Schengen countries requiring ETIAS

The Schengen Area represents a region composed of adjacent European countries that have eliminated internal border controls, passport controls and all other kinds of mutual border checks. As a result, there are no hard borders between member countries, only a shared external border. The Schengen Area covers more than 4 million square kilometers and is inhabited by more than 400 million people. About 1.4 billion individuals from non-EU countries can visit the Schengen Area without the need for a visa, including citizens of Australia, Japan and the United States.

Starting in 2024, visa-free visitors will need to obtain ETIAS to enter the Schengen Area. Citizens of other non-EU countries require a visa for the Schengen Area.

A brief summary of the history of the Schengen Area:

• 2023 – Croatia joins the Schengen Area
• 1995-2011 – A total of 17 countries remove internal borders
• 1995 – Schengen Convention enters into force, abolishing internal borders
• 1990-1992 – Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece join the Schengen Convention
• 1985 – Schengen Agreement signed by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands

Differences between the Schengen Area and the European Union

The Schengen Area and the European Union (EU) are two separate entities. Not all Schengen members are part of the EU and not all EU members are part of the Schengen Area.
The European Union is a political and economic union of European countries. The Schengen Area is a travel zone with free mobility between member countries.

Schengen Area Border Controls

Since there are no internal checkpoints in the Schengen Area, secure and efficient external borders are crucial to ensuring the security of the region. Each country manages its external borders according to the Schengen Borders Code. This common set of rules ensures uniformity and allows travelers to know what to expect.

To enter the Schengen Area as a citizen of non-member countries, you need a Schengen visa or, from 2024, ETIAS. The type of permit needed depends on the nationality of the traveler. Although the two permits are different, in both cases, once you cross the external border, you can stay in any part of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. In other words, the Schengen Area is a single travel area that allows free movement between its member countries, eliminating the need for internal border controls. However, to maintain the security of the region, it is essential to have efficient and secure external borders. Controls vary depending on the nationality of the traveler, and may require a Schengen visa or, starting in 2024, ETIAS.

The history of the Schengen Area has seen several countries join over the years, with Croatia joining most recently in 2023. It is important to note that despite some overlap, the European Union and the Schengen Area are two distinct entities.

Travel in the Schengen Area with ETIAS

ETIAS is designed for travelers coming from countries outside the EU that are visa exempt. If you are coming from a country that qualifies for such an exemption, you must complete the visa waiver application online before traveling anywhere in the Schengen Area.

Once approved, the travel authorization is associated with your passport and is checked when your passport is examined at the external border. It remains valid for up to 3 years and allows multiple entries.

Schengen visa requirements

Foreign individuals who cannot obtain ETIAS require a Schengen visa to cross the external border. This visa can be applied for at the embassy of a Schengen country and requires the presentation of supporting documents, such as proof of sufficient funds and medical insurance.

At the border checkpoint, travelers are required to present a valid passport and Schengen visa. Despite the absence of internal checkpoints, travelers should have their documents with them at all times and be prepared to answer any questions asked by the authorities.

The Schengen area is made up of 27 European countries (ETIAS countries).

Out of 27 EU Member States, 23 are included in the Schengen area. There are also 4 non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen area, namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Schengen member countries applying for ETIAS:

Non-EU member states applying for ETIAS.

• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Switzerland

EU microstates

• Andorra
• Monaco
• San Marino
• Vatican City

Potential future members of Schengen

Nations that are in the process of joining the Schengen Area are also part of the ETIAS countries:

• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Romania

L’autorizzazione di viaggio ETIAS non è necessaria solo per visitare i Paesi già appartenenti allo Spazio Schengen. È anche obbligatoria per i viaggiatori esenti da visto che desiderano visitare questi Paesi in attesa di adesione a Schengen.

There are more than 50 eligible nationalities that will need ETIAS to travel in Europe by 2024. Citizens of the countries listed below will need to register for ETIAS before entering the Schengen Area, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania.

With ETIAS, it is possible to spend up to 90 days for a period of 180 days in the Schengen Area without requiring a visa.