Borders and visas
Find out how the European Union ensures freedom of movement and protects its borders.
The Schengen area makes it possible for EU citizens, non-EU residents and visitors to the EU to travel freely and safely within the EU.
At the same time, managing and protecting external borders is crucial for securing and regulating the movement of people into the Union to safeguard Europe's security.
Schengen
The Schengen area allows more than 400 million people to travel freely between member countries without going through border controls.
Since 1985, the Schengen area has gradually grown and encompasses 25 EU member states and a few associated non-EU countries.
Which countries are part of the Schengen area?
Hover over the map to discover which countries are part of the Schengen area.
EU countries issuing Schengen visas
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
Non-EU countries issuing Schengen visas
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Switzerland
EU countries not issuing Schengen visas
- Cyprus
- Ireland
Visas to enter the Schengen area
The EU has specific visa requirements for non-EU nationals. The most common visa is the Schengen visa, which allows short stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen area.
The EU has a visa-free regime with 61 non-EU countries, where people can enter the Schengen area for short stays without the need of a visa.
External borders
Management of EU external borders is a shared responsibility of all member states, and of the EU, including the relevant institutions and EU agencies.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) closely monitors the EU's external borders and works together with member states to quickly identify and address any security threats to the external borders.
The EU has in place or is currently working on a number of IT systems supporting the work to protect citizens, fight crime, and secure borders.
Latest explainers
The Schengen area explained
Pact on migration and asylum
EU migration and asylum policy
Last review: 15 April 2026