Visa requirements
Schengen Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Guide for Travelers
Quick answer: Visa-required nationalities apply for a Schengen Type C visa (up to 90 days). ETIAS authorization is required from mid-2025 for visa-exempt nationalities (US, UK, Canada, etc.) — apply online, ~7 EUR, valid 3 years.
Schengen countries (27)
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria (partial), Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania (partial), Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. The UK + Ireland are NOT in Schengen.
Schengen Type C Visa
Short-stay visa for tourism, business, transit. Up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Single, double, or multiple entry. Apply at consulate of country where you’ll spend most time (or first entry if equal time).
ETIAS (since mid-2025)
Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System. Required for visa-exempt travelers (US, UK, Canadian, Australian, etc.). Apply online before flight at the official EU travel portal. Cost: ~7 EUR. Validity: 3 years multiple entry.
How to apply for Type C Schengen Visa
Determine which consulate (country of main destination). Book appointment online at consulate or VFS Global. Submit application: passport, photos, travel insurance (30,000 EUR coverage minimum), flight bookings, hotel reservations, bank statements, employment letter. Pay fee (80 EUR adult, 40 EUR child). Biometrics. Receive decision in 15+ business days.
How to apply for ETIAS
Visit the official EU ETIAS site. Fill in online form. Pay 7 EUR. Receive approval (usually within 96 hours, sometimes 30 days). Print or save digital approval.
Documents required
Passport valid 3+ months beyond planned exit. Travel insurance with 30,000 EUR medical coverage. Proof of accommodation. Flight itinerary. Bank statements (3 months minimum). Employment letter. Travel purpose proof. Photos (specific Schengen format).
Processing time
Type C Schengen: 15-30 business days standard, expedited possible. ETIAS: usually 96 hours, occasionally up to 30 days.
Costs
Type C Schengen Visa: 80 EUR adult, 40 EUR child (under 12). ETIAS: 7 EUR. VFS service fees additional in many countries.