The five original signatories
Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands signed in 1985. Checks between them were lifted only in 1995.
Flags of Schengen countries
The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries that have generally removed checks on people at their shared internal borders. It includes 25 EU members and four countries outside the EU. Explore their flags and the growth of the border-free area.
- Schengen countries
- 29
- EU members
- 25
- Non-EU countries
- 4
Flag collage
Flags of Schengen countries
29 / 29
Timeline of internal border checks being lifted
1985
- Five countries signed the Schengen Agreement; border checks remained in place.
1990
- The Schengen Convention was signed.
1995(7)
1997(2)
2000(1)
2001(5)
2007(9)
2008(1)
- Switzerland
- Land border checks with Switzerland were lifted; air border checks followed in 2009.
2011(1)
2023(1)
- Croatia
- Land and sea border checks with Croatia were lifted; air checks followed later that year.
2024
- Air and sea internal border checks with Bulgaria and Romania were lifted.
2025(2)
Interesting connections between the flags
Four countries outside the EU
Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein belong to Schengen without being EU members.
The Nordic countries
Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland became part of the area without internal border checks in 2001.
Nine countries in 2007
Internal border checks were lifted with nine more countries in 2007.
Bulgaria and Romania
Air and sea checks ended in 2024; land border checks were lifted on 1 January 2025.
history of Schengen
From agreement to operation
The agreement was signed in 1985 and the convention in 1990. Internal checks were first lifted in 1995.
What the card year means
The year on each card marks the lifting of internal border checks; for Bulgaria and Romania it marks full implementation at land borders in 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries are in Schengen?
There are 29: 25 EU members and four non-EU countries.
Which Schengen countries are outside the EU?
Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Are all EU countries in Schengen?
No. Ireland is outside the area, and internal border checks with Cyprus have not yet been lifted.
When did Finland join the Schengen area?
Internal border checks involving Finland were lifted in 2001.
How do the EU and Schengen differ?
The EU is a political and economic union. Schengen is an area based on the removal of internal border checks and includes four non-EU countries.
Which countries joined fully most recently?
Bulgaria and Romania on 1 January 2025, when checks at their internal land borders were lifted.
Are journeys between Schengen countries always free of checks?
No. Temporary internal border checks can be reintroduced under specified conditions, and travel documents may still be needed.