Which countries in Europe require a visa?
In short
- EU and EEA citizens travel freely across all EU and Schengen countries without a visa. Most other nationalities need either a Schengen visa or an ETIAS authorization.
- US, UK, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, and many Latin American citizens enter Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days, but will need ETIAS once it launches in late 2026.
- Citizens of countries like India, China, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, and many African nations need a Schengen visa to enter Europe.
Visa-free entry to Europe
Around 60 nationalities can enter the Schengen Area for short stays without a visa. This includes US, Canadian, UK, Australian, Japanese, South Korean, Argentine, Brazilian, Mexican, and Israeli citizens, among others. The visa-free stay limit is 90 days within any 180-day period.
From late 2026, even visa-exempt travelers will need to apply for ETIAS authorization online before entering the Schengen Area. ETIAS is a quick electronic check, similar to the US ESTA - not a full visa.
Who needs a Schengen visa?
Nationals of countries that have not signed visa liberalization agreements with the EU need a Schengen visa to enter Europe. This includes citizens of India, China, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and many others.
A Schengen visa allows entry to 29 European countries on one document. Apply at the consulate of your main destination, or your first point of entry if you split your time evenly between countries.
ETIAS authorization
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a pre-travel authorization for visa-free travelers visiting the Schengen Area. It launches in late 2026. The fee is 7 EUR, valid for up to 3 years, and links electronically to your passport. Travelers under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee.
Non-Schengen European countries
Some European countries are outside the Schengen Area and have their own visa rules. The UK now requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-free nationals. Ireland and Cyprus have separate national visas.
Once you have your visa or authorization sorted, trip1 lets you book hotels across all of Europe and pay with cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC.
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Visa requirements for Europe - FAQ
Citizens of countries not on the EU visa-free list need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area. This includes citizens of India, China, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and many others.
US citizens do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. From late 2026, they will need to apply for ETIAS authorization before travel.
It depends on your nationality. Visa-free nationals such as US, EU, and Australian citizens can visit the UK for up to 6 months but must now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival.
No. A Schengen visa only covers the 29 Schengen states. Visiting non-Schengen countries like the UK, Ireland, or Cyprus requires a separate visa or authorization.
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