What is the Schengen Agreement ?
The Schengen Agreement is a treaty which led to the creation of Europe's Schengen Area, in which internal border checks have largely been abolished. It was signed on 14 June 1985 by five of the ten member states of the then European Economic Community and enacted a decade later, with all countries in the European Union (EU), except the U.K. and Ireland, joining over the coming years. Countries in Europe but outside the EU have also joined, including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland
What does it mean for those traveling to Europe?
The agreement has abolished border checks at the signatories' common borders within the area, allowing individuals to travel freely within it. It gives residents in border areas the freedom to cross borders away from fixed checkpoints and has harmonized visa policies, meaning that for short stays of under 90 days, you can get a Schengen Visa. Under the Schengen Agreement, traveling from one country to another within the Schengen Area is done without border controls. In fact, the Schengen Visa makes it possible to visit all the countries in the Schengen Area and to cross internal borders without further formalities.
Please be aware that the European Union and the Schengen Area are two different zones. The list below will enable you to see the difference and check that the countries where you are planning to stay are all in the Schengen Area.
Which countries are in the Schengen Area ?
The Schengen Area consists of 26 countries and covers nearly all of mainland Europe, with those countries that fall within the Schengen Area listed below.
List of countries members of the Schengen zone
To find more information on how to get a Schengen visa, click on the name of the country you wish to visit first, or where you will be spending the biggest part of your trip :
Schengen EU member states
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Austria Schengen |
Belgium Schengen |
Czech Republic Schengen |
Denmark Schengen |
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Estonia Schengen |
Finland Schengen |
France Schengen |
Germany Schengen |
|
Greece Schengen |
Hungary Schengen |
Iceland Schengen |
Italy Schengen |
|
Latvia Schengen |
Liechtenstein Schengen |
Lithuania Schengen |
Luxembourg Schengen |
|
Malta Schengen |
Netherlands Schengen |
Norway Schengen |
Poland Schengen |
|
Portugal Schengen |
Slovakia Schengen |
Slovenia Schengen |
Spain Schengen |
|
Sweden Schengen |
Switzerland Schengen |
What European countries are not part of the Schengen Zone?
Although 26 countries are inside the Schengen Zone, including most nations in mainland Europe - not every European state is inside the area where border checks have been abolished. Find out the list of non-Schengen countries.
What does this mean if I want to travel to the Schengen Area?
It means that for short stays, the visa process is relatively simple and uniform and that when you get a Schengen Visa to travel to any state, France, for example, you can automatically travel to others within the area, like Germany and Italy, on the same visa.
It also means that the process of obtaining a Schengen Visa is relatively standardized and you will need the same supporting documents - a passport, passport photographs, a travel itinerary and proof of accommodation, a letter of invitation (if applicable), and proof of means of subsistence, to travel to any Schengen state. You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you for expenses up to €30,000 which is valid across the Schengen Area, rather than just the one you are visiting - which is where AXA comes in.
How can AXA help?
AXA offers several insurance policies for travel in Europe, from a low-cost option, priced at as little as €0.99 ($1.11) per day of your trip, that will meet the Schengen Visa requirements, to multi-trip insurance that will cover you for ongoing visits. None of these policies will require you to pay an excess fee on medical costs.
Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase the Multi Trip insurance from €298 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.
Additionally, AXA Schengen insurance covers, depending on the policy subscribed, the non-Schengen countries of the European Union, like Ireland, Romania, or Bulgaria.
Related topics on the Schengen visa
How to apply for a visa Schengen ?
What different types of Schengen visas exist ?
What type of Schengen visa do I need ?
How to apply in an embassy or a consulate ?