Questions about the Schengen Area: countries, visas, and duration of stay

Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is an agreement between 27 European countries that allows citizens to move freely between them. This area covers a large part of Europe and consists of 27 countries.

Key features of the Schengen Area

The main features of the Schengen area include:

• A unified visa policy
• The cancellation of passport control and a large number of other borders

If you have a Schengen visa, you can freely travel to any of the member countries without the need to obtain separate visas for each of them. It's also worth noting that residents of certain countries do not need a Schengen visa. When entering the zone through one of its member countries, usually only the passport is checked. Of course, this does not mean that you can stay in the Schengen area indefinitely. There are certain time limits on your stay.

Countries that are members of the Schengen Area

List of Schengen member countries:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Furthermore, although Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City are not full members of the Schengen Area, they have a special status within this zone. In the near future, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania are expected to join the Schengen Area, as well as Montenegro, which plans to join the European Union and possibly sign the Schengen Agreement.

In the Croatian real estate market, experts are noting a gradual decrease in housing prices. This is a great opportunity for those who have long dreamed of buying a home in this beautiful country. However, before making a final decision, it is worth considering the current trends in the market.

Exemption from the Schengen visa

If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you do not need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Croatia:

• Albania
• Andorra
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Dominica
• El Salvador
• North Macedonia
• Georgia
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• The city-state of Vatican City
• Honduras
• Israel
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Malaysia
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• Palau
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• East Timor
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tuvalu
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America
• United Kingdom
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

It is also worth noting that not all special territories, such as Hong Kong and Macau, are required to obtain a Schengen visa. The details and the complete list of countries whose citizens need a Schengen visa can be found on the official website of the European Commission.

Online application for a Schengen visa

Good news for those planning a trip to the Schengen Area – soon it will be possible to apply for a Schengen visa online. The European Parliament is working on this project to simplify the visa application process.

Time limit for stay

The time limit for staying in the Schengen Area is 90 days within any 180-day period. This means you can spend all 90 days at once or spread them out over several trips. The main rule is not to exceed 90 days of stay in the area during the previous 180 days.

Conclusion

In conclusion of the article, I would like to summarize the main points about the Schengen Area and its significance for free movement in Europe. The Schengen Area is an agreement among 27 European countries that ensures free movement between them and abolishes passport and border controls. It includes most of continental Europe, encompassing many EU member states, although the Schengen Area and the EU are not the same. Obtaining a Schengen visa allows you to visit any member country of the area. However, there are exceptions; residents of certain countries do not need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter the area. A list of these countries can be found on the official website of the European Commission. It is important to remember that the duration of stay in the Schengen Area is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. Therefore, if you have already spent 90 days in the area, you need to leave for 90 days before returning. Apps for counting days of stay help simplify this process, and upon entry and exit, you need to obtain a special stamp in your passport confirming your stay in the area. The Schengen Area opens up vast opportunities for travel and business trips across Europe, simplifies border crossings, and creates a unified space without passport and border formalities. However, it is essential to adhere to the rules of stay and not overstay your time, so you can continue to enjoy the beautiful countries and cities that are part of the Schengen Area.