Europe Visa Guide
Europe's Schengen Area allows visa-free travel across 29 countries for many nationalities. The UK operates its own visa system post-Brexit. Below you'll find detailed visa requirements, costs, and official links for each major European destination.
Schengen Area
Currency
Euro (EUR) in most countries; some use own currency (CHF, SEK, NOK, DKK, etc.)
Languages
Varies by country
Health notes
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers EU/EEA citizens for emergency care
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Visa requiredRequired for nationals of visa-required countries visiting any of the 29 Schengen member states for tourism, business, or family visits.
Stay limit
90 days in any rolling 180-day period
Cost
EUR 80 (adults), EUR 40 (children aged 6-11), free for children under 6
Processing time
15 calendar days (up to 45 days in complex cases)
Required documents
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure, with 2 blank pages
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm)
- Travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter, or rental agreement)
- Return or onward flight booking
- Proof of financial means (bank statements for last 3 months)
- Cover letter explaining the purpose and itinerary of the trip
Entry conditions
- Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time
- Time spent in all Schengen states counts towards the 90/180-day limit
- You must enter through the country that issued your visa (or spend the most time there)
Important notes
- From 2025, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be required for visa-exempt travellers
- Employment or paid services require a separate national work visa
- Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future visa bans
Schengen Visa Exemption
Visa-freeCitizens of 60+ countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and most Latin American nations) can enter visa-free for short stays.
Stay limit
90 days in any rolling 180-day period
Cost
Free (ETIAS fee of EUR 7 will apply once launched)
Processing time
N/A (ETIAS approval expected within minutes once launched)
Required documents
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure
- Proof of return or onward travel
- Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
- Proof of accommodation
Entry conditions
- No paid employment allowed during visa-free stays
- 90/180-day limit applies across ALL Schengen states combined
Important notes
- Check your specific nationality's exemption status before travel
- ETIAS pre-registration will be mandatory for visa-exempt travellers in 2025
Travel tips
- Use the Schengen calculator to track your 90/180-day allowance
- Keep proof of travel insurance accessible at border crossings
- Not all EU countries are in the Schengen Area (Ireland, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria have separate rules)
Health information
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers EU/EEA citizens for emergency care
- Travel insurance strongly recommended for non-EU visitors
United Kingdom
Currency
British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Languages
English, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic
Health notes
NHS provides emergency care to all visitors
Standard Visitor Visa
Visa requiredFor tourism, visiting family, attending business meetings, or receiving private medical treatment. Citizens of many countries can visit visa-free.
Stay limit
Up to 6 months per visit
Cost
GBP 115 (standard), GBP 400 (2-year), GBP 771 (5-year), GBP 963 (10-year)
Processing time
3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority at extra cost)
Required documents
- Online visa application (on GOV.UK)
- Valid passport with at least 1 blank page
- Biometric information (fingerprints and photograph at visa application centre)
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during the stay
- Details of where you will stay
- Details of your travel plans (return ticket)
- Information about your employment or studies in your home country
Entry conditions
- You cannot work or access public funds during your visit
- You must leave the UK before your visa expires
- Border Force officers may ask questions about your visit
Important notes
- US, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, South Korean, and EU/EEA citizens can visit visa-free for up to 6 months
- Indian, Nigerian, Pakistani, and many other nationals require a visa before travel
- Electronic visa waivers are available for citizens of some Gulf states
Skilled Worker Visa
Visa requiredFor those offered a skilled job in the UK by an approved employer (sponsor).
Stay limit
Up to 5 years (extendable, can lead to settlement)
Cost
GBP 719 to GBP 1,500+ depending on duration and type; plus Immigration Health Surcharge (GBP 1,035/year)
Processing time
3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority)
Required documents
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer
- Proof of English language ability (CEFR B1 level minimum)
- Valid passport
- Proof of personal savings (at least GBP 1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, unless employer certifies maintenance)
- Criminal record certificate (for certain roles)
- TB test results (from listed countries)
Entry conditions
- You must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor
- The job must meet the minimum salary threshold (generally GBP 38,700/year or the going rate for the role)
- You must meet the English language requirement
Important notes
- After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement)
- Your dependants (partner and children) can apply to join you
Travel tips
- The UK uses the British Pound (GBP), not the Euro
- Driving is on the left-hand side
- The UK is NOT part of the Schengen Area — separate visa rules apply
- Free healthcare (NHS) is available for emergencies but the Immigration Health Surcharge applies to most visa holders
Health information
- NHS provides emergency care to all visitors
- Visa holders typically pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for full NHS access
- Travel insurance recommended for visitors
France
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Languages
French
Health notes
France has excellent healthcare; EHIC covers EU/EEA citizens
Schengen Business Visa (France)
Visa requiredFor attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs in France. Apply through France-Visas portal.
Stay limit
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Cost
EUR 80 (adults)
Processing time
15 calendar days (up to 45 days in peak season)
Required documents
- Completed France-Visas online application
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure from Schengen Area
- Invitation letter from French business partner
- Proof of travel insurance covering EUR 30,000
- Evidence of accommodation and financial means
- Appointment at TLScontact or VFS visa application centre
Entry conditions
- Apply at the French consulate/visa centre if France is your main destination
- Business visitors cannot take up paid employment
Important notes
- France processes the highest number of Schengen visa applications worldwide
- Peak processing times occur in summer months (June-August)
Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS)
Visa requiredFor stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, or family reunification in France.
Stay limit
Up to 12 months (renewable as residence permit)
Cost
EUR 99 (students), EUR 225 (work/other)
Processing time
Several weeks to 2 months
Required documents
- Online application via France-Visas
- Valid passport
- Proof of purpose (employment contract, university acceptance, family documents)
- Proof of accommodation in France
- Proof of financial resources
- Health insurance
Entry conditions
- Must validate the visa online (within 3 months of arrival) to convert it to a residence permit
Important notes
- The VLS-TS serves as both a visa and a residence permit for the first year
Travel tips
- France uses the Euro (EUR)
- French is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas
- Tipping is not obligatory but small tips are appreciated
Health information
- France has excellent healthcare; EHIC covers EU/EEA citizens
- Travel insurance required for Schengen visa applicants
Germany
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Languages
German
Health notes
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents
National Visa for Employment
Visa requiredNon-EU nationals must obtain a German national visa before starting employment in Germany.
Stay limit
Initial visa up to 90 days; residence permit required on arrival
Cost
EUR 75
Processing time
4 to 12 weeks
Required documents
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport
- Signed employment contract or job offer letter
- Recognition of qualifications or approval from the Federal Employment Agency
- Proof of accommodation in Germany
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Biometric photographs
Entry conditions
- You must apply at the German embassy in your country of residence
- A residence permit must be obtained from the local foreigners' authority after arrival
Important notes
- Germany introduced the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) in 2024 for qualified job seekers
- EU Blue Card is available for highly qualified workers with a salary above EUR 45,300
Travel tips
- Germany uses the Euro (EUR)
- Cash is still widely preferred — many shops and restaurants do not accept cards
- Public transport is excellent and well-connected
Health information
- Health insurance is mandatory for all residents
- EHIC covers EU/EEA citizens for temporary stays
Norway
Currency
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Languages
Norwegian (Bokmal and Nynorsk), Sami
Health notes
EHIC covers EEA citizens; travel insurance recommended for all others
Schengen Business Visitor Visa (Norway)
Visa requiredFor business meetings, conferences, and short-term professional activities in Norway.
Stay limit
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Cost
EUR 80 (adults)
Processing time
15 calendar days
Required documents
- Completed Schengen visa application via VFS or Norwegian mission
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond planned departure
- Invitation letter from Norwegian host company
- Proof of accommodation and travel medical insurance (EUR 30,000 minimum)
- Evidence of sufficient financial means
Entry conditions
- Norway is part of the Schengen Area but NOT the EU
- Time spent in Norway counts towards the Schengen 90/180-day limit
Important notes
- Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK), not the Euro
- Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe
Travel tips
- Norway is in the Schengen Area but not in the EU
- Extremely high cost of living — budget accordingly
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere; cash is rarely needed
Explore other regions
Visa requirements change frequently. The information on this page is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate before making travel arrangements.
Last reviewed: March 2026