Schengen refers to the EU passport-free zone that covers most European countries. It’s the largest free travel area in the world.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a permit that allows you to enter and travel freely within the Schengen Area, which comprises 29 European countries, for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, primarily for tourism or business purposes.
It includes both short-stay visas for travel or transit through a Schengen state and airport transit visas.
However, for stays longer than 90 days, such as for studying, working, or living in a Schengen country, you must apply for a national visa specific to that country, not a Schengen visa.
Check Whether You Need a Schengen Visa and Where to Apply
Use this tool to check if you require a Schengen Visa. If you do, it will help you find out where to submit your visa application.
Schengen Visa Checker
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Quick fact: In 2022, over 5.9 million people used their Schengen visasto travel to Europe.
>> Over 7.5 Million Schengen Visa Applications in 2022, Still 55% Fewer Than Pre-COVID
Travel Documents and Entry Requirements for non-EU Nationals
You will have to present several documents at the Schengen port of entry in order to be permitted to enter if you are a non-EU/Schengen country national, regardless of whether you are a visa-exempt or not.
The documents you need to provide when entering the Schengen Area are as follows:
- Valid Passport.Issued within the previous 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
- Schengen Visa.If you are a national of one of the third countries needing a visa.
- ETIAS Entry Authorization. Beginning in May 2025, nationals from countries with a visa-liberalization agreement with the EU will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization before travelling to the EU.
EU/Schengen border officials may also ask for other information and documents such as:
- sufficient funds,
- proof of accommodation,
- how long you intend to stay,
- round-trip airline ticket,
- the purpose of your entry,
- travel insurance,
- invitation letter, etc.
Please ensure that the border officer gives you an entry stamp on your passport when you enter or leave the Schengen area. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained.
Which European Countries Issue Schengen Visas?
The Schengen zone includes the 29 countries that have signed the Schengen agreement, which allows citizens of member countries to travel within the zone freely without passing through passport and border control.
Each member country of the Schengen zone can issue Schengen visas.
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Bulgaria became a partial member of the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024.
Czech Republic
Croatia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Liechtenstein
Currently, we do not have detailed information about Liechtenstein.
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Romania became a partial member of the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024.
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
There are another16 other countries that are not part of the Schengen Zone, yet they allow foreign citizens of other non-Schengen countries to enter and stay in their territories only by showing a valid multiple-entry Schengen Visa. You do not need a national visa issued from these countries to enter, transit, or stay in their territory temporarily.
How Long Can I Stay in Europe?
For most short-term visitors to Europe, the general rule is that you cannot stay for more than 90 days within a 180-day period.
This 90/180-day rule applies to various groups of travelers within Europe’s visa-free zone, such as non-EU/EEA citizens (like those from the UK, US, Canada, and Australia), and individuals with a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa.
According to the type of visa issued by the certain embassy/consulate of any Schengen country, there are different restrictions that apply to the particular visa according to the nature of travelling and other relevant circ*mstances. However, the most common type of visa issued to travellers can reach a maximum of 90 days in every six-month period starting from the date of entry.
If you are a frequent traveller, you may apply to obtain an EU visa valid for up to 5 years. However, you cannot stay within the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in a 180-day period even if you hold a multiple-entry visa for Europe valid for up to 5 years.
Easily determine the duration of your legal short stay in Europe using our user-friendly Schengen Calculator. Make sure your travel plans comply with Schengen regulations!
Applying for a Visa to Enter Europe
To apply for a Schengen Visa to travel to Europe, you first need to figure out whether you need one or not, depending on the purpose of your travel and nationality. If you do, then you have to put together your travel plan, how many days you plan to be in the zone, the countries you are going to visit (if more than one), the country where you are going to enter, and the country where you’re going to exit.
Once you have that figured out, you need to review all the European visa application requirements you need to fulfil andstart the process of setting up a visa appointmentat one of the Schengen consulates in your country.
What documents do I need to apply for a visa?
The required documents can vary by country and the purpose of the visit, but generally, you’ll need:
- Schengen visa application form
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Schengen travel insurance policy
- Round trip reservation or Flight itinerary
- Visa fee
For a full list read: List of Documents Required to Apply for a Schengen Visa
How and where do I apply?
You usually apply at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country that’s your main destination. In some cases, the embassy/consulate may outsource visa applications to visa application centers.
For more in-depth details, please refer to:How to Choose the Right Embassy/Consulate/VAC to Submit the Visa Application
Visa Types for Short-Term Visits in Europe
You need to apply for a Schengen Visa if you intend to visit one or more European countries of this area for the following reasons:
- Business purposes.
- Visiting friends and family.
- Tourism and holidays.
- Cultural and sports events.
- Airport transit and transit for seafarers.
- Official visit.
- Medical reasons.
- Short-term study and research purposes.
Depending on your reasons for visiting the Schengen countries and the frequency of your visits, the Schengen consulate can issue you a single-entry visa, double-entry visa, or multiple-entry visa.
The validity of your single-entry visa depends on the number of days you stated you are going to be in the Schengen zone on your visa application form and the actual decision of the consulate that issues you the Schengen visa.
FAQ
Can I travel to multiple Schengen countries with one Schengen visa?
Yes, if you have a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) you can travel to any of the Schengen Area countries as long as you don’t exceed the maximum stay.
If I don't require a Schengen visa, do I still have to buy travel insurance for my Europe trip?
Tourists and visitors from countries with visa-free access to Europe are not mandated, but it is strongly recommended, to obtain travel insurance for their trip to Europe.
My passport will expire within 6 months of my planned trip. Can I still apply for a Schengen visa?
According to the Schengen visa code your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
Can I transit through a Schengen airport without a visa?
Transit rules differ between countries. Some nationalities can transit without a visa, while others always require one, even for a short layover. Always check the rules for the specific airport you’ll be using.
What happens if I lose my passport while in the EU/Schengen Area?
Contact your country’s embassy or consulate immediately for assistance in obtaining a replacement travel document.
I have a Schengen visa but will be arriving a couple of days later than my stated entry date. Is that a problem?
Minor delays are usually okay. However, extremely late entry or significant changes to your plans might raise questions at border control.
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