Integration processes taking place in the world,affect absolutely all aspects of the life of each state and its inhabitants. Most often, beginning as a process of economic cooperation, these integration processes more and more connect two or more countries in the exchange of resources, goods, labor, etc. The more closely the countries cooperate, the more they have mutual interests, spheres of activity that it is necessary to regulate. One such area is the free movement of labor, tourists, businessmen, etc. between neighboring countries.
The largest association of countries to dateon visa issues is the union of the countries included in the so-called Schengen zone (from the name of a small village of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg). So what is the Schengen? What is it for? And what specific European countries are part of Schengen? These and other questions are answered in this article.
Schengen area, Schengen, Schengen Area isan agreement between 28 European countries that have signed and strictly comply with 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. If it is easier, the territory and the countries entering into the Schengen agreement, look like one big state. It is limited to the territories of the countries participating in the agreement with a single frontier control of external borders (entry / exit of people, import / export of goods / capital). And also by the lack of control at the borders of the Schengen states.
The countries that have signed the agreement carry out a singlethe policy for those who temporarily enter the Schengen area, conduct uniform, transparent control at external borders and promote the development of police and judicial cooperation between the Schengen countries.
When passing customs control,flights, hotel check-in, police inspection and control, you may need either an EU citizen passport or an identification card of the Member State of the EU or Schengen countries, or a visa stamp in a foreign passport of a citizen of one of the countries not included in the Schengen agreement.
As already mentioned above, the Schengen areaacquired its name from a small village in Luxembourg called Schengen, in which on June 14, 1985 the representatives of several countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and Germany) signed the Schengen Agreement, through which the customs and passport control.
In fact, Schengen was born on March 26, 1995, when this agreement was signed between the seven countries. The original countries were joined by Spain and Portugal.
May 1, 1999 instead of the Schengen AgreementSchengen legislation of the European Union appeared. And from that moment on, the new members of the European Union did not need to sign the Schengen Agreement, since by becoming a member of the EU, they automatically imposed an obligation to implement the Schengen law.
In 2000, another country joined -Greece, and in 2001 - the members of the Scandinavian passport union (Finland, Sweden, Denmark), as well as two states that were not part of the EU - Norway and Iceland.
Since 2007, the Schengen area has included the followingcountries (immediately 9 new participants) - Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Malta, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Estonia. Since December 2008, Switzerland is a full member of the Schengen legislation. Since December 2011 - Liechtenstein.
At the moment, the Schengen zone includes 26 countries. The states (the list of countries) of Schengen are presented in the article.
An exception.What other countries can I enter on a Schengen visa? It should be noted that the Schengen zone extends to countries such 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 entering the Principality from Spain or France, a person actually crosses the border of the Schengen area. And when he returns, he must get a visa again.
| A country | Population | The decision to join | expected date |
| Bulgaria | 7 576 751 | 1 January 2007 | Date not defined |
| Cyprus | 801 851 | 1 May 2004 | Partly dependent on the unsettled Cyprus conflict |
| Romania | 21 466 174 | 1 January 2007 | Date not defined |
| Croatia | 4 290 612 | 9 December 2011 | Date not defined |
It is worth commenting on countries that have not yet decided to join the Schengen zone.
In 2011, on September 22, at a meeting of ministersthe internal affairs of the EU member states in Brussels, Romania and Bulgaria were denied the right to enter the Schengen area. The refusal was due to the fact that France and the Netherlands opposed the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, as these countries are not fighting corruption effectively.
Decision on the entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen areawas postponed several times and, as of 2015, no new countries were admitted to the Schengen agreement. Thus, to date, the Schengen zone includes 26 countries.
What are the most popular countries in the Schengen areato visit in 2018? Each year the rating of the countries of this zone is made, in which the arrival of the largest number of tourists is expected. For 2018, such a list was also drawn up, and below it is presented to your attention.
So, below are all the countries of the Schengen zone as of 2018.
This is the full list of the Schengen countries in 2018.
Holidays in Italy - this pleasure is not cheap.However, every year this direction for recreation is becoming more and more popular. Gastronomic tours are very popular, as Italy is famous for its cuisine. Along with this, picturesque beaches, the sea, mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful nature and ancient architecture attract more and more tourists from all over the world and in any season. A stretched from north to south in the form of a boot of Italy, is very diverse. Tourists who have already visited this country are happy to return to visit one of the other regions of Italy.
This country is famous for its warm sun, siesta,beautiful architectural sights and beautiful national cuisine. Such cities as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and smaller towns and villages that stretch along the magnificent coastline will not leave indifferent even the most demanding travelers.
A traditional destination for all romantics,mods and people of art is France with a center in Paris. A mouth-watering scent of croissants, incredible architectural ensembles, a spirit of freedom and beauty will love any tourist in France, and he will want to return again and again to make more and more discoveries, emotional and sensual. Separately it is necessary to allocate azure coast with surprising beaches, and also remarkable ski resort places of French Alps. It seems that any person in France can find employment for himself.
The picturesque Prague with its medieval castle constructions, narrow streets and delicious national cuisine stands apart. And this is the Czech Republic.
One of the most popular destinations for touristsThe former CIS is Greece. Ancient architecture, Mediterranean culinary traditions with Greek wine, pristine nature, create an incredible atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation.
This country annually takes more and moretourists, as Hungary is full of home comfort and warmth. In addition to beautiful local attractions, a large number of tourists come to the thermal springs to work on their health.
Ancient cities such as Krakow, Poznan, Lodzwith the most beautiful capital of Warsaw will fill your holiday with memorable impressions, and in addition to conventional tourism, Polish medical resorts await their guests. For lovers of outdoor activities created beautiful scenic ski slopes. Also, this country is distinguished by a simpler visa, since the Polish Consulate is more loyal than other countries in the Schengen area, considering applications for the opening of a visa.
To enter and travel around the countriesthe composition of this zone, it is required to obtain a Schengen visa. And the receipt of this visa has special rules and stratagems, which we gladly share with you.
The embassies of each country in this zone, in spite ofgeneral visa space, have special requirements. Therefore, before embarking on a visa, every tourist should be sure to familiarize himself with the issuance rules. Acting in accordance with instructions received at the embassy of a particular country, in a few steps you can easily get a Schengen visa to a specific country.
Travel with pleasure, visit the countries of the Schengen Agreement and share your impressions!
