Integration processes taking place in the world affect absolutely all aspects of the life of every state and its inhabitants. Most often, starting as a process of economic cooperation, these integration processes more and more connect 2 or more countries in the exchange of resources, goods, labor, etc. The closer the countries cooperate, the more they have mutual interests, areas of activity that needs to be regulated. One of these areas is the free movement of labor, tourists, businessmen, etc. between neighboring countries.
To date, the largest association of countries on visa issues is the association of countries included in the so-called Schengen zone (from the name of a small village in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg). So what is Schengen? What is it for? And what specific European countries are part of the Schengen area? You will find answers to these and other questions in this article.
Schengen area - what is it?
Schengen Area, Schengen, Schengen Area is an agreement between 28 European countries that have signed and strictlyfulfilling the norms of the Schengen Agreement. They abolish border passport and customs control between these countries, which facilitates the free movement of people, goods and capital. Simply put, the territory and countries included in the Schengen Agreement look like one big state. It is limited to the territories of the countries participating in the agreement with a unified border control of external borders (entry / exit of people; import / export of goods / capital). As well as the lack of control at the borders of the Schengen states.
Signatory countries pursue a common policy for persons temporarily entering the Schengen area, conduct uniform, transparent controls at external borders and promote the development of police and judicial cooperation between the Schengen countries.
Customs, air travel, hotel check-in, police searches and controls may require either an EU citizen's passport or an identification card of an EU member state or Schengen countries, or a visa stamp in a foreign passport of a citizen of one of the countries not included to the Schengen Agreement.
History of the Schengen
As mentioned above, the Schengen area got its name from a small village in Luxembourg called Schengen, in which on June 14, 1985 representatives of several countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and Germany) signed the Schengen agreement whereby countriesparticipants canceled customs and passport control.
But in fact, Schengen was born on March 26, 1995, when this agreement was signed between seven countries. Spain and Portugal joined the original countries.
On May 1, 1999, instead of the Schengen Agreement, the Schengen legislation of the European Union appeared. And from that moment on, new members of the European Union did not need to sign the Schengen Agreement, since, becoming a member of the EU, they are automatically obliged to comply with the Schengen legislation.
Greece joined in 2000, and Scandinavian Passport Union member countries (Finland, Sweden, Denmark) joined in 2001, as well as two non-EU states, Norway and Iceland.
Since 2007, the Schengen area has included the following countries (9 new members at once) - Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, M alta, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Estonia. Since December 2008, Switzerland has been a full member of the Schengen legislation. Since December 2011 - Liechtenstein.
At the moment, the Schengen area includes 26 countries. The Schengen states (list of countries) are presented later in the article.
Exception to the rule. What other countries can I enter with a Schengen visa? It should be noted that the Schengen zone also extends to such countries as the Vatican, San Marino, the Principality of Monaco. Even though they did not sign the Schengen agreement. An important point: since the small Principality of Andorra is not a member of the Schengen agreement, when enteringPrincipality from Spain or France a person actually crosses the border of the Schengen area. And upon returning, he needs to obtain a visa again.
Countries waiting to join the Schengen area
| Country | Population | Decision to join | Expected date |
| Bulgaria | 7 576 751 | January 1, 2007 | Date is undefined |
| Cyprus | 801 851 | May 1, 2004 | Depends in part on unresolved Cyprus conflict |
| Romania | 21 466 174 | January 1, 2007 | Date is undefined |
| Croatia | 4 290 612 | December 9, 2011 | Date is undefined |
It is worth commenting on countries that have not yet decided to join the Schengen area.
In 2011, on September 22, at a meeting of the Ministers of the Interior of the EU member states in Brussels, Romania and Bulgaria, the right to enter the Schengen area was denied. The refusal was due to the fact that France and the Netherlands opposed the entry of Bulgaria and Romania, as these countries are not effective enough in fighting corruption.
The decision on the entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen was postponed several times and, as of 2015, no new countries were accepted into the Schengen Agreement. Thus, today the Schengen area includes 26 countries.
What are the most popular Schengen countries to visit in 2018? Each year, a ranking of countries in this zone is compiled, inwhich are expected to receive the largest number of tourists. Such a list was also compiled for 2018, and it is presented to your attention below.
Schengen: which countries are included?
So, below are all the countries of the Schengen area as of 2018.
This is the full list of Schengen countries 2018
Italy
Vacation in Italy is not a cheap pleasure. However, every year this holiday destination is becoming more and more popular. Gastronomic tours are especially popular, as Italy is famous for its cuisine. Along with this, picturesque beaches, sea, mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful nature and ancient architecture attract more and more tourists from all over the world and in any season. And Italy, stretched from north to south in the form of a boot, is very diverse. Tourists who have already visited this country are happy to return to visit one of the other regions of Italy.
Spain
This country is famous for its warm sun, siesta, beautiful architectural sights and excellent national cuisine. Cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and smaller towns and villages spread along the magnificent coastline will not leave indifferent even the most demanding travelers.
France
The traditional destination for all romantics, fashionistas and people of art is France with its center in Paris. And appetizingthe smells of croissants, incredible architectural ensembles, the spirit of freedom and beauty will make any tourist fall in love with France, and he will want to return again and again to make more and more emotional and sensual discoveries. Separately, it is worth highlighting the Cote d'Azur with amazing beaches, as well as wonderful ski resorts in the French Alps. It seems that anyone in France can find something to do according to their interests.
Czech Republic
Picturesque Prague stands apart with its medieval castle buildings, narrow streets and delicious national cuisine. And this is the Czech Republic.
Greece
One of the most popular destinations for tourists of the former CIS is Greece. Ancient architecture, Mediterranean culinary traditions with Greek wine, pristine nature, create an incredible atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation.
Hungary
This country receives more and more tourists every year, as Hungary is full of home comfort and warmth. In addition to the beautiful local attractions, a large number of tourists come to the thermal springs to work on their he alth.
Poland
Ancient cities such as Krakow, Poznan, Lodz with the most beautiful capital Warsaw will fill your holiday with unforgettable impressions, and in addition to the usual tourism, Polish medical resorts are waiting for their guests. For lovers of outdoor activities created beautiful picturesqueski slopes. Also, this country is distinguished by easier visa obtaining, as the Polish Consulate is more loyal than other countries of the Schengen zone in considering applications for a visa.
Schengen visa
For entry and movement in the countries that are part of this zone, a Schengen visa is required. And getting this visa has special rules and tricks that we are happy to share with you.
Embassies of each country in this zone, despite the common visa space, have special requirements. Therefore, before applying for a visa, each tourist should definitely familiarize himself with the rules of issuance. Acting in accordance with the instructions received from the embassy of a particular country, in a few steps you can easily obtain a Schengen visa for a particular country.
Travel with pleasure, visit the Schengen countries and share your impressions!
