing the Schengen Countries in 2025 Matters

• Visa Planning: Your Schengen Visa won’t cover non-member states like Ireland or Romania.

• Travel Costs: Flights within Schengen are often cheaper than cross-border non-Schengen flights.

• Smooth Itinerary: Avoid last-minute surprises at border checks.

Insider Tips for Travelers in 2025

1. Check ETIAS requirements: Starting 2025, citizens of visa-free countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia will need ETIAS travel authorization to enter Schengen.

2. Apply early: Schengen Visa processing takes 15–45 days depending on the consulate.

3. Plan your "main destination": The visa should be obtained from the country where you’ll spend the most days.

FAQs on Schengen Countries 2025

1. How many Schengen countries are there in 2025?

There are 27 Schengen member countries in 2025.

2. Is the UK part of the Schengen Zone?

No. The UK is not in the EU or the Schengen Area. A separate visa may be required unless you qualify for visa-free entry.

3. Do I need ETIAS to visit Europe in 2025?

Yes, if you’re from a visa-exempt country (like the U.S., Australia, or Japan), you must apply for ETIAS authorization before traveling.

Key Takeaways

• The Schengen Area in 2025 covers 27 countries.

• Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Ireland are still outside Schengen.

• ETIAS becomes mandatory in 2025 for visa-exempt travelers.

• Knowing the list helps you avoid costly mistakes in trip planning.

If you’re planning your next trip, check out my travel resources on abhinandps.com for guides on:

• How to apply for a Schengen Visa

• Budget-friendly Europe itineraries

• ETIAS application tips

For official updates, always refer to European Commission Migration and Home Affairs (ec.europa.eu) and Schengen Visa Info portals.