With a Schengen visa, you will be able to travel across Europe easily and seamlessly. Find out more about who needs a Schengen visa to travel within the EU

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The Schengen area, which unites 29 countries, is the largest borderless zone in the world, allowing free movement between countries. However, not everyone can simply pack a suitcase and travel to Europe without applying for a Schengen visa. 

A Schengen visa is a travel permit that entitles its holders to enter and stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This allows tourists, businessmen and other visitors to enjoy the benefits of unimpeded movement within European countries for a short period of time.

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Who needs to apply for a Schengen visa?

Currently, citizens of 104 countries need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe. This list includes most of the countries of Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa. 

Passport holders from countries not on this list can travel without a visa and stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This system allows visa-free travelers to enjoy short-term trips to European countries without additional bureaucratic procedures. 

For the most up-to-date information, it is important to check country lists and visa requirements before planning your trip.

Who needs a Schengen transit visa?

A Schengen transit visa allows travelers to transit through a Schengen member state to reach a destination country outside the zone without being able to leave the airport transit area. 

Citizens of the following countries are required to obtain a transit visa for all Schengen member states, regardless of whether they leave the airport transit area or not:

1. Afghanistan;

2. Bangladesh;

3. Democratic Republic of the Congo;

4. Eritrea;

5. Ethiopia;

6. Ghana;

7. Iran;

8. Iraq;

9. Nigeria;

10. Pakistan;

11. Somalia;

12. Sri Lanka.

Citizens of some other third countries need a transit visa to travel through the airports of certain Schengen member states. Each Schengen member state has its own list of countries whose nationals require a transit visa to travel through the airport. These requirements are subject to change, so it is important to check the latest information before traveling.

Do I need to apply for an ETIAS?

If you are a citizen of a country that requires a Schengen visa, you do not need to apply for an ETIAS. 

Starting from 2025, the ETIAS application will become mandatory for citizens of states that can enter the Schengen area without a visa.

In the previous article, we talked about the most common mistakes to avoid when applying for a Schengen visa.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.