Are you heading to Europe? If so, you might be wondering if you need a visa. Maybe you didn’t need one before, but now, the answer is a resounding . . . maybe!
Europe is changing its entry documentation to make its borders more secure, and whether you need a visa to visit Europe depends on your passport, the country you’re traveling to, and the length of your stay.
Your answers depend on whether or not you’ll need a Schengen Visa or an ETIAS Travel Authorization. Both are electronic travel authorizations that allow border authorities to see your information in their system when you arrive.
The best bet is to research travel entry requirements for each country you plan to visit. You can do this by contacting the embassy or consulate in your destination country.
But first, it may be helpful to define some terms.
The Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows travelers to visit any of the Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You need a visa even if you’re transiting through an airport in the Schengen area during a stopover or change of flights.
The Schengen Area (also sometimes called the Schengen Zone) is a region in Europe where 29 countries have established a visa-free travel agreement so people can move freely between the member countries.
The Schengen Area Countries includes popular European destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, which makes it easy for travelers to explore multiple destinations in those countries without the hassle of border control. But you can’t assume every country in Europe is a member. For example, the United Kingdom is not a member of the Schengen Area. It’s also no longer a member of the European Union (EU).
It’s easy to confuse the Schengen Area with the European Union, but they’re not the same. The EU is a political and economic union of 27 European countries that share common policies and regulations.
On the other hand, the Schengen Area is a travel zone that includes some, but not all, EU countries. For example, Cyprus and Ireland are members of the EU but not part of the Schengen Area. And a few non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland are members of the Schengen Area.
Clear as mud? Your best bet is to look up the entry requirements of each country.
Visit the Shengen visa webpage for more information, including when and how to apply.
Note: At the time of this writing, people traveling on a USA passport do not need a Schengen visa, but things change, so it’s best to check before your trip.
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. Starting sometime in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need ETIAS authorization before visiting the European Union.
ETIAS authorizes you to stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period and will be valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
It applies to travelers from countries that don’t currently require a visa to enter the Schengen Area.
Visit the ETIAS website to learn more about who should apply and how to apply.
Note: At the time of this writing, people traveling on a USA passport will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. ETIAS goes into effect 6 months after the start of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is expected to be in operation starting in 2025. You don’t have to do anything to prepare for EES, but you can speed up the border crossing process if you register some of your information in advance. Instructions are on the EES website above.
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