What Is the Schengen Travel Visa?

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Schengen Travel Visa Policy Explained

What Is a Schengen Travel Visa and Do I Need One?

Planning a European getaway? You may have come across the term “Schengen Visa” in your research. If you're wondering what it is and whether you need one for your trip, you’re in the right place. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the Schengen Visa and how it could impact your European travel plans.

What Is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows travelers to visit any country within the Schengen Area—a group of 27 European countries that have agreed to abolish passport and border controls at their mutual borders. With this visa, you can travel freely between these countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, whether for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family.

Which Countries Are in the Schengen Area?

Some popular Schengen destinations include:

  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Netherlands
  • Portugal
  • Switzerland
  • Austria

And many more! You can see the full list on the European Union’s official website.

Plus, stay informed and check out our recent blog on new entry requirements to Europe.

Schengen Countries (1) (1)

Do You Need a Schengen Visa?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and several other countries can currently enter the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days).

However, if you're a citizen of a country outside the Schengen visa-exempt list, you'll likely need to apply for a Schengen Visa before your trip.

To check whether you need a visa, consult the official Schengen Visa info site.

What’s Required to Apply?

If you do need a Schengen Visa, you’ll typically need:

  • A completed application form
  • A valid passport
  • Recent passport photos
  • Proof of travel insurance (with minimum coverage of Proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 (about $32,000 USD) for medical emergencies— Trawick International has great travel insurance options for Schengen travelers!)
  • Travel itinerary (flights, accommodations)
  • Proof of financial means
  • Visa fee payment
Schengen Necessities

Why Is Travel Insurance Required?

For Schengen visas, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for the visa application. Travel insurance isn’t just a visa requirement — it’s a smart move! Travelers will need to present their Schengen travel insurance policy as part of the visa application. If something unexpected happens, like an illness, injury, or trip interruption, having coverage can save you from expensive bills and stress. Learn more about affordable, comprehensive European travel insurance here.

Final Tips

  • Apply early: It’s best to apply at least 15 days to 6 weeks before your departure date.
  • Know your entry point: Apply at the consulate of the country where you’ll spend the most time, or your first point of entry. The consulate is a branch of the embassy, typically in major cities, that focuses on providing consular services like issuing visas and passports.

The Schengen Visa opens the door to exploring some of Europe’s most iconic destinations with ease. Whether or not you need one depends on your nationality and trip details — but having proper travel insurance is always a must.

Ready to plan your European adventure? Check your visa requirements, secure your travel insurance, and start exploring!

PLEASE NOTE: Guidelines may have changed since this was published. Before traveling, you should always check your destination's travel requirements. Countries may have their own entry and exit requirements. Additionally, always check for travel advisories in the area to which you are traveling. Refer to https://www.cdc.gov/ and https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for up-to-date information and guidelines.