Liechtenstein: Schengen Guide for UK Travellers
Yes, Liechtenstein is a member of the Schengen zone, but it is not in the European Union. Liechtenstein joined the Schengen area in 2011, making it the most recent country to accede through association. Like neighbouring Switzerland, it participates in Schengen without being an EU member. Every day you spend in Liechtenstein counts toward your 90-day Schengen allowance within any rolling 180-day period.
Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world, a tiny Alpine principality of just 160 square kilometres nestled between Switzerland and Austria. Despite its size, it offers dramatic mountain scenery, a surprisingly rich art museum, a medieval castle perched above the capital Vaduz, and excellent hiking and skiing. Most visitors experience Liechtenstein as a day trip from Switzerland or Austria, but it is a Schengen country in its own right and days spent here contribute to your allowance.
Key Facts
- Schengen Member: Yes
- EU Member: No
- Year Joined Schengen: 2011
- Capital: Vaduz
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Languages: German
Liechtenstein is in the Schengen zone but is NOT a member of the European Union. It joined Schengen in 2011, the most recent country to do so through association rather than EU enlargement. It uses the Swiss Franc as its currency.
Visiting Liechtenstein?
Even a brief stop in Liechtenstein uses Schengen days. If you are combining it with Switzerland and Austria as part of an Alpine trip, use Entorii to track all your days across every Schengen country you visit.
How Long Can You Stay?
UK passport holders can stay in Liechtenstein (and the wider Schengen zone) for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. Liechtenstein shares this allowance with all other Schengen countries. An afternoon in Vaduz counts from the same pool as a week in Barcelona or a fortnight in Greece.
Realistically, most visitors spend half a day to one full day in Liechtenstein, often as part of a wider Swiss or Austrian trip. A more thorough exploration of the principality, including hiking in the mountains and visiting the smaller villages, might take 2 to 3 days. The Schengen day impact of a Liechtenstein visit is therefore minimal, but it still counts and should be tracked if you are managing a tight day budget.
Top Destinations in Liechtenstein
Vaduz (1 day)
The capital, with Vaduz Castle above the town, the Kunstmuseum art gallery, and the main street for passport stamping.
Malbun (1-2 days)
Liechtenstein's only ski resort, a small family-friendly village at 1,600 metres with summer hiking trails.
Balzers (Half day)
Southern village with the striking Burg Gutenberg castle overlooking the Rhine Valley.
Triesenberg (Half day)
Mountain village above Vaduz with panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and a Walser heritage museum.
Getting There from the UK
Liechtenstein has no airport or railway station of its own. The nearest major airport is Zurich (about one and a half hours by train and bus), followed by Friedrichshafen in Germany and Innsbruck in Austria. From the UK, fly to Zurich with SWISS, British Airways, or easyJet (about two hours), then take a Swiss rail service to Sargans or Buchs SG and a local bus across the border into Vaduz. The bus ride from Sargans to Vaduz takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, if you are already in Switzerland or Austria, Liechtenstein is easily reached by car or public transport from cities like St Gallen, Feldkirch, or Innsbruck.
Travel Tips
Liechtenstein uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), the same currency as neighbouring Switzerland. Prices are comparable to Swiss levels, meaning it is an expensive destination. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments in Vaduz, but carry some Swiss Francs for smaller shops and mountain huts. The Liechtenstein tourist office in Vaduz offers a souvenir passport stamp for 3 CHF, which is a popular memento since your passport will not be stamped at the border.
Despite its size, Liechtenstein offers excellent hiking. The Liechtenstein Trail is a 75-kilometre marked path that traverses the entire country through all 11 municipalities in about two to three days. For a shorter walk, the Fuerstensteig is a dramatic ridge trail above Vaduz with fixed cables on exposed sections. In winter, Malbun offers affordable family skiing compared to the larger Swiss resorts nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Liechtenstein in the Schengen zone?
Yes. Liechtenstein joined the Schengen zone in 2011. It is a full Schengen member despite not being in the European Union. All days spent in Liechtenstein count toward the 90-day Schengen limit for UK passport holders.
Is Liechtenstein in the EU?
No. Liechtenstein is not a member of the European Union. It is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen zone. It uses the Swiss Franc as its currency and has an open border with Switzerland.
What currency does Liechtenstein use?
Liechtenstein uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). This is the same currency used in Switzerland. The Euro is generally not accepted, so you will need Swiss Francs for purchases.
How do I get to Liechtenstein from the UK?
Fly to Zurich (the nearest major airport) and take a train to Sargans or Buchs SG, then a local bus into Vaduz. The total journey from Zurich Airport to Vaduz takes about two hours. There is no airport, railway station, or motorway junction within Liechtenstein itself.
Is Liechtenstein worth visiting or just a passport stamp stop?
While many visitors come primarily for the novelty of visiting a tiny country, Liechtenstein has genuine appeal. The Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein has an excellent modern art collection, the mountain hiking is outstanding, and Malbun is a pleasant small ski resort. A full day allows you to appreciate the country properly rather than just collecting a stamp.