Do You Need a Visa or ETIAS for Europe?

Find out if you need a visa, ETIAS, or nothing at all — free for all nationalities

Popular countries

Why Trust This Site?

Built by a European traveler and developer
Based on official .europa.eu sources
Updated February 2026
No application fees — we're informational only

Guides & Tools

ETIAS Authorization

New requirement from late 2026 for visa-free travelers

Schengen Visa

For nationalities that need a visa to visit Europe

Schengen Area Guide

30 countries, one visa-free zone

Travel Insurance

Required for Schengen visas, recommended for all

UK Travel (ETA)

Separate from Schengen — own visa rules

Entry/Exit System (EES)

New biometric border checks for Europe

Already planning a trip?

Track your 90/180 Schengen days, plan future trips, and make sure you never overstay.

Try the 90/180 Calculator Learn the 90-day rule

Three Types of Travelers to Europe

EU/EEA Citizens — No visa or ETIAS needed. Travel freely with just your passport or national ID card.
Visa-Exempt Nationals — ETIAS required from Q4 2026. Citizens of 60 countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) currently travel visa-free but will need ETIAS authorization.
Visa-Required Nationals — Schengen Visa required. Citizens of 130+ countries must apply at an embassy or consulate before travel.

Popular Destinations

France Italy Spain Germany Greece Netherlands

See all destinations

Beware of Scam Sites

The only official ETIAS website is travel-europe.europa.eu. Any site charging more than €20 or with a different domain is unofficial. Many scam sites charge €50-100+ for the same application. Learn how to identify scams →

Common Questions

Do Americans need a visa for Europe?

No. US citizens can visit the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days. From late 2026, you'll need ETIAS authorization (€20, applied online) before traveling.

What's the difference between ETIAS and a visa?

ETIAS is a quick online authorization (€20, minutes to complete, 3-year validity) for visa-exempt nationalities. A Schengen visa requires an embassy visit, extensive documents, €80 fee, and 15-45 days processing.

Can I visit multiple European countries with one visa?

Yes. A Schengen visa (or ETIAS) allows travel to all 30 Schengen countries. You don't need separate authorization for each country.

How long can I stay in Europe?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. This applies whether you're visa-free, have ETIAS, or have a Schengen visa. EU citizens have no limit.

Is the UK part of Schengen?

No. The UK has never been part of Schengen and now has its own ETA system. Visiting the UK requires separate authorization and doesn't count toward your Schengen days.

Made by a Traveler

I built this site because I've been on the other side — spending a year backpacking through Asia and the Middle East, relying on websites made by people who actually cared. Now, as a European designer and developer, I'm doing the same for travelers coming to my continent. No scams, no bloat, just the info you need. Read the full story →

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Related Information

ETIAS Guide Schengen Visa Guide Schengen Countries UK Travel Requirements