Delay in the processing of visas by 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen area has led to a rising number of pending applications from Indian tourists. What is the Schengen Area? What are the Schengen countries? What does it signify? Get answers to all these questions in this article. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam IR segment.

What is the Schengen Area?

• The Schengen area comprises 27 European countries that have abolished border controls and allow the free movement of people living in Schengen countries or people visiting as tourists. 
• The Schengen area was created after the signing of the Schengen Agreement in 1985. 
• The name Schengen comes from a town in southeastern Luxembourg where France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands signed the original Schengen Agreement in 1985.
• The European Union and Schengen area are two different zones. 
• After signing the Schengen agreement, the signatories abolished the border checks along the common borders within the area and individuals can travel freely within the area. 
• The agreement allows the residents to cross the border freely without having to go through fixed checkpoints and has harmonized visa policies. 
• Thus the Schengen agreement abolished border control and allowed free movement within countries in the area. 

Schengen Area Countries

• The 27 member countries of the Schengen area are Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. 
• The Schengen area also includes four members who are not part of the European Union.

Schengen Area Latest News

Causes for the delay in the processing of visas by the 27 countries:

• Delays by Visa processing companies due to technical issues.
• Unexpected rise in demand for Visa applications.
• Lack of manpower in European embassies.

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