travel visa required for europe

New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

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According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

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Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

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The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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Wait, do you need a visa to go to Europe now? The new ETIAS requirements, explained

Emily Olson

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements Andrea Pattaro/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements

Already thinking about next summer's vacation plans? If Europe is on your short list, there could be one extra step to take before boarding that plane.

Starting in 2024, American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Though it may sound complicated, the ETIAS and the reasoning behind it are quite similar to existing travel requirements and reflect increasing fear of terrorism in the U.S., Europe and around the world.

Here's what you need to know.

What is ETIAS? Is it a visa?

While some media outlets are taking a cue from the European Union's travel site and calling this a visa, in truth, ETIAS is more like a travel authorization form.

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"It's definitely not a visa," said Dan Hamilton, a senior non-resident fellow for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. "It's an electronic entry-point, an authorization for countries that are currently visa-free."

Even the European Commission has said as much (and in bold letters) , writing this is "not a visa" but rather an "automated IT system" in a press release on the discussions around it back in 2018.

Whatever you want to call it, the ETIAS form is not what you'd seek if you're trying to work or live in Europe, but rather what you'll need for short-term trips — up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Why is it being implemented?

These new requirements have been years in the making, stemming back to a rise in terrorism fears following 9/11. It's very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization — or ESTA — program that the U.S. implemented in 2008 .

At the heart of ETIAS is an electronic database system to better track who's coming and going. According to the EU's latest report on terrorism data , EU law enforcement authorities arrested about 388 suspects for terror-related offenses in 2021, more than half of whom were accused of being associated with Jihadist groups based abroad.

The European Commission says ETIAS may have the added impact of cutting down on "irregular migration" (i.e. illegal immigration), but one thing the form is definitely not aimed to do is deter tourism in general.

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Crowded cities, inflated airfare and extreme heat disasters may all be making headlines this summer, but many of these European countries are still depending on tourism revenue to help them bounce back from pandemic slumps, Hamilton said.

And the pandemic is another one of the many reasons this new requirement has been delayed by decades — there was no need for ETIAS when countries closed their borders to all travel amid fears of spreading COVID-19.

"Another part of it is simply the pace of the way this parliament and European commission works," Hamilton explained in an interview with NPR. "They're ending their term and pushing through a lot of these directives because parliamentary elections happen next June."

"And getting 30 countries to agree on anything takes a long time," he added.

When does it take effect?

The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024 but hasn't clarified a specific date. A press spokesperson for the union's travel arm did not respond to NPR's request for information.

And, similarly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR that the U.S. government website for international travel (travel.state.gov) would be updated "once the regulation goes into effect," but didn't specify when that would be.

"Frankly, I'd be surprised if this starts on time," Hamilton said. The rollout of ETIAS has already been delayed at least once.

But it couldn't hurt to plan ahead for any 2024 travel just to be safe.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS approval?

Basically, all passport holders from 60 countries who can currently travel to most European destinations without a visa — and that includes American passport holders — will now need to get ETIAS authorization for the same trip. That's about 1.4 billion people, by the European Union's estimation.

There are 30 European countries in total on the impacted destination list , including those in the "Schengen Area" — 27 European countries, many that are part of the European Union, that agreed to ease border restrictions to facilitate the movement of people within Europe.

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Those Schengen countries include top vacation spots like France, Italy and Spain.

The other three countries on the list are Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, which are all trying to become a part of the Schengen Area soon.

You can check the full list of both impacted passport holders and affected European destinations here.

How can you apply for ETIAS approval (and does it cost money)?

The application isn't open yet, but the European Union says that when it is, all necessary forms can be filled out via a web portal or mobile phone application.

You'll be asked to share personal information such as your date of birth, parents' names and details about your current occupation and previous criminal convictions. You'll also need to share a passport that is not set to expire in less than three months.

Oh, and you'll have to pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8).

When is the right time to apply?

If you want to play it safe, apply well in advance of your trip — no later than a month out.

ETIAS says most applications "are processed within minutes" and decisions are delivered within four days. But that wait could take up to 14 days if you are requested to supply additional information and up to 30 days if you're invited to interview.

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Those denied an application can appeal, but that process could be even lengthier.

The European Union says ETIAS approval will stay valid for three years or until the passport you used in your application expires.

Naturally, you'll also need to follow the ETIAS rules to stay in good standing.

Those with ETIAS approval can stay in the European countries on the list for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. So you can leave and come back, but you can't stay in the confines of the countries on the list for 91 days or more non-stop.

What happens if I don't apply for this and try to travel to Europe?

Your ETIAS approval will be linked to your passport. So without it, airport security (or cruise, bus or train line staff) won't let you board.

In other words, you can kiss that dream vacation goodbye.

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Americans Will Need a ‘Visa’ to Visit Europe in 2024—Here's What to Know

By Jessica Poitevien

United States passport holders have long traveled throughout most of the world without having to worry about visa applications: American travelers currently have visa-free access to 184 destinations worldwide, according to this year’s Henley Passport Index , which ranked the U.S. passport as the eighth most powerful in the world . But that’s set to change next year, as the European Union prepares new travel document requirements for American tourists.

The new regulations are called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). When the system launches in early 2024, it will require all visitors who currently travel to Europe visa-free, such as citizens from the US, Canada , Australia, and New Zealand, to apply for travel authorization and receive approval prior to their departure.

ETIAS is not a visa in the traditional sense; it only requires a quick online application, with approval delivered via email. In order to receive authorization, visitors must fill out an online form providing details about their basic biographical information, travel plans and travel history, as well as other security questions.

Most applicants will be granted travel authorization within an hour, but if further checks are required, the process could take up to 96 hours. The application costs €7 ( about $8) and is required for all travelers regardless of their age. Once approved, this authorization is valid for multiple entries over the course of three years, or until the traveler’s passport expires.

Although many Americans were apprehensive about waiting on another travel document when the program was first announced, as more details about ETIAS become available, many travelers are expressing relief at the simplicity of the process. 

“Honestly, the buzz around [ETIAS] on social media made me a little nervous, but after doing some research, that initial shock definitely subsided,” says Alexa Moore , a frequent traveler who visits Europe for both business and leisure at least two to three times per year. “It's still easy for us to travel to Europe. It’s just one more step we have to think about before our trip.”

The authorization will be required for travel to all ETIAS member countries , which fall into one of four categories: full Schengen members like Spain , France, and Italy; European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries like Iceland , Norway, and Switzerland; future Schengen members such as Bulgaria and Cyprus; plus European micro states like Andorra and Monaco .

The goal of ETIAS is to tighten border security, as well as digitally screen and track travelers entering and leaving EU countries. Its purpose and application process are similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program for visitors headed to the US—a fact that has also made many people more understanding of the new requirement.

“I’m bummed about it, but it does seem easy enough,” says Nicki Post, a travel blogger and YouTuber who has spent extensive time in Europe. “It’s only fair since the US makes it more complicated for Europeans and people of other nationalities to enter the US.”

As Europe gets ready to roll out its new ETIAS program, it is important to note that the length of time that Americans can spend in Europe as a tourist is not changing. US passport holders are allowed to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For any stay longer than 90 days, a special visa is required.

At the moment, the exact date when the new travel authorization will become a requirement is still unclear. Moore suspects there will be a bit of chaos when it does launch, but also that ETIAS will ultimately not deter anyone from traveling to Europe .

“Initially, we may see more videos on social media and reports of people forgetting to apply for ETIAS, and possibly not being able to go, but that’s the norm any time we get a new travel requirement in place,” Moore says. “I also think pandemic travel has actually helped people be a little more prepared for the possibility of new systems and requirements being in place like having to submit test results, health information, and other documents in preparation for entry even to a visa-free country.”

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New travel system for Europe delayed again, to 2025

Americans who are planning to visit Europe in 2024 don’t have to worry about applying to the European Union’s new travel authorization system yet.

For almost a decade now, European Union authorities have been working on a visa-like system called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System . It’s for travelers from “visa-exempt” countries like the U.S., and the U.S. has a similar system.

After several years of delays, ETIAS was expected to go online in 2024, but it has now been pushed back to mid-2025 because its entry/exit database isn’t ready.

The system is not handling applications yet, so American travelers can hold off a bit longer on their paperwork.

Eventually, travelers from visa-exempt countries who want to go to most EU nations, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, will have to register online. Most people will have to pay an application fee of 7 euros ($7.70). All of those travelers, including small children, will have to apply.

Travelers from Canada, Mexico, Australia and most South American countries will have to apply through ETIAS as well.

The EU says most applications will be processed within minutes, but some will take days or weeks and require additional information, so it advises people to apply well in advance of their trips.

Assuming authorization is granted, it will be good for three years, or until the user’s passport expires, whichever is first. That authorization will allow travelers to enter those European countries as often as they want for short stays, which are typically 90 days in any 180-day period — assuming border security approves.

Marley Jay is a business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Yes, you really will need a 'visa' to visit Europe: What to know about ETIAS

Editor's Note

Come 2025, Americans and Brits will be required to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System and pay a small fee to visit Europe.

Although sometimes referred to as a "visa," this is actually just an online application and preauthorization. It will be much easier to obtain and much less expensive than a traditional travel visa.

ETIAS is set to launch sometime in mid-2025, though the launch date has been pushed back many times (most recently from 2024) and could be bumped again. In fact, the region has talked about instituting the program since 2016.

The new program will require travelers from countries outside the Schengen Area of Europe to fill out an application before arrival and pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8 or 6 British pounds) to enter any European Union or Schengen Area country.

What does this mean for future trips to Europe? Here's everything you need to know about the new ETIAS program.

What is the ETIAS 'visa'?

ETIAS is a visa-waiver program similar to the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization used in the U.S. for European visitors.

The form will act as a preauthorization system to allow travelers from 63 countries outside the Schengen Area , including the United Kingdom and the U.S., to enter the region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a full visa.

ETIAS will cross-check visitor information with government databases and watchlists before issuing authorization to enter. The information collected will also be used in data tracking for business and tourism purposes.

"We need to know who is crossing our borders," said Jean-Claude Juncker, former European Commission president. "This way, we will know who is traveling to Europe before they even get here."

Is ETIAS a visa?

ETIAS is not a traditional European visa and will only require a seemingly quick online application.

You'll fill out an online form with basic personal information, travel plans and history and answer a few security questions. The authorities promise that most applicants will be approved within an hour. However, if your application is flagged, it could take up to four days.

Which countries will require ETIAS?

Quite a few nations will require ETIAS approval. They include full Schengen members that previously didn't require any authorization for Americans, such as Spain, France and Italy.

Also included are European Free Trade Association nations like Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

Several future Schengen member nations, including Bulgaria and Cyprus, and smaller territories like Andorra and Monaco will also require ETIAS.

Here is the full list of counties that will require ETIAS:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland

Do American and UK citizens need to apply for ETIAS?

American citizens (and those from the 62 other non-European Union countries that are not currently required to apply for visas, including the U.K.) will need ETIAS authorization to enter the EU for visits of up to 90 days. This includes transit passengers.

If you have applied separately for a visa to enter Europe, you will not need to complete the ETIAS application.

How much will ETIAS cost?

ETIAS will cost 7 euros (about $8 or 6 British pounds) for a three-year permit that allows "third-country nationals" to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Only visitors between 18 and 70 will need to pay the application fee, but all ages will need ETIAS authorization to enter.

How do you apply for ETIAS?

Before traveling, you must access the ETIAS online application to input passport information, name, date and place of birth, email address, phone number and a credit or debit card to submit the payment fee.

You'll also need to provide your destination and answer a few background and profile questions. The ETIAS website indicates the form should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Travelers will be asked to provide details of health, education and criminal convictions.

Here is what you'll be required to fill out, according to schengenvisainfo.com :

• Identifying information, including your first name, last name, last name at birth, date of birth and place of birth
• Information regarding your citizenship
• Email and phone number
• Education and work experience
• First EU country you intend to visit
• Background and eligibility questions about your medical condition, travel to war countries or places where you were deported or rejected, as well as criminal records
• For minors, the legal guardian must apply for ETIAS
• For family members of EU citizens from other countries, you must submit proof of relationship, residence card and other background information

How long will the approval process take?

Approval for most applicants should take a matter of minutes. However, a manual review will occur if an item is flagged in the application. The applicant can correct the improper information or appeal a denial decision.

When will ETIAS start being required?

The launch of this long-planned system has been pushed several times over the years, but it sounds like it could finally happen in 2025.

At that point, airlines, cruise ships and other transport systems will be required to check for ETIAS authorization before allowing passenger boarding.

All visitors will be required to complete the application process before traveling. At land borders, visitors should also, in some locations, be able to complete the application at an electronic kiosk.

How long does ETIAS last, and will you need to apply for each Europe trip?

Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for up to three years and can be used on multiple trips. You won't be required to apply for a new ETIAS each time you travel to Europe unless it's been more than three years since your last visit.

After three years have passed, you will be required to apply for a new ETIAS.

Is there a renewal process?

When your ETIAS is coming up to its expiration date, you should receive an email to the address you registered during your application.

You can apply for a new ETIAS authorization up to 120 days before the expiration of your current ETIAS.

How will your personal data be stored?

The European Commission has attempted to soften privacy fears by insisting that ETIAS is not a visa and includes a far less intrusive application process.

"There is no need to go to a consulate to make an application, no biometric data is collected, and significantly less information is gathered than during a visa application procedure," the European Commission said .

Bottom line

Fortunately, Americans and Brits planning to visit Europe don't need to take any immediate action.

However, be prepared to go through one more step and pay one more fee in the travel process as part of the ETIAS implementation sometime in 2025. Stay tuned to TPG for further developments related to this program.

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Visa requirements for U.S. citizens traveling abroad

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel outside the U.S., you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements.

While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool . On the country’s information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements. You will also find travel advisories and a link to the country’s embassy.

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U.S. Citizens Will Need to Register and Pay a Fee to Travel to Europe—Here’s When and What to Know

The launch of europe’s new etias travel authorization program has been delayed yet again. here’s what travelers need to know for when it finally goes into effect..

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France is among the more than two dozen Schengen countries in Europe that will (eventually) have new entry rules.

Photo by Chan Lee/Unsplash

Europe is the most visited region in the world and has always been a very popular destination for U.S. travelers. After pandemic travel restrictions were dropped across Europe in 2022 and now that U.S. citizens are plotting future journeys to the continent once again, they should be aware that the rules for entry into the European Schengen Zone will soon change.

Initially meant to come into effect on January 1, 2021 and then delayed (again and again) until 2024, the European Travel Information and Authorization System ( ETIAS ) is now slated to launch sometime in 2025 (more on the actual launch date below). At that point, all U.S. citizens who want to travel to the 27 member countries of Europe’s Schengen Zone will need to register with ETIAS or risk being turned away at the border.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new ETIAS process.

Why are the requirements for entering Europe changing?

The European Union decided to implement this new travel authorization program to protect and strengthen its borders amid mounting terror threats in Europe. By requiring visitors to register, the hope is that the EU will be able to identify any possible threats or risks associated with travelers coming into the participating countries before they arrive.

Which European nations will require ETIAS authorization to visit?

The new travel authorization applies to those entering any member country of Europe’s Schengen Zone. Currently, that includes 23 countries that are also members of the European Union, four non-EU countries, plus three European micro-states. That means that you’ll need to register to enter:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

While Romania and Bulgaria aren’t currently Schengen countries, they are in the process of joining and will be subject to the same requirements once they do.

However, there are still many European nations that aren’t part of the Schengen Zone, mostly in Eastern Europe. That means you’ll be able to travel to Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine without an ETIAS registration.

Who will need to obtain ETIAS authorization?

American citizens, as well as travelers from 60 other countries, will require an ETIAS visa waiver to travel to any of the Schengen-zone countries for short stays once the ETIAS program goes into effect. The list of ETIAS-eligible countries includes Canada, Mexico, Australia, and many more. All travelers, regardless of their age, will need their own ETIAS approval in order to travel to Europe’s Schengen Zone countries.

How will travelers apply for ETIAS?

Once the ETIAS application is available online, it should only take about 10 minutes to fill out, according to ETIAS.com, the landing page for news and information regarding the new travel authorization process. To apply, you’ll need a valid passport , an email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the nonrefundable 7-euro application fee, which applies to individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. Those under the age of 18 or over 70 still need to have an ETIAS but will not be charged.

How much will it cost to enter Europe?

To obtain an ETIAS registration, there will be a required, nonrefundable application fee of 7 euros (US$7.43, based on conversion rates at time of publication). Only travelers who are younger than 18 years old or older than 70 years old will be exempt from the fee (though the will still need to have ETIAS approval). There are no other fees associated with the program.

How long will the authorization process take?

After you fill out your application online with the personal information on your passport and answer a series of security and health-related questions, your ETIAS application will be processed immediately, and you will receive an email confirming that your ETIAS has been approved within 96 hours.

“A small percentage of applications may take up to four weeks to process if additional documentation is required from the applicant. If your ETIAS has not yet been approved and you do not have any other travel authorization, you will not be able to enter a country within the European Union,” according to the ETIAS website .

Will you have to reapply for each trip to Europe?

No, you will not need to reapply after each trip to Europe. After you apply for the first time, your ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years—or until your passport expires , whichever comes first. Because the ETIAS is valid for short-term stays of up to 90 days for both leisure and business travelers, you’ll be able to re-enter Europe multiple times within that three-year period without renewing it, as long as your stay doesn’t exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. Those who want to study or work in Europe will need to apply for a proper work or study visa.

Does this mean I will need a visa to travel to Europe?

ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization requirement for visa-free visitors , similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) .

The new entry requirement “is more accurately referred to as a visa-waiver. The ETIAS, like the ESTA, is a travel authorization for travelers not requiring a visa to visit Europe. Under the ETIAS, these visitors will undergo additional security checks prior to being permitted to enter the EU. The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of such countries as the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada,” states ETIAS.com .

In other words, ETIAS will only pre-screen travelers who do not need a Schengen visa.

“An ETIAS travel authorization does not reintroduce visa-like obligations,” according to a fact sheet provided by the European Commission . “There is no need to go to a consulate to make an application, no biometric data is collected and significantly less information is gathered than during a visa application procedure.”

Why was the launch of ETIAS delayed?

Initially meant to come into effect on January 1, 2021, the ETIAS was first delayed until January 1, 2023, and then again (a few more times) until 2024. It is now slated to enter into operation in 2025, due to delays in the anticipated adoption of the ETIAS regulation plus the fact that ETIAS is being developed closely with the Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES was scheduled to launch in May 2023, but it has been pushed back until 2024. The EES is an electronic system that will keep track of visitors as they cross borders, and its installation is a precondition for ETIAS to enter into operation.

When exactly will ETIAS go into effect?

In October 2023, the European Commission presented an updated timeline for the launch of Europe’s new tech-driven Entry/Exit System (EES), which will keep track of visitors as they cross borders, and for Europe’s ETIAS travel authorization program. The new ETIAS travel entry requirement is now scheduled to launch in mid-2025 , following the establishment of Europe’s new tech-driven EES that is slated to go into effect in the fall of 2024, according to the Commission.

Once ETIAS goes into effect in 2025, a transitional period of six months will follow. During that time frame, the countries requiring the travel authorization will have to inform travelers of the new regulations. They will still be allowed to cross borders during that six-month period without the ETIAS. The six-month transitional period will be followed by a grace period, the length of which has not yet been determined. During the grace period, the ETIAS requirement will apply unless it’s a traveler’s first time entering Europe since the end of the transitional period.

This article was originally published in 2019. It was most recently updated on November 2, 2023, to include current information.

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Do I need a Visa?

If you are planning a short stay of up to 90 days in any 180 days period in one of the EU Member States and associated states that are part of the Schengen area, you may need to apply for a  visa  before travelling.

For further information on the short stay visa requirements for the Schengen area ,  please click  here .

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In Europe's Schengen area , your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry. At present, the Schengen area includes most European Union (EU) countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland.

If you are transiting through Canada or the United Kingdom (UK) enroute to the Schengen area : your passport must be valid for at least six months, even though Canada and the UK do not themselves have the six-month rule. If your passport will expire within six months, airlines may not let you board your onward flight to Europe.

Traveling in Europe

If you plan to travel in Europe, you need to know about the Schengen Borders Agreement, which allows you to move freely within a number of countries without border checks. Tourists, exchange students, and people visiting for business from certain countries, like the United States, can travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days. The Schengen area includes most EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland. It also includes four non-EU countries: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Before you travel to the Schengen area, we recommend you do the following:

• Check the expiration date on your passport book carefully before traveling to Europe. Ensure your passport book is valid for at least six months when you enter the Schengen area. This is especially important for minors under age 16 as their passports are only valid for five years. In contrast, U.S. citizen adults aged 16 and older receive passports that are valid for 10 years.
• Always carry your passport book with you when traveling to another country in the Schengen area. Even if there is no border check at that time, officials may reinstate border controls without notice.
• Be prepared to explain your purpose of travel.
• Be prepared to provide proof of sufficient financial resources for the visit.
• Comply with other entry requirements for each country you will visit or transit.

On our Country Information pages , you can find passport validity requirements and other important information for your destination country. If your passport does not meet the Schengen requirements, you may be:

• Refused boarding by the airline at your point of origin or while transferring planes.
• Denied entry when you arrive in the Schengen area, regardless of how long you will stay.

An immigration official will determine if you qualify for visa-free entry to the Schengen area when you first cross any external Schengen border. You will have to present your passport at that time. The officer may deny your entry if you do not qualify.

You should also check passport validity requirements if traveling onward from the Schengen area to a country outside the Schengen area. You can find this information in our Country Information pages.

HOW LONG CAN I REMAIN?

• With a valid U.S. passport book, you can stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area for tourism or business during any 180-day period. You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area.
• If you plan to stay in the Schengen area longer than three months, contact the embassy of the country where you plan to spend the majority of your time and apply for a visa.

Countries in the Schengen area may reinstate temporary internal or external border control without notice. U.S. citizens should carry their U.S. passport book at all times when entering or leaving the Schengen area. They should also bring it when traveling between Schengen countries.

How can the U.S. government help me if border officials do not let me enter?

• We can give you the contact information of foreign embassies of the countries you wish to visit.
• We can provide information about hiring an English-speaking foreign attorney overseas if you choose to do so.
• Note: We cannot influence a foreign government’s decision about allowing you to enter. We cannot intervene in another country’s criminal or administrative procedures.

What countries are members of the Schengen Borders Agreement?

Click on the country name for more information.

Bulgaria (entering in March 2024)

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Romania (entering in March 2024)

Switzerland

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Visa policy

What is eu visa policy.

Under this key policy, all 27 countries in the Schengen area apply the same visa rules.

Non-EU nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen area for a visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period .

When someone enters a country in the Schengen area, the 180-day period starts. They can enter Schengen area countries as many times as they want, but only stay for a total of 90 days, every 180 days. 

A Schengen visa is generally valid for every country in the Schengen area.

Visas for stays exceeding 90 days are subject to national procedures .

EU visa policy is monitored and implemented by the European Commission .

What are the main elements of EU visa policy?

Countries whose nationals require a visa.

For a list of these countries, see Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 .

Individual Schengen countries can grant visa-free access to certain categories of people - for example diplomatic staff, armed forces, refugees and school pupils on an excursion.

Countries whose nationals require a visa for airport transfers

Nationals of certain countries must have a visa - called an airport transit visa - even to simply transit through the international (non-Schengen) part of an EU airport.

Schengen countries can also impose individual airport transit requirements on certain other countries. 

Countries whose nationals don't require a visa

For a list of these countries, see Annex II of the Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 .

27 of these countries have visa waiver agreements with the EU.

The decision of whether to grant visa-free status to a non-EU country is based on a variety of criteria (migration, security, considerations of human rights, reciprocity, and economic benefit - in particular in terms of tourism and foreign trade).

New travel document from 2025

From 2025, visa-exempt travellers will need to fill out an online ETIAS form and pay a small fee before being able to travel to the Schengen Area. 

This form is designed to facilitate border control and security.

It is not a visa, but is comparable to similar systems in the USA (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and Australia (eVisitor).

The EU visa code sets out the procedures and conditions for issuing short-stay visas .

Operational instructions for applying the code are set out in: 

• Handbook for processing visa applications  
• Handbook for managing visa processing

The visa code also helps improve cooperation with non-EU countries on readmissions of irregular migrants , through the 'visa leverage mechanism'. Under this mechanism, if a country does not cooperate sufficiently on readmissions, restrictive measures can be imposed as regards processing visas and visa fees. 

Such measures have been adopted for nationals of The Gambia:

• Decision suspending visa-free access for Gambian nationals
• Decision on increased visa fees for Gambian nationals

Visa facilitation agreements with non-EU countries

The EU has visa facilitation agreements in place with certain non-EU countries. Under the simplified visa regime , non-EU citizens enjoy facilitated procedures (such as lower visa fees) to obtain a visa for the Schengen area.

However, visa facilitation agreements can be suspended if a country no longer satisfies the conditions of the agreement. What then applies are the general rules of the EU visa code.

Suspensions can be triggered by an EU country or by the European Commission. Currently, 2 agreements are suspended, those with:

• Russia (full suspension of facilitation agreement) 
• Belarus (partial suspension of facilitation agreement).

Visa facilitation agreements are linked to readmission agreements . Readmission agreements establish procedures for returning irregular migrants to the EU or non-EU country they came from (EU, non-EU nationals or stateless persons).

EU countries may also individually negotiate agreements on local border traffic with neighbouring non-EU countries. These agreements enable border residents of specific areas to cross the EU's external borders, under certain conditions, without having to obtain a visa.

Suspension of visa-free travel

The visa suspension mechanism ( Regulation No 1806/2018 , article 7) enables Schengen countries to call for a temporary suspension of a visa exemption in the event of a sudden and substantial surge in irregular migration . 

If this happens, a country can notify the Commission, which can then decide to trigger the suspension mechanism.

Currently the visa waiver agreement with Vanuatu has been suspended under the suspension mechanism.

Since 2017, the Commission has been issuing annual reports on its usage of the mechanism. 

Proposed changes to the suspension mechanism .

Visa reciprocity

This is when nationals of Schengen area countries do not need a visa to visit countries whose nationals also do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area. 

The EU aims at achieving full visa reciprocity with non-EU countries whose nationals are exempt from the visa requirement. For that purpose, a visa reciprocity mechanism is set out in Regulation No 1806/2018 ( article 7 ). 

To date, the EU has achieved visa reciprocity with all visa-free third countries, except the United States . 

Citizens of Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania still need a visa to visit the United States.

Visa digitalisation

The Pact on Migration and Asylum set the objective of making the visa procedure fully digitalised by 2025. 

This involves:

• replacing the visa sticker with the option to apply through a European online visa platform
• simplifying the visa application process
• reducing the costs for governments and applicants.

The requirements are set out in Regulation 2023/2685 and Regulation 2023/2667 .

After a transition period of 7 years, Schengen countries will all have to use the EU's standard online platform for visa applications :

• applicants will carry out all steps in the process on the platform, except for providing biometrics (when required)
• a digital visa will replace the visa sticker.

Which countries' nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen area?

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad

Travelling to the EU and Schengen area

You do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area if both of the following apply:

• you’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
• you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons

Other reasons include:

• studying a short course
• getting medical treatment
• travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
• journalism or other media activities

Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting to find out what you can and cannot do during your stay.

These rules do not apply to travelling and working in Ireland .

Travelling to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period

You can travel to more than one country in a 180-day period. How long you can stay in each country depends on whether or not it’s in the Schengen area.

The countries in the Schengen area are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Your total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. It does not matter how many countries you visit. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

To work out if your stay is within the 90 day limit, use the following steps.

Check the date you plan to leave the Schengen area on your next trip.

Count back 180 days from that date to get the start of the 180-day period.

Add up the number of days you have already spent in the Schengen area in that 180-day period (you can use the dates stamped in your passport showing when you entered and left a country).

Work out how many days you will spend in the Schengen area on your next trip. Add this number to the number of days you worked out in step 3.

Check that the total number of days is not more than 90.

Travelling to Cyprus

Cyprus is not in the Schengen area. You can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in Cyprus without a visa.

Any time you spend in the Schengen area does not affect the number of days you can spend in Cyprus.

When you may need a visa

​​You may need a visa or permit if you want to either:

• stay for more than 90 days

If you’re travelling for work, check the rules for the country you’re visiting .

If you’re travelling for another reason or staying longer than 90 days, check the entry requirements for the country you’re visiting .

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Next year will bring more (digital) paperwork for travel to Europe. Here's what to know.

Visiting Europe will get (slightly) more complicated and expensive for most U.S. travelers next year as new visa requirements take effect.

According to the official travel site of the European Union, visitors from more than 60 countries that are visa-exempt will be required to apply for European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) approval ahead of their trips starting in 2024. ETIAS visas are not physical documents but are electronically linked to the traveler's passport.

U.S. nationals can travel to most E.U. countries without authorization now, but that ease of movement will change with the new law. Meanwhile, visitors from many countries have had to apply for similar approval to travel to the U.S. since 2009. The U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process is similar to the ETIAS plan.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)?

According to E.U. documentation, ETIAS “is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of these 30 European countries .”

The government adds that ETIAS approval is intended only for short term stays, up to 90 days in any 180 day period. 

How can you apply for an ETIAS visa?

When the ETIAS requirement begins next year, the E.U. will provide applications through an official website and mobile app.

To apply, travelers will need to provide their passport information or another travel document to which a visa can be affixed.

Parents and legal guardians can apply on behalf of minors in their care.

How long does ETIAS approval last?

ETIAS approval is valid for three years or until the passport it is registered to expire, whichever comes first. 

How much will an ETIAS application cost?

The ETIAS processing fee is set at 7 euros ($7.74), but applicants younger than 18 or older than 70 can apply at no charge. 

Too hot to fly? Extreme heat can snarl flights even without a cloud in the sky

How long will ETIAS application processing take?

According to the E.U., ETIAS approval should come within minutes for most applicants but can take up to 30 days. The government encourages travelers to apply well in advance of any trip and strongly advises travelers to receive their ETIAS approval before purchasing flights or booking hotel stays.

Travel insurance: Here are options for travel to Europe

Can I be denied entry to a country with a valid ETIAS visa?

Yes. According to the E.U., travelers will still be subject to border formalities on arrival, and an ETIAS visa is not a guarantee for entry.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected] .  

Search Smartraveller

Visas and entry requirements in europe and the schengen area.

This page is for Australians travelling to Europe.

Read this page to learn about:

• the Schengen Area
• entry and exit to the Schengen Area
• other European countries with visa waivers
• non-Schengen European countries

The Australian Government doesn't issue visas for other countries. We can't provide final information on border rules. Ask your destination's high commission, embassy or consulate for details before you travel.

The Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is made up of 27 European countries with common border rules. It lets travellers move freely between member countries without

• going through border controls
• getting a visa for each country.

The members of the Schengen Area are:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland

Bulgaria  and  Romania  partially joined the Schengen area on 31 March.  Border checks should have ceased for air or sea travel  between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen Area countries. Checks are still undertaken for land-based travel. Stays in Bulgaria and Romania now count towards your total visa-free stay in the Schengen Area (see below).

Entry and exit in the Schengen Area

Australians can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Your travel must be for:

• business purposes
• visiting friends and family
• tourism and holidays
• cultural and sports events
• official visit
• medical reasons
• short-term study

Apply at the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country where you'll stay the longest. If you're staying for the same length of time in each country, apply at the embassy of the country you'll visit first.

You'll need to apply for a visa if:

• you're planning to stay for more than 90 days
• your reason for travel changes, and you no longer qualify for visa-free travel.

You'll need to apply outside the country you want a visa for.

Calculating your 90/180 days

Calculating your visa-free days can be complicated. The European Commission provides a calculator to help you track your visa-free days .

• The 180 days isn't fixed in time. It's calculated backwards from today.
• Your 90 days are calculated from your first day in the Schengen Area within the 180 days.
• If you leave and return within 180 days, your last stay will count towards the 90-day maximum.
• If you use up your visa-free days, you must leave until you accumulate more or apply for a visa.
• You may be fined or banned from the Schengen Area if you overstay your 90 days.

Example You arrive in Spain on 18 March. You fly to the UK on 21 April and stay there until the 29th. On 30 April, you travel to Greece and stay until 23 June. Your trip was 97 days, but only 90 were in the Schengen Area. You can't re-enter the Area until at least 14 September, when the Spanish leg of your trip falls outside your 180 days. If you re-enter on 14 September, you can only stay another 35 days as your time in Greece still counts towards your current 90 days. If you re-enter on 22 September, you can stay another 90 days, as you haven't been in the Area in the past 180 days .

Entering and exiting the Schengen Area

You must show a valid passport when entering the Schengen Area.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave.

Make sure you get a clear entry stamp in your passport when you enter the Schengen Area for the first time. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained.

Some countries need you to register within 3 days of arrival.

See our destination-specific travel advice for entry and exit details for each country. Check the European Commission for information on temporary border controls .

These visa rules only apply when travelling on your Australian passport . If you're a dual national travelling on your other passport, check the rules for that nationality.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an electronic security system. It will do a security check before you can enter participating European countries . ETIAS is expected to start in mid-2025 if the new system is working.

You won't need an ETIAS for EU countries who aren't taking part in the program.

Other European countries with visa waivers

There are other European countries where you can travel visa-free. Travel to these countries does not count towards your 90 days for Schengen Area travel.

Countries can change their border rules at short notice. Before you travel, ask your destination's nearest embassy or consulate for the latest rules.

Visa waiver agreements with Australia

Australia has visa waiver agreements with several countries in the Schengen Area. These agreements may allow you to spend 60 to 90 days in the country for tourism.

Visa waiver agreement countries include:

Using visa waiver agreements with Schengen visa-free arrangements is complex. Each country operates the visa waiver in its own way.

Most countries need you to use the visa waiver at the end of your Schengen Area travel.

Visa-free tourism programs in non-Schengen countries

Some European countries outside the Schengen Area allow you to enter visa-free for tourism. Most let you stay up to 90 days. Some are for longer. See our country advisories for details on border rules.

• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• North Macedonia (Republic of North Macedonia)
• United Kingdom

Non-Schengen European countries

Many European countries are not part of the Schengen Area. Non-Schengen countries have their own border rules. These countries include:

Ask these countries' high commission, embassy or consulate for visa information.

• General advice on  visas .
• Before you go, get the right travel insurance .
• Read about Australia's 11 reciprocal health care agreements .
• The Schengen Area explained

Related content

Many Australians hold two or more nationalities. If you're travelling to the country of your other nationality, find out how your citizenship can impact you.

Foreign governments often require you to get a visa before they let you enter. This page provides general advice and information about visas overseas.

Applying for Türkiye visa? Requirements, tips for Philippine passport holders

Oh, Turkey — or shall we say Türkiye? The country officially changed its name at the United Nations in 2022 to better reflect its rich culture, values, and traditions.  

How do we even begin talking about all those, plus the unique landscapes, and otherwordly views?

The country uniquely sits between Europe and Asia, making it a popular stop on European travels, particularly on popular cruises from around the world.

But Türkiye deserves a trip of its own. A 12-hour flight from the Philippines will take travelers to the bustling capital of Istanbul, where Türkiye’s European side takes front and center. Everyday conveniences like various public transportation options, never-ending shops and cafes, and a whole lot of modernity can make the city feel commonplace. Locals, who speak fluent Turkish and English, are so warm and open. Always down for a small talk, they can easily make visitors feel understood and instantly welcomed.

Located mostly in Asia Minor — with smaller parts of the country sitting in Southeast Europe — Türkiye boasts of a diverse set of cultures, races, and religions. It is primarily a Muslim country with prayers heard daily, but the country has a deep history with Christianity, which is also still being practiced today.

And that’s all from just scratching the surface.

In this series, GMA News Online explores the wonders of Türkiye.

SECOND OF FOUR PARTS

Türkiye is a home of unreal landscapes, a melting pot of diverse cultures, and unique out of this world experiences that simply cannot be found anywhere else. If you’re looking for a sign to visit the Republic of Türkiye, have once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and go on the Eurasian adventure of your dreams, this is it!

But before booking that flight, Filipinos need a Turkish visa. Successful applicants will be given single-entry visas, which will valid for either a 15- or 30-day visit.

Those who want to travel to Türkiye with existing and active visas or residences for the US, UK, and Schengen countries can apply for an e-visa.

The convenient process happens online via evisa.org.tr/en and should be done within minutes. Applicants only need to fill out an online form, make the visa payment, and then download the e-visa which will be emailed.

However, if you do not have the visas stated above, you are not qualified for a Turkish e-visa.

Those interested in applying for visas may visit the Türkiye Visa Application Center, Unit 17E, Petron Mega Plaza, Buendia, Makati City. It is an organization that works on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye to manage visa applications and provide services for applicants. The office compiles the visa application form, supporting documents, and biometric data on behalf of the applicant.

The center does not require appointments or application forms as these are available at the office. The application process will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Applicants must physically go to the office instead of applying online as biometric fingerprints are required.

Here are the requirements needed for applying for a tourist, business, conference, or seminar visa:

1. Passport

The original passport needs at least six months validity from the date of departure to Türkiye.

2. ID pictures

The office requires two recent 2x2 ID photos, taken not longer than six months. The background should be white. These should also not be stapled, glued, or damaged.

In case you forget your ID pictures or any photocopied or printed documents, there is a printing, xerox, and rush ID shop at the corner of Makati Avenue and Jupiter Street. It is only a five-minute walk from the Türkiye Visa Application Center.

3. Birth and marriage certificates

The visa application requires the original copies of a birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). A marriage certificate is also required if the applicant is married.

4. Work requirements

If the applicant is employed, they must submit their latest Individual Tax Return or ITR.

They must also submit an original copy of their Certificate of Employment (COE). It should include the applicant’s position, working record, and monthly or annual income.

If the applicant is retired, they need to have a retirement certificate.

If the applicant is a business owner, they must submit their company business registration, which includes the following documents: ITR, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) registration, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the mayor’s permit.

Read more from this series:

• 7 experiences in Türkiye that are out of this world

However, if the trip is sponsored by the applicant’s company, they must also submit the original bank certificate and bank statements of their employer. They are likewise needed to submit the company business registration documents.

The applicant going on a sponsored trip also needs a notarized affidavit of support from the company’s president or human resource manager and a guarantee letter from the employer.

If the applicant was invited by the Turkish government, private sector, or other companies that hold office in the country, the original invitation letter is needed.

If they were invited by a Turkish national, they must submit an invitation letter notarized in Türkiye, an affidavit of support pertinent credentials of the invitee, their Turkish ID and other supporting documents, and scanned or photocopies of bank statements.

If the applicant is under 18, they need to submit a consent letter from both parents and an original notarized affidavit of support and consent to travel from both parents. They also need to submit their school ID, school registration, and proof of enrollment.

5. Bank requirements

Applicants need to submit an original copy of their bank certificates and bank statements addressed to the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, which is Paraiso Street, Dasmarinas Village, Makati City, Manila Metro Manila. The copies must have a wet ink stamp. These must also present sufficient funds covering all costs for the last eight months of the applicant.

6. Other documents

Applicants need to provide details of their flight and hotel, as well as a copy of their detailed itinerary.

Finally, applicants need to pay a visa fee of USD 60. Philippine pesos will not be accepted.

It is important to note that a successful visa application will be decided by the staff of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye. Türkiye Visa Application Center and its staff do not play any role or influence in the application results. The center only provides services to ensure that the visa application is completed and submitted correctly.

This story was produced through a familiarization trip sponsored by Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). —JCB, GMA Integrated News

This article Applying for Türkiye visa? Requirements, tips for Philippine passport holders was originally published in GMA News Online .