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Difference between EU and Schengen visa countries

The European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area are two distinct but partly overlapping entities in Europe, each with its own set of member countries and purposes. Here are the main differences between the EU and the Schengen Area:

• Purpose and Goals:
  European Union (EU): The EU is a political and economic union of 27 European countries. It’s main purpose is to promote economic cooperation, political stability, and shared values among its member states. The EU has its own institutions, such as the European Commission and the European Parliament, and it deals with various policy areas, including trade, agriculture, and foreign affairs.
  Schengen Area: The Schengen Area, on the other hand, is a group of 27 European countries, (most of which are EU member states) that have abolished passport and other types of border controls at their mutual borders. Its primary purpose is to allow for the free movement of people within its member countries. This means that once you enter one Schengen country, you can generally travel freely within the entire Schengen Area without encountering border checks.
• Membership:
  EU: The EU consists of 27 member countries (as of my last knowledge update). These countries participate in various EU policies, contribute to the EU budget, and are subject to EU regulations and laws.
  Schengen Area: The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries, with Croatia being the newest entrant to this group most of which are EU member states. Not all EU countries are part of the Schengen Area, and not all Schengen Area countries are part of the EU. For example, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland are Schengen members but not EU members, while Ireland and the United Kingdom are EU members but not part of the Schengen Area.
• Border Control:
  EU: EU member states still maintain their individual border controls for non-EU travelers, but they have relaxed internal border controls for travelers within the EU.
  Schengen Area: Schengen countries have abolished internal border controls, allowing for passport-free travel within the Schengen Area. However, they maintain common external border controls to manage entry into the Schengen zone.
• Visa Policies:
  EU: The EU sets common rules for visas and residence permits for certain categories of travelers, such as tourists and business travelers. These rules are followed by EU member states, but they may have some discretion in issuing visas.
  Schengen Area: The Schengen Area has a unified visa policy for short-term stays (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or family visits. Travelers typically apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country they intend to visit first, and this visa allows them to travel within the entire Schengen Area.

In summary, the EU is a broader political and economic union with a wide range of policy areas, while the Schengen Area is a specific agreement focused on facilitating the free movement of people within its member countries. While there is overlap between the two entities, not all EU countries are part of Schengen, and not all Schengen countries are in the EU.

What are the types of Schengen visas?