The EU and the EU have mutual agreements determining whether you require a visa to travel within Europe. A Schengen visa is required for most non-EU citizens. However, nationals of around 60 countries are exempt. The country you come from (or the passport you use to travel) will determine whether you require a visa to enter Europe.
Wikipedia has a complete list. However, many countries in Asia and North America are exempted from the Schengen visa. They can also travel freely within the Schengen bloc without requiring a visa. This includes, among others, Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, Japan, and the United States.
You may also need an airport transit visa to travel within Europe. It will depend on who you are. It is always a good idea to check the requirements of your country of origin.
First things first: what is the Schengen area, and what is a Schengen visa?
What is the Schengen Area, and what is a Schengen visa?
The Schengen area is a region where 26 European countries have abolished their inner borders to allow for free movement and unrestricted mobility of people in accordance with common rules for controlling external borders. It also helps combat criminality by strengthening police cooperation and the judicial system.
The Schengen Area includes most EU countries except Ireland and those that will soon be part of Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Croatia, and Cyprus. The Schengen area comprises countries such as Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, which are not EU members.
These 26 Schengen countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
The Schengen Area currently has 26 members. These 26 countries are all located in Europe.
- 22 members fully implement the Schengen acquis.
- They are four of the members of the EFTA. Implement the Schengen acquis by signing specific agreements that are related to the Schengen agreement.
- While members of the Schengen Area, Norway, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein are also associate members. They are members of the EFTA and implement the Schengen acquis via specific agreements related to the Schengen agreement.
- Monaco and Vatican City have opened their doors to but are not part of the visa-free area.
- Even though they are not on the European continent, the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands are members of the EU and are part of the Schengen Zone.
- Five more EU members have yet to join the Schengen area: Ireland, which has opt-outs; and Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia, who are aiming to join the Schengen Zone soon.
The Schengen Zone’s outer borders extend for 50,000km. 80% of its surface is made up of water, 20% of which is land. There are hundreds of ports and airports, as well as many crossing points. The Schengen Zone covers an area of 4,312,099km2 and has a population of 419.392,429 people.
The Schengen visa allows a holder to travel within the Schengen Area or other participating countries for up to 90 days. The Schengen Area has a significant advantage: you don’t have to go through the border control procedures between member states. Schengen citizens can live and work in any member-state, while visitors are permitted to freely move within the visa’s validity period. You should always bring your passport along with you when you travel by air. Agents will likely still require identification.
Not all Schengen countries are members of the European Union. However, some are, such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. A few EU member-states, such as Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia, are not included in the Schengen border-free zone. These countries may have slightly different travel procedures.
Which documents are required to travel to Europe?
To travel to Europe, you’ll need your passport. According to EU regulations, it must be valid for three months after your departure and must not have been cancelled within the last 10 years. Many countries will also require additional documentation to grant your visa. This can include proof that you have been lodging, proof that you have returned, or an invitation letter if you are visiting Europe specifically.
Also, you may be required to show proof of your travel insurance or evidence of your health insurance. Although the application process is simplified, each country may require additional documents. Before you proceed, make sure you check the requirements of the country where your trip is taking place. If you can provide more information, it is a good idea!
You may also be required to provide proof of income. This document is proof of income or proof that you can sustain yourself financially while on your trip.
To ensure you are able to support your activities in the Schengen region, authorities may request bank statements and similar documents. It varies depending on where you’re visiting, but it is usually around EUR50 per person and the hotel room cost. Higher living costs will require more proof.
Introduction of the new ETIAS visa waiver
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which requires travelers from non-visa-free countries to fill out an online form before they fly into any country within the EU or Schengen Area, will be in effect next year. It will cost EUR7 ($7) per person.
ETIAS registration will be required for travelers from select countries exempt from applying for EU visas. This applies to visitors from the US and other countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, or Japan. To register for ETIAS, you must fill out an online form. After that, you will have to pay the processing fee.
While most applications will be approved and processed within minutes, there may be “very exceptional” cases, CNN reports, which could take up to a whole month. Those who are denied an application will have the opportunity to appeal.
To increase border security, ETIAS was approved in 2016 by the European Union. Covid delayed the launch of the pre-screening platform, which was initially expected to be available by 2021.
ETIAS will instead go live in May 2025. To make it easier for travelers to get into the new system at their destination, Schengen member countries will distribute leaflets at border checkpoints informing them about the launch of ETIAS at the beginning of 2025.
Reports suggest that ETIAS registration may be optional for the first months after its launch. ETIAS registration will become mandatory for eligible non-EU citizens who wish to travel visa-free after the initial implementation period.
