Understanding Schengen Visas and the New ETIAS
Are you planning that trip to Europe you’ve always dreamed of? If so, it’s essential to be aware of some significant changes coming to travel rules for the continent. Starting in May 2025, all travelers, including those who do not need a visa, will be required to obtain a new travel authorization called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This new requirement aims to enhance security and streamline travel to the EU.
To ensure your travel plans go smoothly, this article will cover the Schengen visa, the upcoming ETIAS, and the general requirements for visiting the EU and the Schengen Area. By understanding these regulations, you’ll be better equipped to plan your trip effectively and avoid surprises.
What is the Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa came into effect in 1999 and covers countries known as the Schengen Area or Schengen zone. This visa allows its holder to enter, travel freely within, and leave the Schengen Area from any Schengen member country. These 27 countries operate as a single area for international travel, meaning there are no border checks within the Schengen Area.
Most tourists and digital nomads travel on a tourist Schengen visa, which acts as a Europe tourist visa. This visa allows third-country nationals to enter and travel within the Schengen Area.
The Schengen Agreement, which created the visa, is named after the town of Schengen in Luxembourg, where it was negotiated. In addition to allowing free movement, the Agreement improves police cooperation, enabling actions like cross-border surveillance and police chases. The Schengen Information System helps participating countries share data about people, goods, and lost property.
What Are the Schengen Visa Countries?
In the Schengen Area, you do not need to show your passport or visa at national borders. Schengen Area countries operate as a single area for international travel with one common passport policy and one common visa policy.
The 27 Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland
A Schengen visa also covers travel to Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, which are small nations within the Schengen Area.
However, not all European countries are part of the Schengen Area. For example, Ireland, Russia, and Ukraine are not included. Some countries, like Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, are working to join the Schengen Area. The United Kingdom, including Gibraltar, is no longer part of the EU and is not part of the Schengen Area.
How Long Is a Schengen Visa Valid For?
The tourist Schengen visa allows entry into Schengen Area countries for a maximum of 90 days within a total period of 180 days.
Here are two examples of how the visa works:
- A 90-day consecutive stay: If you want to visit Europe for three months, from April 1 to the end of June, you can stay from April 1 to June 29 for a total of 90 days. You must leave Europe on June 29 unless you get a Schengen visa extension or a different type of visa.
- A multiple-entry stay: If you start your trip to Europe on April 1 and plan to visit nearby countries like Morocco and Egypt, your total time in Europe cannot exceed 90 days within the 180-day period from April 1 to September 27. For example, you can stay in Europe from April 1 to April 30 (30 days) and then go to Morocco for 14 days (May 1 to May 14). After that, you can return to Europe and stay from May 15 to June 15 (31 days). You can then take a short trip to Egypt before returning to Europe for up to 25 days. Just remember, you must leave Europe for the last time once you have spent a total of 90 days in Europe during this time.
Will You Need a Schengen Visa or Only an ETIAS?
Starting in May 2025, all travelers, including children, will need an approved European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to enter the Schengen Area, even if they do not require a Schengen visa. ETIAS is a new travel authorization designed for visitors to the European Union, which will collect essential information on travelers from visa-free countries.
If you are traveling from countries such as the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, or Japan, you must complete the ETIAS application process. A complete list of eligible countries can be found on the official ETIAS website.
How to Apply for ETIAS
The ETIAS application process is straightforward and entirely online. Here’s how to navigate it:
- Application Process: To apply for ETIAS, you must provide basic personal information, including your name, date of birth, and nationality. You must also enter your intended arrival date and destination within the Schengen Area, along with a valid copy of your passport.
- Application Fee: There is a small application fee of approximately $8 USD (€7) for adults over 18, while this fee is typically waived for applicants under 18.
- Expected Processing Time: Most applicants can expect a quick response, often receiving ETIAS approval within minutes of submission. However, during peak travel seasons or high-traffic periods, processing times may extend. It is advisable to apply well before your travel date to ensure you receive your authorization in time.
- Validity: Once approved, your ETIAS authorization will remain valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This authorization allows for multiple entries into the Schengen Area during its validity period.
- Updates: If your travel plans change or you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new ETIAS authorization.
By following these steps, you can easily obtain your ETIAS authorization and ensure a seamless travel experience to Europe.
Who Needs a Schengen Visa for Travel or Transit?
If you are not a citizen of a country with visa-free entry to the Schengen Area, you must apply for a Schengen visitor visa. To find out if you need one, visit the European Commission’s interactive Schengen requirements map.
If you are from a country whose citizens don’t need a Schengen visa but have been denied entry to the Schengen Area, you must apply for a Schengen visa.
Make sure you apply for the type and duration of Schengen visa you need. Schengen visas are for specific periods, not for a general 90 days. They can cover multiple entries during a 180-day period:
- Single-entry: Entering the Schengen Area once during the 180-day period.
- Double-entry: Entering the Schengen Area, leaving, and returning during the 180-day days.
- Multiple-entry: Multiple trips to and from the Schengen Area during the 180-day period.
Some nationalities may need a Schengen transit visa if they are transiting through airports or seaports in a Schengen country. Passport holders from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (DRC), Eritrea, and other countries need a Schengen transit visa to change planes in the Schengen Area.
Do Travelers from the U.S. and Canada Need a Schengen Visa?
Citizens of more than 60 countries can enter the Schengen Area without a visa. This includes:
- Most English-speaking countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States
- Most other European countries
- Most South American countries
- Most Asia-Pacific countries
Travelers who are permanent residents but not citizens of these countries need a Schengen visa. For example, someone living in the U.S. with a work visa but who is a citizen of a non-exempt country must apply for a Schengen visa to visit the Schengen Area.
Who Can Get a Schengen Visa?
Citizens of any country without a Schengen visa waiver can apply for a Schengen visa, and nationals of Schengen visa waiver countries who have been denied entry can also apply.
The requirements vary for each country that provides the visa. Generally, you must provide documents showing you meet the Schengen visa requirements. This includes a valid passport, proof that you can support yourself, proof of accommodation, and proof of travel health insurance. A clean police record and reference letters can also support your application.
How Do I Apply for a Schengen Visa?
You must get your Schengen visa before traveling. Most Schengen countries recommend applying at least 15 days before your trip, ideally within three months of your travel date.
You can apply for a Schengen visa through the embassy or consulate of the first Schengen country you will visit. For a Schengen transit visa, apply through the embassy or consulate of the country where you are transiting. For all types of Schengen visas, expect to attend an in-person interview.
Schengen visas can be declined if you don’t meet the requirements or your documentation is unclear. If you are worried about your chances of getting a Schengen visa, consider working with a professional immigration consultant. If your visa is declined, you can appeal within 15 days.
Travel Medical Insurance is Required for a Schengen Visa
You must include proof of travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa for your stay in the Schengen Area.
To count towards a Schengen visa, your travel health insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen Area and cover the entire duration of your trip. Some Schengen countries only require a complete and detailed policy in your name, while others may also ask for a letter from your insurance company showing you meet coverage requirements. The letter should include your full name (matching your passport) and your date of birth.
Check with your destination’s embassy or consulate for specific health insurance requirements. Typically, the insurance must include:
- A minimum coverage of €30,000 (about $33,000).
- Coverage that is valid within the Schengen region for the full trip duration.
- Coverage for medical expenses, including repatriation, urgent medical attention, and emergency hospital treatment.
Schengen Area Exclusions
When traveling in Europe, you might be surprised to learn about some areas that are not part of the Schengen Area. Most territories of Schengen countries are excluded from the Schengen Agreement. It’s important to check the entry requirements for these areas if you need a Schengen visa.
For example, Danish territories like the Faroe Islands and Greenland and small countries like Andorra are not in the European Union or the Schengen Area. Although many travelers may not see border controls when arriving from the Schengen Area, these countries rely on airlines to check documents.
French overseas territories are part of the European Union but not part of the Schengen Area. This includes islands in the Caribbean like Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion, and French Polynesia. Additionally, while countries like Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City are not technically Schengen countries, they follow Schengen border policies. Travelers can access these nations without border controls.
Related: Best Places to Live in Europe
Schengen Area Travel Tips
The Schengen visa is mainly for tourists and travelers. If you need a visa to visit Europe, be sure to apply for a Schengen visa if you’re looking for a tourist visa. Different rules apply to students or workers in Europe. Digital nomads can also use a Schengen visa, but they should be careful not to overstay beyond what the visa allows.
If you stay longer than your visa allows, it will be recorded, and you could face fines or deportation. If you need to stay longer, check with a consulate about changing your visa status.
To avoid overstaying, keep track of your travel dates, including when you enter and leave each country. You can get your passport stamped or keep your own records. Remember, you can stay for 90 days within a 180-day period. If your visit is not continuous and you have a multiple-entry visa, you must document your travel dates accurately. You can use this visa calculator to help figure out how many days you have left.
You’ll enjoy easy travel between countries regardless of how you enter the Schengen Area. Now that you know about Schengen visas, you can find more information through the European Commission.
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