Nreservi

Schengen countries: the list of 29 states and the visa for Algerians

Published on 14 November 2026 · Nreservi team

Which countries are in the Schengen area, and which consulate should you apply to? Whether you live in Algeria or abroad, these are the first questions when planning a trip to Europe. Here is the up-to-date list of the 29 Schengen countries, the European countries outside the area, the consulate rules, and what to know about the hotel booking in your application. One point first: Nreservi does not sell any visa service. We book your hotel; the application, the appointment and the decision are up to the consulate.

In short

  • 29 countries make up the Schengen area: 25 European Union member states and 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland).
  • One short-stay visa in principle lets you travel across all of them, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • The right consulate is in principle that of the country where you will spend the most time.
  • The hotel: a hotel booking is in principle one of the accepted proofs of accommodation.

The 29 Schengen states

The 25 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Bulgaria and Romania were the last to join fully, on 1 January 2025, so older lists mentioning 26 or 27 countries are out of date.

European countries outside Schengen

  • Ireland is in the EU but does not apply the Schengen rules: it keeps its own visa and border policy.
  • Cyprus is in the EU, but its integration into the Schengen area is not complete: check with its consulate before planning a stop on the island.
  • The United Kingdom is not in the Schengen area: a Schengen visa does not let you travel to London. Check the entry requirements on the UK government's official website.

Which consulate should you apply to?

The European rule is in principle:

  1. One country: that country's consulate.
  2. Several countries, different lengths of stay: the consulate of the country where you will stay longest.
  3. Several countries, equal lengths of stay: the consulate of the first country you will enter.

For example, five nights in Barcelona then two in Paris: in principle, the Spanish consulate. Applications are in principle lodged no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before the trip. Only use the addresses given on the consulate's official website or by its approved service provider, and always download the current list of documents.

Proof of accommodation: hotel or host's certificate

  • At a hotel: the booking should be in the names of all travellers, match the dates of your transport and insurance, and cover every stage of the trip.
  • With relatives in France: the host requests an attestation d'accueil from the town hall where they live, for a private or family visit of less than 3 months, and sends it to you before you apply. Other countries have their own documents: ask the consulate.

Beware of "visa bookings" that do not match any real stay. Present a trip that is consistent with the rest of your file.

At the border: biometric registration

Since 12 October 2025 the Schengen area has used a new Entry/Exit System, rolled out gradually and fully operational since 10 April 2026. On a first crossing, non-EU short-stay travellers give their passport details, a facial image and fingerprints; this electronic record replaces passport stamps. It applies at the Schengen external borders, but not in Cyprus or Ireland. Allow a little extra time the first time.

Book your hotel with Nreservi

  1. Choose your country: Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, or hotels in Europe and worldwide.
  2. Filter free-cancellation offers while your visa is pending, and note the cancellation deadline.
  3. Send your request: our team confirms availability and price with the hotel.
  4. Pay. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you once payment is made. From Algeria, you pay in dinars (BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office in Algiers), without a bank card.
  5. Receive your voucher in the travellers' names, for the chosen dates.

More details in how to book a hotel without a bank card and, for Spain, in hotel booking for a Spanish visa.

Frequently asked questions

How many Schengen countries are there in 2026? 29: the 25 EU countries listed above, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Which EU countries are not in Schengen? Ireland, which keeps its own rules, and Cyprus, whose integration is not complete.

Does a Schengen visa cover the United Kingdom? No: the UK is not part of the Schengen area.

Is my hotel voucher enough to get the visa? No. It is one document among others; the decision is up to the consulate.

Read also: where to stay in Barcelona · where to stay in Milan and Rome · Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve

Book a hotel in Europe

Sources: European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs (Schengen area; applying for a Schengen visa; Entry/Exit System launch, 13/10/2025); Council of the EU (Entry/Exit System); service-public.gouv.fr and justice.fr (attestation d'accueil); Wikipedia (Schengen area). Accessed 14/11/2026. Rules can change: always check with the consulate.

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.

Book a hotel in Europe