EU Countries List – Member States of The European Union

In this article, learn everything about EU countries, Member state of the European Union, Schengen countries, a map of EU countries and a brief history of the EU. The European Union (EU) traces its roots to 1945 when 28 countries in Europe signed the Treaty of Maastricht and Treaty of Rome to end the brutal wars ravaging the continent and decided to collaborate with each other, to further the interests of trade, commerce, art, culture, and science. 

List of countries in Schengen area

Traveling within the EU

Duration of visa application process: Most EU countries take between 10 & 15 days to approve the visas. But, countries like the UK and Ireland take 20-30 days to approve the visa. It’s best if travelers keep at least one month aside for the visa application process to be completed. This buffer period will also help travelers account for chances of visa rejection and reapplication.

The EU countries

Austria

Renowned for its natural beauty and for being the stage to the Sound of Music, Austria delights the senses of every traveler.

Capital: Vienna

Official EU language(s): German

EU member country: since 1 January 1995

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999

Schengen: Schengen area member since 1 December 1997

Best places to visit: Worthersee, Graz, Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg

Best time to travel: September-October.

Visitors must see & try: Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and the Von Trapp house in Salzburg. Music symposiums and traditional balls.

Visa rejection rate: 4.67%

Belgium

If Belgium is known for something, it’s the sinfully delicious food and beverages. Travelers are in for a sensory delight at Belgium.

Capital: Brussels

Official EU language(s): Dutch, French, and German

EU member country: since 1 January 1958

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999.

Schengen: Schengen area member since 26 March 1995.

Best places to visit: Dinant, Leuven, Mechelen, Ghent, Ardennes, and Antwerp.

Best time to travel: April-October.

Visitors must see & try: Caves of Han, Grotto of Dinant, Atomium. Chocolates, waffles, fries, and beer.

Visa rejection rate: 16.10%

Bulgaria

Replete with exotic flora and fauna, the serene countryside of Bulgaria is a nature lover’s paradise.

Capital: Sofia

Official EU language(s): Bulgarian

EU member country: since 1 January 2007

Currency: Bulgarian Lev BGN. Bulgaria has committed to adopting the euro once it fulfills the necessary conditions.

Schengen: Bulgaria is currently in the process of joining the Schengen area.

Best places to visit: Varna, Tsars, Sofia, and Burgas.

Best time to travel: April-May.

Visitors must see & try: Ledenika Cave, Rila National Park, Rose Valley, and Belogradchik Fortress. Wine tasting at the local vineyards and winter sports at Bansko.

Visa rejection rate: 16.86%

Croatia

White, sandy beaches and lush, green forests characterize the gorgeous honeymoon destination that is Croatia.

Capital: Zagreb

Official EU language(s): Croatian

EU member country: since 1 July 2013

Currency: Croatian Kuna HRK. Croatia has committed to adopting the euro once it fulfills the necessary conditions.

Schengen: No, Croatia is not a member of the Schengen area

Best places to visit: Pula, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik.

Best time to travel: May-June and September-October.

Visitors must see & try: Krka National Park, Zlatni Rat Beach, and Plitvice National Park. Spelunking at Blue Cave of Bisevo and eating Octopus salad.

Visa rejection rate: 6.78%

Cyprus

The place where Goddess Aphrodite was born, Cyprus, the island of love, is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Capital: Nicosia

Official EU language(s): Greek

EU member country: since 1 May 2004

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 2008

Schengen: Cyprus is currently in the process of joining the Schengen area.

Best places to visit: Akamas Peninsula, Nicosia, Protaras, and Limassol.

Best time to travel: July-October.

Visitors must see & try: House of Dionysus, the House of Theseus, and Troodos Mountains. Nightlife at Ayia Napa, wine tours, and the Europe Meze.

Visa rejection rate: 2.03%

Czech Republic

A country with a tradition in jewelry, glass, and beer manufacturing, Czech Republic is the perfect place to indulge in traditional luxuries and extravagances.

Capital: Prague

Official EU language(s): Czech

EU member country: since 1 May 2004

Currency: Czech koruna (CZK). The Czech Republic is currently preparing to adopt the euro.

Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007

Best places to visit: Prague, Plzen, Moravian Karst, and Cesky Krumlov.

Best time to travel: July and August.

Visitors must see & try:  Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, and regional ice hockey games. Pilsner Urquell beer and purchase cut glass.

Visa rejection rate: 4.48%

Denmark

Home to the happiest people on Earth, Denmark is a must-visit for anyone in search of the secret to happiness.

Capital: Copenhagen

Official EU language(s): Danish

EU member country: since 1 January 1973

Currency: Danish krone DKK. Denmark has negotiated to opt-out from the euro and thus is not obliged to introduce it.

Schengen: Schengen area member since 25 March 2001

Best places to visit: Råbjerg Mile, Anholt, Copenhagen, Møn, and Moaning Bay.

Best time to travel: May-August.

Visitors must see & try: Rainbow rooftop at ARoS Art Museum, Singing trees at  Kildeparken, and Champagne with a Sword Championships. Camping on treetops, bridge walking over Little Belt Bridge, and eating Danish pastry & Lurpak butter.

Visa rejection rate: 6.29%

Estonia

With its tech-savvy background, amazing academic infrastructure, and wonderful women’s safety programs, Estonia is the ideal place for solo travelers and students.

Capital: Tallinn

Official EU language(s): Estonian

EU member country: since 1 May 2004

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 2011

Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007

Best places to visit: Viljandi, Hiiumaa, Parnu, and Tallinn.

Best time to travel: April-May & September-October.

Visitors must see & try: Soomaa National Park, Rakvere Castle. Hiking & birdwatching in Saaremaa and safari at Lahemaa National Park.

Visa rejection rate: 1.21%

Finland

With 187,888 lakes, 179,584 islands, and just 16 inhabitants per km², Finland is the perfect holiday destination for travelers who wish to go off the grid and revel in nature’s bounty.

Capital: Helsinki

Official EU language(s): Finnish, Swedish

EU member country: since 1 January 1995

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999

Schengen: Schengen area member since 25 March 2001

Best places to visit: Levi, Aland Archipelago, Turku, and Helsinki.

Best time to travel: December-March.

Visitors must see & try: Snow castle at Kemi and Santa Park at Rovaniemi. Amethyst digging at Lampivaara and snow sports in Levi.

Visa rejection rate: 1.13%

France

The most visited country in Europe, France has much in store for those in love with love.  

Capital: Paris

Official EU language(s): French

EU member country: since 1 January 1958

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999

Schengen: Schengen area member since 26 March 1995

Best places to visit: Marseille, Tuscany, Nice, Paris.

Best time to travel: April-June & September-November.

Visitors must see & try: Loire Valley, Catacombs, Muse d’Orsay, Muse du Louvre. Escargot, baguette, wine, and éclair.

Visa rejection rate: 13.64%

Germany

A rich and colorful history, brilliant tech scenes, and breathtaking flora & fauna, Germany has a lot to offer its visitors.  

Capital: Berlin

Official EU language(s): German

EU member country: since 1 January 1958

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999

Schengen: Schengen area member since 26 March 1995

Best places to visit: Munich, Leipzig, Berlin, Auschwitz, and Cologne

Best time to travel: May, September & October.

Visitors must see & try: Neuschwanstein Castle, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, and Semper Opera. Beers, bread, schnitzel, and currywurst.

Visa rejection rate: 7.63%

Greece

White sandy beaches, refreshing gentle waves, and a lush island to spend your holiday at; what more could you ask of the exotic land of Greece.

Capital: Athens

Official EU language(s): Greek

EU member country: since 1 January 1981

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 2001

Schengen: Schengen area member since 1 January 2000

Best places to visit: Zagori, Mykonos, Peloponnese, Santorini, Delphi, and Crete.

Best time to travel: April-June & September-October.

Visitors must see & try: Parthenon, Acropolis, and monasteries at Meteora. Catamaran cruise and Greek food (Moussaka &  Dolmades).

Visa rejection rate: 3.88%

Hungary

A potpourri of different cultures, Hungary makes for a wonderful visit by anyone interested in having a unique global experience.

Capital: Budapest

Official EU language(s): Hungarian

EU member country: since 1 May 2004

Currency: Hungarian Forint HUF. Hungary is currently preparing to adopt the euro.

Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007

Best places to visit: Gyor, Aggtelek National Park, Budapest, and Lake Balaton.

Best time to travel: March-May & September-November.

Visitors must see & try: Nine-Arch Bridge at Hortobagy National Park. Hot water springs at Heviz, Danube river cruise, and cave bath at Miskolc-tapolca.

Visa rejection rate: 5.34%

Ireland

Long hikes up steep cliffs, hearty regional food and a cold one at day’s end – vacation in Ireland is exhilarating and relaxing in equal measure.  

Capital: Dublin

Official EU language(s): Irish, English

EU member country: since 1 January 1973

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999

Schengen: Ireland has negotiated an opt-out from Schengen area.

Best places to visit: Skellig Islands, Glenveagh National Park, The Burren, Cork, and Dublin.

Best time to travel: March-May & September-November.

Visitors must see & try: Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and The Giant’s Causeway. Guinness beer, blood pudding, soda bread, and Boxty.

Visa rejection rate: 15.48%

Italy

Ancient architecture, delectable pasta, and strong coffee come to mind when we talk about the beautiful European country of Italy.

Capital: Rome

Official EU language(s): Italian

EU member country: since 1 January 1958

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999

Schengen: Schengen area member since 26 October 1997

Best places to visit: Naples, Sicily, Rome, Cinque Terre, Milan, Tuscany, Venice, and Amalfi Coast.

Best time to travel: April-June & September-October.

Visitors must see &try: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Colosseums, and churches. Local seafood and regional pasta.

Visa rejection rate: 7.66%

Latvia

With over 500 km (310 miles) of coasts to its name, Latvia is a hidden gem in Europe that’s the perfect destination for those looking for a tan and a surf.

Capital: Riga

Official EU language(s): Latvian

EU member country: since 1 May 2004

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 2014

Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007

Best places to visit: Jurmala, Kuldiga, Sigulda, and Liepaja.

Best time to travel: April-September.

Visitors must see & try: Ventas Rumba and Gauja National Park. Jewelry shopping at Riga’s Central Market.

Visa rejection rate: 1.55%

Lithuania

Home to some of the oldest architecture and languages in the world, Lithuania is where time stands still to allow travelers to revel in the country’s traditional beauty.

Capital: Vilnius

Official EU language(s): Lithuanian

EU member country: since 1 May 2004

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 2015

Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007

Best places to visit: Vilnius, Kaunas, Kernave, and Neringa.

Best time to travel: May/September.

Visitors must see & try: St. Peter & Paul’s Church, Nida Dunes and Paneriai. Foods like Cepelinai and Kugelis.

Visa rejection rate: 1.19%

Luxembourg

The tiny landlocked nation of Luxembourg is a potpourri of French, German, and Belgian cultures, and offers travelers an exotic experience.

Capital: Luxembourg

Official EU language(s): French, German

EU member country: since 1 January 1958

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999.

Schengen: Schengen area member since 26 March 1995.

Best places to visit: Vianden, Echternach, Diekirch, and Beaufort.

Best time to travel: May, June, September.

Visitors must see & try: Notre Dame Cathedral, Palace of the Grand Dukes, and Petrusse Casemates. Spa day at Mondorf-Les-Bains, sailing at Upper-Sûre Lake, and beer run at Diekirch.

Visa rejection rate: 3.70%

Malta

A hidden treasure in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is adventure enthusiasts’ paradise.  

Capital: Valletta

Official EU language(s): Maltese, English

EU member country: since 1 May 2004

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 2008

Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007

Best places to visit: Valletta, Sliema, St. Julians, and Dwejra.

Best time to travel: August-October.

Visitors must see & try: Nissi Beach, Petra tou Romiou, and Coral Bay. Zorbing, ziplining, and quad biking.

Visa rejection rate: 25.23%

Netherlands

Renowned for its parties and art scene, the Netherlands makes for the perfect getaway for anyone looking to have a varied cultural experience.

Capital: Amsterdam

Official EU language(s): Dutch

EU member country: since 1 January 1958

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999.

Schengen: Schengen area member since 26 March 1995.

Best places to visit: Rotterdam, Utrecht, Amsterdam, and Leiden.

Best time to travel: April-October.

Visitors must see & try: Annual Bloemencorso Parade, Vincent Museum, Anne Frank House, and The Hague. Biking, cheese, beer, fries, and bungee jumping at the Faralda Crane Hotel.

Visa rejection rate: 10.1%

Poland

Cosmopolitan, yet entrenched in tradition, Poland is a quiet retreat for travelers who want to experience the best modernity and tradition have to offer.

Capital: Warsaw

Official EU language(s): Polish

EU member country: since 1 May 2004

Currency: Polish Złoty PLN. Poland is currently preparing to adopt the euro.

Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007

Best places to visit: Lublin, Warsaw, Gdansk, and Krakow.

Best time to travel: March, April & October.

Visitors must see & try: Malta International Theatre Festival in Poznan. Foot/bicycle safari in Bialowieza Forest, eating Pierogis and drinking Sobieski Vodka.

Visa rejection rate: 3.92%

Portugal

Its old-world charm, active nightlife, and mouth-watering delicacies make Portugal an attractive tourist destination for people young and old.

Capital: Lisbon

Official EU language(s): Portuguese

EU member country: since 1 January 1986

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999.

Schengen: Schengen area member since 26 March 1995.

Best places to visit: Evora, Azores, Aveiro, Madeira, and Lisbon.

Best time to travel: May, September, October.

Visitors must see & try: Aesthetic azulejos tiles on buildings, Gothic Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, and Castle of the Moors. Pastéis de Nata, port wine and Piri Piri chicken, and a ride on Tram 28.

Visa rejection rate: 14.93%

Romania

Home to the legendary Count Dracula, Romania has an almost ethereal quality about it and makes for a wonderful summer escape.

Capital: Bucharest

Official EU language(s): Romanian

EU member country: since 1 January 2007

Currency: Romanian Leu RON. Romania has committed the euro once it fulfills the necessary conditions.

Schengen: Romania is currently in the process of joining the Schengen area.

Best places to visit: Danube Delta, Mamaia, Sinaia, Bucovina, and Sighisoara.

Best time to travel: March-June & September-October.

Visitors must see & try: Bâlea Lake, Bran Castle, Salt mine in Turda, and Merry Cemetery. Hiking up the Carpathian mountains and Ghost tours at Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress.

Visa rejection rate: 9.29%

Slovakia

Located in the heart of Europe, Slovakia makes for the perfect starting point for an authentic European adventure.

Capital: Bratislava

Official EU language(s): Slovak

EU member country: since 1 May 2004

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 2009.

Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007.

Best places to visit: Bratislava, Košice, Spišské Podhradie, and Levoča.

Best time to travel: April-October.

Visitors must see & try: Ice sculptures in the High Tatras and underground caves in Slovak Paradise. Adventure sports at Štrbské Pleso and Small-gauge train ride to Hrebienok.

Visa rejection rate: 2.08%

Slovenia

Home to over 10,000 underground caves, Slovenia opens a completely unique and never-before-seen world of ancient natural wonders.

Capital: Ljubljana

Official EU language(s): Slovenian

EU member country: since 1 May 2004

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 2007.

Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007.

Best places to visit: Ljubljana, Koper, Kranjska Gora, and Triglav National Park.

Best time to travel: May-September.

Visitors must see & try: Kurentovanje carnival and 20,570-meter long underground cave at Postojna. Thermal springs at Ptuj and horse riding at Lake Bled.

Visa rejection rate: 8.48%

Spain

With 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites right in its backyard, Spain is an excellent vacation destination for history buffs.

Capital: Madrid

Official EU language(s): Spanish

EU member country: since 1 January 1986

Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999

Schengen: Schengen area member since 26 March 1995

Best places to visit: Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, Toledo, Ibiza, and Valencia.

Best time to travel: April-June & September-October.

Visitors must see & try: Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Mezquita, and Casa Batllo. Tomatillo festival, skiing at the Sierra Nevada, and Spanish Islands cruise.

Visa rejection rate: 8.27%

Sweden

The third-largest European country by geography, Sweden is home to some of the most delicious meat-based cuisines and the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the EU.

Capital: Stockholm

Official EU language(s): Swedish

EU member country: since 1 January 1995

Currency: Swedish krona SEK. Sweden has committed the euro once it fulfills the necessary conditions.

Schengen: Schengen area member since 25 March 2001

Best places to visit: Kosterhavet National Park, Stockholm, Uppsala, and Gotland.

Best time to travel: May-September.

Visitors must see & try: Strandverket Art Museum and Gothic Hansa architecture in Ystad. Reindeer hikes and hiking at Swedish Lapland.

Visa rejection rate: 9.90%

United Kingdom

The European center of culture, commerce, and fashion, the UK has many wondrous experiences on offer for interested visitors.

Capital: London

Official EU language(s): English

EU member country: since 1 January 1973

Currency: pound sterling (GBP). The UK has negotiated of an opt-out from the euro and thus is not obliged to introduce it.

Schengen: the UK has negotiated an opt-out from Schengen area.

Best places to visit: Yorkshire, London, Norfolk, Bath, Cornwall.

Best time to travel: June-September.

Visitors must see & try: Big Ben, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and Stonehenge. Tour of Warner Bros Studio, hike to Malham Cove, and London food walking tours.

Visa rejection rate: 12.34%

The European Union is a wonderful place to holiday, study, and work at and it is worth a visit by everyone!!

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