Let’s talk about the Schengen visa — it might sound like some kind of secret European club, and in a way, it is.
If you're dreaming of scarfing down croissants in Paris, wandering Rome’s ruins, or just living your best European life, this visa could be your golden ticket — or your biggest headache.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Let’s break it down so you can focus on the important stuff, like planning your European itinerary and figuring out how many gelati you can eat in a day.
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What is a Schengen visa?
Imagine a VIP pass that lets you roam across 29 European countries without having to flash your passport at every border. That’s the Schengen visa in a nutshell. Officially, it’s a short-stay visa allowing you to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
How long can you stay with a Schengen visa?
Got 90 days? Perfect. That’s how long you can stay in the Schengen Area, but there’s a catch: you can’t just reset the clock by hopping to the United States and back. The rule is 90 days within any 180-day period — and yeah, they do the math. Overstay your welcome, and your next trip to Europe might involve some not-so-friendly conversations with border control.
Who needs a Schengen visa?
If you’re from a country that doesn’t have a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Area (spoiler: the US does, but hang tight), you’ll need a Schengen visa. This applies to travelers from outside the EU who want to visit any of the 29 countries in the Schengen Area. Specifically, a Schengen visa for non-EU nationals is required in that case. For Americans, the good news is that you can travel visa-free for up to 90 days. But if you’re planning to stick around longer, or work, you’ll need to look into visas.
Oh, and starting from mid-2025, American nationals will need to apply for travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before arrival. This ETIAS authorization will be required to enter 30 European countries.
See also: ETIAS and how it affects American travelers
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Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa?
Citizens of EU countries, as well as travelers from the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and similar countries, don't need a Schengen visa for short stays and can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Just don’t forget that your 90 days aren’t per country — it’s 90 days total across all Schengen countries.
Schengen visa vs. ETIAS: what’s the difference?
The Schengen visa is a traditional entry pass for non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area. It’s a physical sticker in your passport and is necessary if your country doesn’t have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen countries (the US does). If you need one, you’re already deep into the paperwork.
ETIAS is a new requirement starting in mid-2025. It's not a visa but a quick online pre-screening for travelers from visa-exempt countries like the US. Once you apply and get approved, ETIAS lets you make multiple trips of up to 90 days each within a 180-day period over three years.
In short:
- Schengen visa = a traditional visa with more paperwork.
- ETIAS = a quick online authorization for visa-free travelers.
Map of the Schengen Area
List of countries in the Schengen Area
Here’s your quick cheat sheet of all 29 countries that are currently in the Schengen Area:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria (Air and sea border controls lifted on Dec. 30, 2023)
- Croatia (Joined on Jan. 1, 2023)
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland (Non-EU member)
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein (Non-EU member)
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway (Non-EU member)
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania (Air and sea border controls lifted on Dec. 30, 2023)
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland (Non-EU member)
Image Credit: Getty Images, AlxeyPnferov
Countries not in the Schengen Area
Here’s where it gets tricky. The UK? Not Schengen. Ireland? Nope. Including several others. Always double-check before you assume your Schengen visa will work, because Europe has a way of keeping you on your toes.
Why is the UK not in the Schengen Area?
Why doesn’t the UK play along with the Schengen game? It’s all about control. The UK has its own border policies and opted out of joining Schengen to maintain that control. Plus, Brexit really drove that point home. So, if you’re planning a Eurotrip that includes London, remember: your Schengen visa won’t cover it.
How to apply for a Schengen visa
So, you need a Schengen visa? Get ready for some paperwork. First, figure out where to apply (usually the embassy or consulate of the country where you’ll spend the most time). Next, gather your documents — passport, proof of medical insurance, supporting documents including your travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, financial means, and more. You can read more about the documents required here.
Then fill out the Schengen visa application, pay the fee, and schedule an appointment. It’s not exactly a walk in the park, but once you’ve got that visa, Europe is your oyster.
Where to apply
When it comes to applying, think of it as choosing your main destination. You’ll apply at the embassy or consulate of the country you’re spending the most time in. If your trip is equal across several countries, apply at the one where you’ll first enter the Schengen Area.
When to apply
Don’t procrastinate! You should apply for your Schengen visa at least 15 days before your trip, but no earlier than six months before. The earlier, the better, especially if you like having peace of mind.
Required documents
Here’s your checklist: passport (valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure), Schengen visa application form, recent photo, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, evidence of your return plans, and proof of financial means. They might ask for more, but these are the basics.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Tetra Images
How to apply for a Schengen visa from the USA
If you’re applying from the US, the process is pretty straightforward, yet thorough. You’ll need to submit your application at the embassy or consulate of your main destination. Make sure you have all the documents in order, pay the fee (which was raised on June 11, 2024, to around $100), and show up for your appointment.
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
For most American travelers, a Schengen visa isn’t necessary for short trips, as they can visit Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, work, or study, you’ll need to apply for a visa and pay the following fees:
- Adults: €90 (about $100)
- Children aged 6 to 12: €45 (about $50)
- Children under 6: Free
Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
The different types of Schengen visas explained
Schengen visas come in several flavors, depending on what you need, including:
- Type A (Airport Transit Visa): you’re not leaving the airport.
- Type C (Short Stay Visa): not needed for Americans for stays up to 90 days.
- Type D (Long Stay or “National” Visa): for stays over 90 days, like for work or study, in the issuing Schengen state; also allows limited (up to 90 days within a 6-month period) travel to other Schengen states.
You can also get a single, double, or multiple-entry visa, depending on your plans.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Ivan-balvan
How long does the Schengen visa application process take?
On average, it takes about 15 days to process a Schengen visa application. However, during peak travel seasons, it might take longer, so plan accordingly.
What happens if you’re rejected?
It’s a bummer, but if your Schengen visa is rejected, you’ll get a letter explaining why. You can appeal the decision or reapply, but make sure to address the reasons for the rejection in your next application.
Can I get a refund?
Sorry, but no refunds here. Once you pay the Schengen visa fee, it’s gone, even if your visa gets rejected.
Can I reapply?
Yes, if your Schengen visa application gets rejected, you can reapply. Just make sure to fix whatever caused the rejection in the first place.
What if my passport is about to expire before applying?
You’ll need to renew your passport before you apply. Schengen rules require your passport to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay, so don’t push your luck.
Can my Schengen visa be extended?
Extending a Schengen visa isn’t something you can do just because you feel like it. You’ll need a legit reason — like a serious illness or other exceptional circumstances. Usually, they expect you to stick to your 90 days.
Now you know everything about the Schengen visa for Americans. All that’s left is to download the Trainline app for easy bookings, digital tickets, and travel tips!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Klaus Vedfelt
