SchengenVisaInfo – Europe’s Leading Resource for Schengen Entry and Visa Information
Since 2013, SchengenVisaInfo has been providing complete and up-to-date information about the Schengen Visas, and so far, we have provided help to more than 280 million people, in order to understand how to get a visa and what are the entry requirements to travel to Europe. All the information we provide is based on the EU Regulation 810/2009 (Visa Code) and the official European Commission Guidance.
Do You Need a Schengen Visa to Enter the Schengen Area?
Whether you need a Schengen visa to enter into the Schengen Zone depends on your nationality. Use our visa wizard to instantly determine if you need a visa:
Schengen Visa Wizard – Find Out Whether You Will Need One for Entry
I am a citizen of:
I am travelling to:
I am travelling from:
How Does the Visa Wizard Work?
Important Note: By 2026 the rules regarding visa-free nationals are changing. Late in 2026, all visa-free nationals will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization prior to traveling to any of the Schengen member states.
See Complete List of Visa-Free Countries
What Is Schengen?
The term “Schengen” applies to the borderless zone which includes most European countries. It is the biggest free travel area in the world. It is a region of 29 European countries with no internal borders, allowing the free and un-restricted travel of people across the area. The total area covered by the Schengen zone is approximately 4,718,084 km2 and contains a population of over 448 million people.
Complete Schengen Area Guide: How It Works, History, Border Rules & Special Territories
What is a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa is a short term entry to all 29 Schengen member states which allows you to enter as a tourist, go on business, visit your relatives, receive medical care or for other short term reasons.
Schengen visas are regulated by EU Regulation 810/2009 and allow a maximum of 90 days in total in each 180 day time frame.
Some key aspects of Schengen visas:
- Duration of validity: The duration of the visa is indicated on the visa sticker and indicates how many entries into the territory are possible
- Type of entrance: A single, double or multi-entry visa is possible
- Valid for: All 29 Schengen States (with the exception of visas with limited territorial validity)
- Purpose: Tourism, business meeting, family visit, medical treatment, cultural and sports events, short course
- Prohibited use: Working, long term studies, permanent residence
Statistics 2024: Last year, there were over 11.7 million Schengen visas issued. Approval rates vary between 85-90%, depending on nationality and destination country.
Where Can I Travel to With My Schengen Visa?
All travelers who receive a Schengen visa are able to travel freely throughout the entire Schengen Area.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Czechia
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
In addition to being able to travel through the Schengen zone, holders of a valid Schengen visa are able to visit 11+ other countries that are not part of the Schengen zone, without needing to apply for an additional visa.