If you’re planning a European adventure in 2025, understanding the Schengen Region Countries is your first step to a smooth travel experience. The Schengen Area allows passport-free movement across multiple countries, making it one of the most convenient travel zones in the world. Whether you’re a student, tourist, or business traveller from India, this guide will walk you through the list of Schengen countries, visa requirements, application tips, and how Supreme Forex can help you prepare for your Europe trip.
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What Is the Schengen Region?
The Schengen Region refers to a group of European countries that have eliminated internal borders, thereby allowing free movement of people among them. This system was established through the Schengen Agreement, which was signed in 1985 in the village of Schengen, Luxembourg.
Initially aimed at simplifying European travel, the agreement gradually evolved into a transformative policy. As a result, passport controls between member countries were removed, making cross-border travel significantly easier. Today, the Schengen Area comprises 27 countries that follow a unified visa policy. Consequently, travelers can visit multiple destinations with a single visa, reducing paperwork and enhancing travel convenience across Europe.
List of Schengen Countries in 2025
As of 2025, the Schengen Area includes 27 countries. Here’s the complete list:
- 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
Schengen vs. European Union – What’s the Difference?
Often used interchangeably, the Schengen Area and the European Union (EU) are distinct entities. The EU is a political and economic union of 27 countries focused on shared governance, trade, and laws. In contrast, the Schengen Area is a travel zone that allows passport-free movement across 27 European countries, some of which are not in the EU (like Norway and Switzerland). Similarly, some EU countries like Ireland, Romania, and Bulgaria are not yet part of Schengen. In short, Schengen simplifies travel, while the EU governs broader political and economic integration across Europe.
While there’s a lot of overlap, the Schengen Area and the European Union (EU) are not the same. Understanding this distinction is vital when planning your itinerary and visa application.
Why Travel Within the Schengen Area?
One visa. Multiple countries. That’s the biggest perk of the Schengen Zone.
Traveling within the Schengen Area offers unparalleled convenience for international travelers. With a Schengen Visa, you can move freely between all 27 member countries without facing immigration checks at each border, saving time and reducing paperwork. Whether you’re a tourist hopping between Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam or a student attending a seminar in Berlin, the seamless movement enhances your travel experience.
The Schengen visa also opens access to diverse cultures, cuisines, and attractions in a single trip. For budget-conscious travelers, low-cost airlines, trains, and buses make multi-country itineraries affordable. Overall, the Schengen Area makes Europe more accessible, economical, and traveler-friendly than ever before.
Best Countries to Visit in Europe Under a Schengen Visa
- France – Explore Paris, the Eiffel Tower, and charming villages like Annecy and Colmar.
- Italy – Discover Rome’s ancient ruins, Venice’s canals, and Tuscany’s countryside.
- Spain – Visit Barcelona, Madrid, and the Moorish palaces of Andalusia.
- Germany – Enjoy Berlin’s history, Bavaria’s castles, and Black Forest trails.
- Netherlands – Experience Amsterdam’s canals, tulips in bloom, and windmills.
- Austria – Tour Vienna’s imperial past and Salzburg’s musical heritage.
- Switzerland – Though not in the EU, travel seamlessly with a Schengen visa to enjoy the Alps.
In addition to travel convenience, the Schengen system boosts tourism, security, and economic integration across Europe. It also enables budget-friendly travel using low-cost airlines, trains, and buses.
Schengen Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens – Everything You Need to Know
If you’re an Indian citizen planning to travel to Europe, visiting the Schengen Area is a popular choice due to its simplified visa system. The Schengen visa allows you to travel freely across 27 European countries with just one visa. Here’s everything you need to know about Schengen visa requirements for Indian citizens:
Types of Schengen Visas
- Short-Stay Visa (Type C) – For tourism, business, or family visits (up to 90 days in 180 days).
- Long-Stay Visa (Type D) – For study, work, or residence purposes.
- Airport Transit Visa – For transiting through a Schengen country airport without entering the country.
Documents Required for Schengen Visa from India
Here’s a list of essential documents required by Indian applicants:
- Valid Passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay)
- Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
- Two Recent Passport-sized Photos
- Cover Letter stating the purpose and itinerary of your trip
- Round-trip Flight Reservations
- Proof of Accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
- Travel Insurance (minimum coverage of €30,000)
- Proof of Financial Means (bank statements of last 3–6 months, ITRs, payslips)
- Proof of Employment/Student Status – NOC from employer or institution
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt
Visa Cost and Duration
- Visa Fee: €80 (approx. ₹7,200) for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12. Free for children under 6.
- Duration: Typically allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Validity: Depends on the embassy, your travel history, and the documents submitted. Can be issued as single, double, or multiple-entry.
Schengen Visa Processing Time
- Standard processing time is 15 calendar days.
- Can extend up to 30 or 60 days in exceptional cases or peak seasons.
- It is advisable to apply at least 3–4 weeks before your intended departure.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
1: Identify the Main Destination: If you’re visiting multiple countries, apply to the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the most time.
2: Book an Appointment: Schedule a visa appointment via VFS Global or the respective embassy/consulate.
3: Prepare Your Documents: Collect all documents listed above. Ensure everything is up to date and correctly filled.
4: Attend the Interview: Be honest and confident. Provide clear answers regarding your itinerary, budget, and travel purpose.
5: Wait for Processing: Once approved, you’ll receive a visa sticker in your passport.
Travel Tips for Visiting Schengen Countries
- Currency: Most Schengen countries use the Euro (EUR). Countries like Switzerland use Swiss Francs (CHF).
- Language: Learn basic phrases or use translation apps.
- Local Etiquette: Respect local customs and dress codes.
- Transport: Use Eurail passes, buses (Flixbus), or budget airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet).
- Forex: Use a Prepaid Forex Card from Supreme Forex for safe, budget-friendly transactions.
How Supreme Forex Helps You Travel to Schengen Countries
If you are planning a trip to the Schengen region, Supreme Forex can make your pre-travel preparation easier and more secure. Avoid last-minute forex hassles and enjoy peace of mind with our transparent services:
- INR to EUR Conversion at competitive live rates
- Prepaid Forex Cards with multi-currency support
- Travel Insurance approved for Schengen visa applications
- Doorstep Currency Delivery across India
- Assistance with Documentation for visa applications
FAQs About Schengen Region and Visa
1. How Long is the Longest Schengen Visa?
The longest Schengen visa can be valid for up to 5 years (multi-entry), but this is usually granted to frequent travelers with a clean visa history. First-time applicants usually receive a visa valid for the specific trip duration only.
2. Who needs a Schengen Visa?
Non-EU nationals, including Indian citizens, need a Schengen visa to travel to the 27 Schengen countries for tourism, business, or short-term visits up to 90 days.
3. Is Croatia a Schengen country?
Yes, Croatia officially joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023, allowing seamless travel to and from other Schengen countries without internal border checks.
4. Which EU countries are not in Schengen?
Ireland, Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria are EU countries; however, they are not part of the Schengen Area. As a result, they maintain their own visa policies and border control systems, separate from Schengen regulations.
5. Why is it called Schengen?
The Schengen Area is named after the village of Schengen in Luxembourg, where the Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 to allow borderless travel across participating European countries.
6. Is Switzerland a Schengen country?
Yes, Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area even though it is not a member of the European Union. It allows visa-free movement within the zone.
Conclusion – Plan Your Europe Trip the Smart Way
The Schengen region, indeed, offers an incredible opportunity to explore Europe freely with just one visa. From romantic cities to scenic landscapes, the travel possibilities are endless. To make the most of this opportunity, it’s important to plan early. Moreover, ensure that your documentation is accurate and complete. Finally, partner with a trusted provider like Supreme Forex for seamless currency exchange and reliable visa support to enjoy a smooth and budget-friendly European adventure. The Schengen region offers an incredible opportunity to explore Europe freely with one visa. From romantic cities to scenic landscapes, the possibilities are endless. To ensure a smooth and budget-friendly trip, start planning early, complete your documentation correctly, and choose a reliable partner like Supreme Forex for all your currency and visa support needs.
Convert your INR to EUR at the best rates, order your Forex Card, and get visa-ready with Supreme Forex today!
