Traveling to this continent can be an exciting adventure, but understanding when you need a visa for Europe is essential to ensuring a smooth trip. Whether you’re visiting the Schengen Area, non-Schengen countries, or planning future trips that involve ETIAS, it’s important to know which rules apply to your specific journey.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the visa policies for Schengen and non-Schengen countries, explain how ETIAS works, and clarify when you might need a visa for longer stays or other purposes.
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ETIAS
We can’t cover visa requirements in Europe without talking about ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). Set to be fully implemented soon (mid-2025), ETIAS will require visa-exempt travelers from non-EU countries, such as America, to obtain travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area.
While ETIAS is not a visa, it acts as a security and border control measure, ensuring that travelers meet entry requirements before their trip.
The process will be simple, you’ll need to…
- Apply online
- Pay a small fee
- Receive your authorization within minutes in most cases
Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for multiple entries into the Schengen Area for up to three years or until your passport expires.
Schengen Countries
The Schengen Area, comprising 27 European countries, allows for visa-free travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for many nationalities. This means that you can move freely between these countries without a visa for short stays, whether for tourism, business, or family visits.
Below is a table detailing each Schengen country and their specific entry requirements under this 90-day visa-free policy.
| Country | Notes/Requirements |
|---|---|
| Austria |
|
| Belgium |
|
| Bulgaria (entering in March 2024) | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Croatia | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Czech Republic | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Denmark | You can arrive in Denmark and stay for up to 90 days of a 180-day period, no matter the time spent in the Schengen region before entry |
| Estonia | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Finland | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| France |
|
| Germany |
|
| Greece | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Hungary | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Iceland | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Italy |
|
| Latvia |
|
| Liechtenstein | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Lithuania |
|
| Luxembourg | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Malta | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Netherlands |
|
| Norway | Three months within six-month period, no matter amount of previous time spent in Schengen region, but this includes time spent in Nordic countries |
| Poland |
|
| Portugal | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Romania (entering in March 2024) | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Slovakia |
|
| Slovenia |
|
| Spain | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Sweden | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
| Switzerland | Within any 180-day period in Schengen |
Non-Schengen Countries
While the Schengen Area covers a large part of Europe, several European countries are not part of this agreement. Each of these non-Schengen countries has its own visa-free policies, which vary based on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay.
Below is a table outlining the visa requirements for non-Schengen countries in Europe, helping you understand what rules apply before you travel.
| Country | Length of Visa-Free Period | Notes/Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 180 days | Valid passport for duration of stay |
| Albania | 365 days | Valid passport for minimum of three months from arrival |
| Andorra | 90 days | Valid U.S passport for minimum of three months |
| Armenia | 180 days | Valid passport during arrival and departure |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 180 days | Valid U.S passport for minimum of three months |
| Cyprus | 90 days |
|
| Georgia | 365 days | Valid U.S passport |
| Ireland | 90 days |
|
| Kosovo | 90 days |
|
| Moldova | 90 days | Valid passport for minimum of three months |
| Monaco | 90 days |
|
| Montenegro | 90 days |
|
| North Macedonia | 90 days |
|
| San Marino | 90 days | Valid U.S passport |
| Serbia | 90 days |
|
| Ukraine | 90 days |
|
| Vatican City | 90 days | Valid U.S passport |
FAQs
General
When do you need to buy a visa for Europe?
You will need a visa for Europe if you plan to stay longer than 90 days in a Schengen country, if you’re traveling for purposes such as work or study (which may require a different type of visa). Find out more about applying for visas in our blog covering when you need a visa for other countries.
ETIAS
How do ETIAS work?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a visa waiver system designed for citizens from visa-exempt countries traveling to the Schengen Area in Europe. It aims to enhance security and streamline travel by pre-screening travelers before they arrive.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The ETIAS application fee is expected to be around €7 for adults over the age of 18. Children and young travelers under 18, as well as those over 70, will not need to pay the fee.
Will ETIAS get me into the United Kingdom?
No, ETIAS only applies to entry into Schengen Area countries. The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Agreement, and travelers will need to check the UK’s separate visa requirements. If you’re traveling to both the UK and a Schengen country, you’ll need to meet the entry requirements for each destination separately.
How do I apply for ETIAS?
The ETIAS application process is entirely online. You’ll need a valid passport, an email address, and a debit or credit card to complete the application. The form takes about 10 minutes to fill out and includes basic questions about your identity, travel plans, and security background.
Will I need a new ETIAS every time I travel?
No, once granted, your ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
Navigating Europe’s visa requirements may seem complicated at first, but with a bit of preparation, you can ensure a hassle-free trip. Whether you’re traveling within the Schengen Area or to non-Schengen countries, understanding when you need a visa for Europe and upcoming ETIAS changes is key.
As you plan your trip, don’t forget to arrange your travel essentials, including off-airport parking. Save time and money by booking your spot with AirportParkingReservations, ensuring a stress-free start to your European adventure.
Need more advice on visa requirements for other places in the world? Check out our global visa requirements guide.
Photos by:
Global Residence Index – Unsplash | Global Residence Index – Unsplash | Pixabay – Pexels
Sources: European Union | Atlys | Wikipedia
