Are you a travel freak and a nomad? Or are you a person who likes to travel and explore new countries, and meet new people? If yes, then this blog is just for you, as it will explore the Schengen zone and the top reasons one should travel there to mesmerize their journey and to feel the love European countries have to offer by exploring more about their culture.
These days, people who like to travel go to their browser and start with their research on which countries to travel to. Then, there are people with their specific mindset in head, they need their research to be specific and detail-oriented. The intent for their search derives from various factors.
If you are planning to travel to European countries, then somewhere, “Schengen” or a quote mentioning the Schengen zone must have popped up. The Schengen area is one of the most significant achievements of the European project. It began in 1985 as an intergovernmental project among five EU countries- France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg and has expanded to be one of the most controversial free travel areas in the world.
1. Higher Visa Applications
Since 2020, Schengen visa applications have significantly increased, and the percentage of visa applications has decreased compared to 2022.
2. Romania and Bulgaria are the newest members of the Schengen Area, with the lifting of border controls for air and sea travel on 31st March 2024, and land controls effective since 1st January 2025.
Before understanding and going in-depth into the blog, here are some statistics to note, furthering the advancement of the Schengen Zone and the correlation with the European and non-European countries
However, this blog will deep dive into what the Schengen really is, and the top 10 reasons for the trip to the Schengen region in 2025.
Are you struggling to get the Schengen visa appointment? Here is the quick Schengen visa appointment application form where you can fill and get the slots.
Schengen area is a group of 29 European Countries that have decided to remove the border checks between them, allowing travelers to move around without their passport. It’s like travelling from one state to another without going through the necessary border and passport checks.
The name Schengen comes from the village of Schengen in Luxembourg. The agreement known as the Schengen Agreement was signed by five countries in 1985, particularly by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The signing happened on a boat on the Moselle River, located at the tri-point of France, Germany, and Luxembourg. The name Schengen represents symbolism and the desire to overcome divisions and foster unity.
Though, Schengen Area is known for its free movement, sometimes it comes under the spotlight due to security concerns and migration alerts. It has been argued that due to a lack of internal border controls, it makes it easier for criminals and terrorists to operate within the zone, which makes it difficult to manage migration flows.
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More than 420 million people, including non-EU nationals and visitors go through thorough border checks to enter the Schengen zone. There are strong requirements through the first entry point, and the area is also heavily secured.
European nationals and non-citizens benefit from this agreement as it offers free movement and travel without any complicated processes.
However, travelers looking for their trip to be short, in such cases, European countries offer a Schengen short-stay visa that helps and allows non-EU citizens to enter and stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180 period for tourism, business or any other related purpose.
Some crucial documents required are:
These are usually asked, so it is necessary to keep them handy just in case.
Many people search on Google for the list of top 10 Schengen countries. In case you’re curious to know some are mentioned below:
If you are travelling anywhere, there are several reasons behind it; some expect to have their adventure of a lifetime, and others to go and explore magnificent historic landscapes. Travelling to Schengen is one of the beautiful experiences one would love to explore due to its unique free movement across states. The benefits it offers between member countries, exploring multiple landscapes and attractions in a single trip.
Here are a few reasons to visit Schengen in 2025:
With the help of a Short Stay Schengen visa, travelers can move freely within the borders without border control, which helps people to move around different destinations in a single trip and make necessary stops to enjoy the scenery on the way to your trip to Schengen.
For a smooth travel, non-EU nationals should ensure to have the required documents and authorizations.
With the introduction of passport-free checks at internal borders, travelers move freely between Schengen countries.
For instance, a new system is implemented for non-EU nationals to record their entry and exit, which enhances border management and security.
To experience the cultural authenticities, consider participating in cultural events such as local traditions and exchange programs.
A Cultural Schengen short stay visa allows travelers to participate in various cultural events and programs, immersing themselves in the best traditions to explore and attend the authentic cultural events.
The entry and exit at the Schengen border will be expanding and enhancing the experience from their usual exploration, streamlining their horizon for non-EU citizens. With the introduction of a new EES system on 12th October 2025, it will change the experience of travelling while entering and exiting the Schengen area. This means your photograph is taken while entering and exiting the border, which shows that the queue is long.
Also check, Top 5 Nationalities With The Most Schengen Visa Applications
If you are travelling to the Schengen countries, travelling thoroughly all at once is not advisable. The beautiful scenery from the Alps to the Mediterranean is a statement of the charming towns and vibrant cities the Schengen region has to offer.
It offers unique opportunities for travel, from exploring breathtaking landscapes and landmarks to capturing the essence of captivating cultural and non-cultural activities such as city tours, retreats, and other indoor-outdoor adventures.
Schengen helps boost the market by enhancing the supply chains, improving the free movement of workers and goods, and reducing the administrative costs for businesses. For instance, there are 24 million business trips and cross-border goods movements within the Schengen zone each year, increasing the economic advances of its participating states.
With the introduction of advanced security measures, the Schengen zone helps ensure safe and free travel while maintaining and protecting its external borders.
Therefore, a few include the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System(ETIAS), and their enhanced police and judicial cooperation.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the key factors:
This is a large-scale information system used across the Schengen authorities for sharing information about wanted or missing persons, or any lost or stolen objects and any non-regular EU nationals. It constantly updates the systems with new functions of sharing information and detailed biometric data integration.
This system helps travelers from visa-waiver countries to obtain an online consent form before traveling to the Schengen Area. This includes screening travelers against potential security and migration processes. Furthermore, it helps in identifying potential risks and threats before travelers even arrive at the border.
The introduction of “EU Digital Travel App” gives access to travelers to create and update their digital travel credentials and submit their documents and travel plans in advance, streamlining their fast border checks.
Subsequently, your usual visa stickers will be replaced by cryptographically signed barcodes which would be accessible through an online application platform.
Every year on May 10th, EU and non-EU can join the celebrations at the EU Open Day, where one can meet and participate with other Europeans in activities that focus on the achievements of Schengen.
Many travelers who go to Europe to explore the Schengen zone have several perks, including free access or reduced medical treatment cost for visitors, depending on either an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or a UK Global Health Insurance Card(GHIC). These provide healthcare in other states of that country. This may be to note that not all medical expenses will be covered in this area.
For this, an S1 form is filled out by individuals who are authorized for state healthcare in one EU country. This is applicable to people who are working or residing in one or other EU countries.
The Schengen Area stands to be one of Europe’s largest movement-free areas that helps over 450 million Europeans to engage and keeping a sense of shared identity and unity.
Travelers must be ware of few types of Schengen visas when planning on visiting any Schengen country. Some are:
Also called a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV), and it is applicable for stays up to 90 days within a 180 period. However, the USV visas include the Type A (Airport Transit visa) and the Type C (short stay) visa, which are usually for short stays and are widely used by tourists themselves.
However, Citizens who require Schengen Airport Transit Visas are:
These visas are necessary when one plans to stay in a Schengen country for more than 90 days. This is also known as long-stay or national visas. They are for purposes such as work, internships, school, family, and training programs etc.
However, some other visas that are necessary at times are business, work, and student Schengen visas, single-entry visas, double-entry visas, and multiple-entry visas.
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In conclusion, if you are planning on visiting Europe for sightseeing, work or visiting family and friends etc, make sure to prepare your itinerary accordingly without unnecessary worrying and to guarantee your safe and secure journey to enjoy the Schengen journey of a lifetime.
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