Traveling to Europe has never been easier for most of the world countries. After most of the European countries have abolished the borders between each other, and require no visa from a lot of nations, their capitals are among the top tourism destinations around the globe.
American citizens and residents remain just as interested in visiting Europe, as Europeans are interested in visiting the 50 North American states. However, due to the bureaucracy that exists in many countries when it comes to traveling, people in the US are often confused about whether they need to apply for an EU visa prior to their trip to the Schengen Zone, the procedures they shall follow, or the documents they need to obtain.
If you are a US national or a foreigner residing in the US, following this article, you can learn more about what you need to do to visit Europe, according to your case.
Do US Citizens Need an EU Visa to Enter Europe?
Citizens of the United States with a valid US passport can travel to 26 European member countries of the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days without having to apply or obtain a Schengen visa for short-term tourism or a business trip.
However, this changes when it comes to US residents of another nationality. Non-Americans residing in the US, that wish to visit Europe, may need ornot needa visa, depending on their nationality.
- US residents coming from countries that have established visa-free regimes with the EU do not need to obtain a visa to enter Europe.
- On the other hand, US residents coming from countries that have not established a visa-free regime with the EU will have to apply for a Schengen visa in the US, in order to be able to enter any of these countries.
Note: (Starting from November 2023, US citizens will have to apply for an ETIASprior to their travel towards Europe, in order to be allowed to enter the territory.)
What Documents Do Americans Need to Enter the Schengen Area?
Despite the fact that US citizens do not need to obtain an EU visa prior to their travel to Schengen, they still need to have some documents with them in order to be allowed to enter Europe visa-free zone.
When American travelers show up at the border to enter the Schengen Zone, they will be asked by the border guard to present the following documents:
- A US Passport.It must not be older than 10 years and it should be valid for at least three more months beyond its intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.
- Evidence on their purpose of entry.Documents that show why the US citizen is traveling to the Schengen Area.
- Proof of sufficient financial means. Documents that prove that the US traveler has the financial means to support themselves during their whole stay in Europe.
Please keep in mind that the border guard has the final say on whether a traveler should be permitted to enter the Schengen Zone or not. If you are rejected from entering any of the EU member states, then you will have to go back to the United States and apply for a regular Schengen visa.
If your entry is approved, you will receive a stamp with the date indicating your arrival in the country.
Which EU Countries Can Americans Visit Without a Visa?
Americans are among the lucky world travelers, permitted to enter and travel throughout the whole territory of the Schengen Zone/EU without having to obtain an EU visa.
The European countries where Americans can travel without having to obtain a short-term Schengen visa are:
| Austria | Hungary | Norway |
| Belgium | Iceland | Poland |
| Czech Republic | Italy | Portugal |
| Denmark | Latvia | Slovakia |
| Estonia | Liechtenstein | Slovenia |
| Finland | Lithuania | Spain |
| France | Luxembourg | Sweden |
| Germany | Malta | Switzerland |
| Greece | Netherlands |
How Long Can a US Citizen Stay in Europe Without a Visa?
Americans can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Please keep in mind that:
- The date of entry is considered the first day of stay
- The date of exit is considered the last day of stay.
Pay attention to the period you spend in the Schengen, since overstaying always results in consequences such as fines or deportation, even when it is unintentional.
Many people get confused when it comes to the 90/180 rule. But, the rule is very simple. The 180-day period keeps rolling. Therefore, anytime you wish to enter the Schengen, you just have to count backward the last 180 days, and see if you have been present there for more than 90 days throughout that period.
Note: Periods of the previous stay authorized under a residence permit or a long-stay visa are not taken into account in the calculation of the duration of a visa-free stay.
Check the Schengen calculator, to calculate your legal short-stay days in Europe.
Can a US Citizen Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days?
If you need to remain longer than 90 days in Europe, then you must apply for a residency permit.
Is Travel Health Insurance Mandatory for US Nationals Traveling to Europe?
Travel medical insurance for Europe is not required for US citizens who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen zone. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended for travelers (both US citizens and non-US citizens) visiting Europe for business, tourism, and other purposes as well.
Travel Insurance in Europe will cover any medical emergencies such as illnesses or accidents, that occur throughout your trip.
How Do I Get Travel Insurance for Europe from the USA?
It is very easy to buy travel insurance for Europe from the USA.
- Go to the website of Europ Assistance
- Choose the travel insurance coverage area (Schengen only or Extended Europe).
- Fill in the dates of your travel to Europe.
- Get the price.
- Pay online.
- Get your travel insurance certificate via email.
Getting your travel visa insurance from Europ Assistance will allow you to fully enjoy your trip from the USA to Europe with peace of mind.
US Citizen Rejected from Entering Europe Visa-Free
As previously stated, if you were rejected from entering the Schengen Zone, despite being a US national or a national of a country that has established a visa-free regime with the European Union, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa in the United States.
You can apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the main country you wish to visit, located in the US. Sometimes embassies outsource visa submission to the embassy or consulate of another Schengen country or third parties that offer visa services.
For more information, read the article “How and Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa in the US?“.
Americans to Apply for EU Travel Authorization starting 2023
US citizens will have toapply for an ETIAS prior to their travel towards Europe, in order to be allowed to enter the territory, by November 2023.
The ETIAS visa waiver stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, which will require US passport holders to apply online for an entry permit in Europe before entering the area, similar to the ESTA that the United States use.
This process allows EU authorities to pre-screen all travelers and confirm their status before permitting them to enter or even board a flight to Europe, thus improving security measures throughout Europe.
US travelers will have to pay an amount of €7 when applying for an ETIAS. It is estimated that the application process takes around 10 minutes to complete. An ETIAS can be issued for three years and can be used to enter and remain in Europe for 90 days within a six-month period.
Travel Tips for Americans visiting Europe
Whether this is your first or second time traveling from the US to Europe, some extra tips for the trip are always handy. Listed and explained below, find some of the top tips for US citizens traveling to Europe, that will make your traveling easier and more pleasant.
Travel Off-Season
Most Americans visiting Europe want to see the Swiss Alps during winter and the Greek islands during summer. However, that is the time everybody else will be there as well. No overcrowded destination is fun and worth visiting. That is why, if you travel off-season, you may find fewer people at the top European touristic sites and you will be able to enjoy them more. You will also be able to find cheaper accommodation and train tickets and tours.
Use Budget Airlines
When traveling from one European country to another try booking Budget Airlines. Especially if you are traveling short distances. A few services less, the absence of most of which you will not even notice, will be better for your pocket.
Travel by Train
Though traveling by train is not so popular in the US, Americans traveling in Europe are highly advised to travel by train, especially between the Schengen states and cities. Traveling by train is among the cheapest means of transport in the old continent, and you will be able to enjoy the trip more since trains give you the chance to see more of Europe.
Befriend the locals
By all means, no one knows the cheapest and tastiest food shops better than the locals do. Try to chitchat with some of the locals, and they will show you where you can have a finger-licking meal, without having to spend too much. They will also show you interesting places to see, that not all tourists are aware of. American tourists are always welcomed in Europe; therefore, you will be quite successful at doing this. In addition, you will make some new buddies that are a must to have a more memory-lasting journey.
Make reservations in advance
They are always cheaper, and not only. If you make reservations in advance as an American on a Europe trip, you will avoid wandering from one hotel to another to find a place to sleep, in case of overcrowded hotels. At the same time, you will avoid the risk of having to lose time, by waiting for the next flight, bus, or train, since the previous was full or even in long lines at tourist attractions.
Keep cash with you
If you are planning to use credit cards while traveling Europe as a tourist from the US, you should know that there are places in the old continent that only accept cash. In addition, having cash with you to pay for taxi rides, tips, and purchases at local markets will save you quite a lot of money on foreign transaction fees.
Not all European countries use the Euro
All US states use the American dollar but not all EU countries use the Euro. Despite the belief that the Euro is the common currency for all European countries, there are actually a lot of countries that use other currencies. For example, the Czech Republic uses Koruna, Liechtenstein uses the Swiss Franc and Poland uses Zloty.
Bring an umbrella
All Americans visiting Europe are highly advised to take an umbrella, which folds and can be kept in a backpack. In many European cities, especially in those located in Southern Europe as Ljubljana in Slovenia, Naples, and Turin in Italy, rain is always forecasted.
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FAQs
Do U.S. citizens need an EU visa to enter Europe? ›
As the United States is one of the visa-exempt countries for Europe, American citizens do not require a visa for the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. From November 2023, Americans they will be required to obtain a visa waiver to stay in Schengen countries for any less than 90 days.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Europe 2022? ›Will U.S. citizens need a visa for Europe? American citizens are currently granted entry into Europe without a visa. For this reason, they do not need to check visa requirements. This only applies to short-term trips, so if US nationals decide to move to Europe permanently, they need to obtain the relevant visa first.
Will you need a visa to travel to Europe in 2023? ›In mid-to-late 2023, U.S. citizens and nationals of over 60 other countries will need an electronic travel authorization to visit much of Europe. Travelers to any Schengen-zone country will have to register with a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Do I need an ETIAS in 2022? ›All travellers, regardless of age, will be required to obtain an ETIAS, and the authorization will be valid for 3 years or until the date of passport expiry.
Which EU countries can Americans visit without a visa? ›These countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Do U.S. citizens need to fill out ETIAS? ›After January 1, 2023, all U.S. citizens traveling to the 26 Schengen Zone countries will need to register with ETIAS or will risk being denied entry.
Can a U.S. citizen travel to Europe in 2022? ›Americans to Apply for EU Travel Authorization starting 2023
US citizens will have to apply for an ETIAS prior to their travel towards Europe, in order to be allowed to enter the territory, by November 2023.
Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You must have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
Are Schengen visas being issued 2022? ›The Schengen Visa allows the holder to travel freely within 26 European countries, 22 of them within the European Union (EU). The standard short-stay Schengen Visa allows holders to stay within the Schengen Area for up to three months during each visit.
Which Schengen country is easy to get visa in 2022? ›7. Which Schengen Visa is the easiest to obtain? The easiest country to get a visa to is Lithuania. Almost 98.7% of short-term visa applications for a Schengen Visa to Lithuania received a positive response in 2018.
Do I need a visa to go to France 2022? ›
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which France is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
How long can you travel in Europe for without a visa? ›If you stay more than 90 days in a 180-day period in the Schengen Area without a valid visa, you may be fined or banned from entering the Schengen Area.
How much does an ESTA cost 2022? ›Fee for application is $21.00 USD. Valid payment methods include MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB or Diners Club only), and PayPal.
How much will a ETIAS visa cost? ›The ETIAS will cost 7 € for applicants over 18, and will be free for applicants under the age of 18 and over the age of 70. The fee has to be paid online through a valid debit or credit card. If the payment is declined or unsuccessful, your ETIAS application will be put on hold until you can carry out the payment.
How long will ETIAS be valid? ›The ETIAS will be valid for three years, or the date of passport expiry (whichever comes first), and can be used for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
Does a U.S. citizen need a Schengen visa? ›With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area. To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa.
Do Americans need visa for Germany? ›Citizens of the United States with a valid U.S. Tourist passport (blue passport) can travel to Germany and other countries of the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days without having to obtain a Schengen visa. If you wish to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you have to apply for a German residency permit.
Do Americans need visa for Italy? ›U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. All non-residents are required to complete a declaration of presence (dichiarazione di presenza).
Do US citizens need ESTA for Spain? ›No, fortunately US citizens do not need a Spain Visa to travel to Spain from the USA, nor do they need a visa to visit any Schengen country. But there are certain Spain entry requirements and documents you will need to present as a US citizen (which will be discussed in detail later in this blog).
Can US citizens travel to Europe right now? ›Much of Europe is open to Americans, including more than two dozen countries without any COVID restrictions at all. However, it's important to double-check before traveling in case requirements change. If you're vaccinated, most countries are open to you as long as you can show proof of vaccination.
Do Americans need visa for France? ›
You may enter the Schengen area, including France, for up to 90 days for tourist and business purposes without a visa. Immigration officers may also request you show sufficient funds for your intended stay and a return airline ticket.
Where can a US citizen travel without a visa? ›Let's Look At The US Passport Visa-Free Countries
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.
U.S. citizens may enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Greece? ›Greece is a party to the Schengen Agreement; therefore, U.S. citizens may enter Greece without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. For additional details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Switzerland? ›Do US citizens need a visa for Switzerland? Citizens of the United States with a valid U.S. Tourist passport (blue passport) can travel to Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without having to apply or obtain a Schengen visa.
How much bank balance is required for Schengen visa? ›Proof of civil status – birth certificate will suffice. Bank statement – this needs to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months.
How do I get a 5 year Schengen visa? ›5-year MEV is granted to people that have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years. This visa permits you to enter 26 countries in Europe as many times as you wish, within five years, as soon as you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
Can I walk in for Schengen visa? ›Walk In Without Appointment*
If you need to submit your visa application on an urgent basis, walk into our Visa Application Centre and opt for this service. VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.
According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark. These 4 countries were more likely to reject a visa application than any other Schengen country.
Which country gives the quickest Schengen visa? ›- Belgium: ...
- Germany: ...
- Luxembourg: ...
- Switzerland: ...
- Denmark: ...
- Sweden: ...
- Iceland: Iceland is a small island known for its beautiful natural attractions like Gullfoss waterfalls and Blue Lagoon. ...
- Finland:
Do I need a visa to visit Amsterdam? ›
The Netherlands is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter the Netherlands for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
Do I need a visa to go to France 2023? ›Visitors from countries that enjoy visa exemption for France and the Schengen Area will continue to do so; however from November 2023, registering with ETIAS will be an additional requirement.
Who can enter France visa free? ›You are allowed to travel to France and to all other members of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa, as long as your U.S. passport is valid for at least 3 months after your planned return to the United States!
What are the first port of entry rules for Schengen visa? ›What Is the First Port of Entry for a Schengen Visa? The first point of entry is the country through which you enter the Schengen Area on a trip. You must always enter the Schengen Area via the country which issued your visa.
What documents do I need to travel to Europe? ›Passports. In much of Europe, the only travel document a US or Canadian citizen needs is a passport. (The US Passport Card works only for those driving or cruising to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.)
How long does it take to get an ESTA approved? ›A determination will usually be available within 72 hours.
When should I buy my ESTA? ›When do I need to apply? Official ESTA guidance recommends that you apply at least 72 hours before you travel to the US, though your application may be processed instantly.
Is ESTA better than visa? ›Length of validation of ESTA vs US visa
A US visa will have a different length of validity depending on the type of visa, for example a student visa will be granted for the length of study. Whilst the ESTA is valid for two years, it only permits a visit to the US for 90 days maximum in any one visit.
Estonia is the easiest country to get a Schengen Visa from, with only 1.5% of applications rejected in 2020. This means that 98.5% of the Schengen Visa applications for Estonia received a positive answer.
Who are eligible for ETIAS? ›With the arrival of ETIAS expected in 2023, passport holders of 59 of the 62 countries that currently travel visa-free, will require an ETIAS waiver to travel to Europe for the purposes of tourism, business, or transit for a 90 days stay in any 180-day period.
What questions will be asked on ETIAS? ›
Personal information required for ETIAS
Personal information: full name, date of birth, place of birth, and gender. Contact details: address, email address, and phone number. Passport details: passport number, issue and expiry dates, and nationality. Travel plans: including the member state of the intended first entry.
All travellers, regardless of age, will be required to obtain an ETIAS, and the authorization will be valid for 3 years or until the date of passport expiry.
Will you need a visa to travel to Europe in 2023? ›In mid-to-late 2023, U.S. citizens and nationals of over 60 other countries will need an electronic travel authorization to visit much of Europe. Travelers to any Schengen-zone country will have to register with a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Who will be denied ETIAS? ›- Your passport is invalid. The ETIAS applicant used a travel document that is reported as lost, stolen, misappropriated or invalidated in SIS.
- You are considered a “risk.” ...
- You have an SIS alert. ...
- You submit an incomplete application. ...
- You do not attend the interview.
ETIAS - Requirements, Costs and Application Guidelines
ETIAS Travel Requirements
ETIAS Fee for US Citizens Traveling to Europe
Much of Europe is open to Americans, including more than two dozen countries without any COVID restrictions at all. However, it's important to double-check before traveling in case requirements change. If you're vaccinated, most countries are open to you as long as you can show proof of vaccination.
Can I visit Europe in 2022? ›As of 1 March 2022, EU countries should allow non-essential travel also for persons vaccinated with vaccines approved by the EU or by the World Health Organization and for persons who recovered from COVID-19.
Do I need a visa to go to France 2022? ›You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which France is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
Where can a US citizen travel without a visa? ›Let's Look At The US Passport Visa-Free Countries
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.
This includes Americans who will work or transact business and persons who want to simply live in Italy. Americans must have an entrance visa which should be obtained at an Italian consulate before coming to Italy, in order to remain in Italy more than three months and gain resident status.
Do I need a visa to travel to Europe? ›
You do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein 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.
What do I need to travel to Europe from USA? ›With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area. To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa.
Which country gives Schengen visa easily? ›In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
What is Schengen visa fee? ›A Schengen Visa from India costs 80 euros
The fees are not reimbursed in the event of visa refusal. The price of the Schengen Visa varies according to the age of the person concerned: Adult: €80 (around ₹6,620) Child from 12 to 18 years old: €80.
7. Which Schengen Visa is the easiest to obtain? The easiest country to get a visa to is Lithuania. Almost 98.7% of short-term visa applications for a Schengen Visa to Lithuania received a positive response in 2018.
Do I need a visa to visit Amsterdam? ›The Netherlands is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter the Netherlands for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
Do I need a visa to go to France 2023? ›Visitors from countries that enjoy visa exemption for France and the Schengen Area will continue to do so; however from November 2023, registering with ETIAS will be an additional requirement.
Do US citizens need a visa for France? ›You may enter the Schengen area, including France, for up to 90 days for tourist and business purposes without a visa. Immigration officers may also request you show sufficient funds for your intended stay and a return airline ticket.
How strong is U.S. passport? ›According to rankings from Henley & Partners, a citizenship advisory firm, the U.S. passport ranks seventh in the world when it comes to access. Americans can get into 186 international destinations without applying for additional visas in advance.
What is the easiest country for an American to move to? ›Mexico. Mexico is one of the easiest and most affordable countries for Americans to move to. It's also the most popular, with over 1.5 million Americans calling Mexico home.
