SchengenMap Blog
Schengen Countries List (2025): Who's In, Who's Not, and Why It Matters
If you are planning Europe travel and you mix up Schengen, the EU, and "Europe" the continent, do not worry. That is basically the official hobby of international travel.
The Schengen Area (what it actually is)
The Schengen Area is a group of countries that abolished internal border controls, so you can move between them like domestic travel (most of the time). It is not the same thing as the EU.
As of 2025, the European Commission states the Schengen Area is 29 countries: 25 EU Member States plus 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein). Source: European Commission: Schengen area.
Big 2025 update: Bulgaria and Romania joined
Bulgaria and Romania are the most recent countries to join Schengen, effective 1 January 2025 (per the European Commission). Source: European Commission: Schengen area.
Cyprus: EU member, but not fully Schengen (yet)
Cyprus participates in Schengen cooperation, but internal border controls have not been abolished and integration is still underway. Source: European Commission: Schengen area.
Ireland: EU member with a Schengen opt-out
Ireland is not part of Schengen due to a formal opt-out, and it maintains its own visa and border policy (though it participates in parts of Schengen cooperation). Source: European Commission: Schengen area.
Why this matters for travelers
- Schengen rules apply across the whole Schengen Area (especially the 90/180 rule for short stays).
- EU does not equal Schengen. Some EU countries are outside Schengen.
- Your itinerary can be "legal" in one country and a problem in the overall Schengen math.
Practical move
Use official tools to double-check your time:
Not legal advice. Always confirm with official government sources before travel.