The EU is a political and economic union of 27 countries. Schengen is a zone of 29 countries without border checks. Ireland and Cyprus are EU but not Schengen; Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are Schengen but not EU.
Who's in which group
| Country | EU | Schengen | ETIAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal… | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cyprus | Yes | Not yet | Yes |
| Ireland | Yes | No | No |
| United Kingdom | No | No | No (uses its ETA) |
The case of Ireland
Ireland forms a Common Travel Area with the UK and has its own visa policy. It won't use ETIAS or the EES. Entry requirements for Ireland.
Ireland, the UK and the Common Travel Area
Ireland stays outside Schengen mainly because of the Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom, which lets Irish and British citizens move between the two countries freely. For visitors, that means Ireland has its own visa rules, does not use ETIAS or the EES, and days in Ireland do not count towards your Schengen 90 days. Ireland entry requirements.
Territories of Schengen countries that are outside Schengen
Several territories belong to a Schengen country but are not part of the Schengen Area, so they have their own entry rules and days there don't count towards your 90:
- France: Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Mayotte, New Caledonia, French Polynesia and other overseas territories.
- Netherlands: Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
- Denmark: Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
- Norway: Svalbard.
By contrast, the Canary Islands, Balearics, Azores, Madeira, Ceuta and Melilla are inside Schengen (Ceuta and Melilla with extra checks).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need ETIAS for Ireland?
No. Ireland won't use ETIAS.
Do I need ETIAS for Switzerland?
Yes, Switzerland is in Schengen and will require ETIAS from visa-exempt travelers.
What countries are in the EU but not in Schengen?
Ireland and Cyprus. Cyprus is expected to join Schengen fully in the future; Ireland has an opt-out.
Which countries are in Schengen but not in the EU?
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Do days in Ireland count towards the Schengen 90 days?
No. Ireland is outside Schengen, so days there don't count.
Keep reading
Sources
This guide is independent and for information only. Rules can change: before you travel, always double-check on the official ETIAS website and with the authorities of the country you're visiting.