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Schengen Countries

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The Schengen Area, named after the town in Luxembourg where the Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, is a zone comprising 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This area facilitates the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital, fostering economic integration and cultural exchange among member states.

Foreigners looking to enter the Schengen Area must meet certain requirements which are fairly uniform across all member countries, though specifics can vary slightly depending on the visitor’s nationality and the purpose of visit. Here are the general requirements for entering Schengen countries:

Visa Requirements

  1. Schengen Visa: Most non-EU nationals who wish to visit or travel within the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) may need a Schengen visa. This visa allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen Area. Countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia have visa-free agreements for short visits.
  2. National Visas: For longer stays, such as for work, study, or longer tourist visits, a national visa specific to the country being visited may be required.

1. Austria

  • Location: Central Europe
  • Official Language: German
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Austria is known for its mountainous landscapes, classical music heritage, and significant historical architecture.

2. Belgium

  • Location: Western Europe
  • Official Language: Dutch, French, and German
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Belgium is famed for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.

3. Czech Republic

  • Location: Central Europe
  • Official Language: Czech
  • Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)

The Czech Republic is known for its ornate castles, native beers, and long history, highlighted by its capital, Prague.

4. Denmark

  • Location: Northern Europe
  • Official Language: Danish
  • Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)

Denmark, the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, features a high standard of living and a robust welfare state.

5. Estonia

  • Location: Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea
  • Official Language: Estonian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Estonia is noted for its digital society, extensive forests, and being one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe.

6. Finland

  • Location: Northern Europe
  • Official Language: Finnish and Swedish
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Finland is renowned for its vast wilderness, cold winters, and the Northern Lights.

7. France

  • Location: Western Europe
  • Official Language: French
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

France boasts world-renowned cuisine, art, and architecture, and includes metropolitan mainland France and numerous overseas territories.

8. Germany

  • Location: Central/Western Europe
  • Official Language: German
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Germany is known for its engineering, automotive industry, and economic influence in Europe.

9. Greece

  • Location: Southeastern Europe
  • Official Language: Greek
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Greece is celebrated for its ancient history, Mediterranean coastline, and islands.

10. Hungary

  • Location: Central Europe
  • Official Language: Hungarian
  • Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)

Hungary is known for its historic urban centers, cultural heritage, particularly in folk music and crafts, and thermal spas.

11. Iceland

  • Location: Northern Europe, island in the North Atlantic
  • Official Language: Icelandic
  • Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Iceland is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, geysers, and hot springs.

12. Italy

  • Location: Southern Europe
  • Official Language: Italian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Italy is known for its monumental history, art, and cuisine. It is also home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country.

13. Latvia

  • Location: Northern Europe
  • Official Language: Latvian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Latvia is famous for its Baltic Sea coastline, dense forests, and the capital city Riga, known for its wooden buildings and art nouveau architecture.

14. Liechtenstein

  • Location: Central Europe
  • Official Language: German
  • Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Liechtenstein is a small country known for its medieval castles, alpine landscapes, and as a global financial center.

15. Lithuania

  • Location: Northeastern Europe
  • Official Language: Lithuanian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Lithuania boasts a historic heritage of medieval architecture, especially evident in its capital, Vilnius.

16. Luxembourg

  • Location: Western Europe
  • Official Language: Luxembourgish, French, and German
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Luxembourg is known for its wealthy status, castles, and as an important financial and EU administrative center.

17. Malta

  • Location: Southern Europe, an island in the Mediterranean Sea
  • Official Language: Maltese and English
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Malta is known for its historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French, and British.

18. Netherlands

  • Location: Western Europe
  • Official Language: Dutch
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

The Netherlands is famous for its flat landscape, cycling routes, tulip fields, windmills, and canal-laden cities.

19. Norway

  • Location: Northern Europe
  • Official Language: Norwegian
  • Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)

Norway is known for its fjords, coastal beauty, and vibrant aurora borealis.

20. Poland

  • Location: Central Europe
  • Official Language: Polish
  • Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN)

Poland offers a rich history, medieval architecture, and a strong cultural heritage.

21. Portugal

  • Location: Southwestern Europe
  • Official Language: Portuguese
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Portugal is known for its long Atlantic coastline, historical cities, and significant maritime heritage.

22. Slovakia

  • Location: Central Europe
  • Official Language: Slovak
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Slovakia is distinguished by its mountainous terrain, medieval castles, and vibrant folk culture.

23. Slovenia

  • Location: Central Europe
  • Official Language: Slovenian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Slovenia is known for its lakes, mountains, and ski resorts.

24. Spain

  • Location: Southwestern Europe
  • Official Language: Spanish
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Spain is renowned for its diverse cultures, languages, festivals, and cuisines.

25. Sweden

  • Location: Northern Europe
  • Official Language: Swedish
  • Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)

Sweden is noted for its progressive society, innovation, and extensive natural landscapes.

26. Switzerland

  • Location: Central Europe
  • Official Language: German, French, Italian, and Romansh
  • Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Switzerland is known for its neutrality, precision engineering, chocolate, and the Alps.

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