Which countries in Europe require a visa?
Whether you need a visa for Europe depends on your nationality and which countries you are visiting. EU citizens travel freely; many others need a Schengen visa or ETIAS authorization.
Updated
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.
Once ETIAS starts, 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 is not in operation yet, and the EU will announce the start date several months in advance. The fee will be 20 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.
Visa requirements for Europe - FAQ
No. US citizens can visit Schengen countries such as France, Italy or Greece without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. At the border you are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System. Your passport must be valid for 3 months beyond your stay, and the UK, outside Schengen, separately requires an ETA.
Not yet. ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU says it is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026 and will announce the exact start date several months ahead. Once it starts, US citizens will need an approved ETIAS before Schengen trips, costing EUR 20 and valid for three years or until the passport expires.
Yes, but there is nothing to apply for. The Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors, including US citizens, at the borders of the 29 European countries using it, recording fingerprints, a facial image and each entry and exit. It replaces passport stamps and tracks your 90-day limit. It has been fully operational since 10 April 2026.
You cannot apply yet, because ETIAS is not running. Once it starts, the EU says most applications will be decided within minutes and at the latest within 96 hours, but some applicants may be asked for more information or an interview, which can add up to 30 days. Apply well before your trip, only on the official EU website or app.
Citizens of countries without visa-free access to the EU need a Schengen visa for short stays. These include India, China, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco. One Schengen visa covers all 29 Schengen countries, and you apply at the consulate of your main destination, or your first stop if time is split equally.
It depends on your nationality. Visa-free visitors such as US, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens do not need a visa but must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, which costs GBP 20. British and Irish citizens do not need one. Nationals of countries that are not visa free still need a UK visitor visa.