Schengen countries: Which countries can you enter on the Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is a gateway to some of Europe’s most culturally rich and diverse countries. Named after the Schengen Agreement, which abolished internal borders between European countries, this visa allows travellers to explore multiple nations within the Schengen Area without the need for multiple visas. For South Africans planning a trip to Europe, understanding the extent of the Schengen Visa’s reach is crucial. This post explores the Schengen countries you’ll be able to visit with this visa in hand!

Understanding the Schengen countries

The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries that have officially abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This allows for free and unrestricted movement of people within the member states. The primary benefit of the Schengen Visa is the ability to travel across these nations seamlessly.

Member countries of the Schengen Area

Here is a detailed look at the countries you can visit with a Schengen Visa:

1. Austria: Famous for its stunning Alpine scenery and vibrant cultural cities like Vienna and Salzburg.
2. Belgium: Known for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and as the headquarters of the European Union.
3. Czech Republic: Offers a mix of historical charm with cities like Prague, known for its old town square and Gothic churches.
4. Denmark: A country known for its high quality of life, modern architecture, and the historic city of Copenhagen.
5. Estonia: Offers a unique blend of medieval history and modern innovation, with Tallinn being a notable destination.
6. Finland: Famous for its vast forests, thousands of lakes, and vibrant cities like Helsinki.
7. France: One of the most popular tourist destinations globally, offering everything from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the beaches of the French Riviera.
8. Germany: Known for its rich history, vibrant cities like Berlin, and scenic landscapes like the Black Forest.
9. Greece: Offers historical ruins, beautiful islands, and vibrant culture with cities like Athens and Santorini.
10. Hungary: Famous for its architectural beauty and thermal spas, with Budapest being a major attraction.
11. Iceland: Known for its stunning natural landscapes including geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and glaciers.
12. Italy: Offers historical sites, art, and delicious cuisine, with popular cities including Rome, Florence, and Venice.
13. Latvia: Known for its diverse architecture, historical sites, and the cosmopolitan city of Riga.
14. Lithuania: Offers a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, with Vilnius being a key highlight.
15. Luxembourg: A small but beautiful country known for its medieval old town and modern cityscape.
16. Malta: Offers historical sites, sunny weather, and beautiful coastlines, with Valletta being a significant attraction.
17. Netherlands: Known for its flat landscape, canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cities like Amsterdam.
18. Norway: Famous for its fjords, coastal cities like Oslo, and scenic natural beauty.
19. Poland: Offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and cities like Warsaw and Krakow.
20. Portugal: Known for its beautiful coastline, historic cities like Lisbon and Porto, and delicious cuisine.
21. Slovakia: Offers medieval castles, mountainous landscapes, and charming cities like Bratislava.
22. Slovenia: Known for its stunning lakes, caves, and the picturesque capital city of Ljubljana.
23. Spain: Offers diverse landscapes, cultural festivals, and cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.
24. Sweden: Known for its modern cities like Stockholm and vast natural landscapes.
25. Switzerland: Famous for its mountains, lakes, and cities like Zurich and Geneva.
26. Liechtenstein: A small but scenic country known for its alpine landscapes and medieval castles.
27. Monaco: Though not a Schengen country, it allows entry on a Schengen visa due to its open borders with France.

Important considerations for visiting Schengen countries

When travelling on a Schengen Visa, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

Duration of stay

The Schengen Visa typically allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is important for planning the length of your visit.

Entry and exit points

You can enter and exit any of the Schengen member states, and there is no need for border checks once within the area.

Validity

Ensure your visa covers the entire period of your travel and that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area.

Travel insurance

It is mandatory to have travel insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000.

Conclusion

The Schengen Visa offers South Africans a fantastic opportunity to explore many European countries with a single visa. From Greece’s historic landmarks to Finland’s modern landscapes, the Schengen Area is rich with diverse cultures, languages, and experiences. If you’re planning a European adventure, ensuring you have the correct documentation is essential. For assistance with your visa application, consider contacting Apostil.co.za, who can help streamline the process and ensure all your paperwork is in order.