Europe Visas
Table of Contents
Europe has historic cities, beautiful nature, and diverse cultures. It has something for every traveler. But before you go, it’s important to know the visa rules. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and the country you plan to visit. Let’s dig deep.
Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Europe?
Yes, you may need a visa to travel to Europe. It depends on your passport and where in Europe you’re going. If you’re visiting countries in the Schengen Area, you may need a Schengen visa, which lets you travel through 27 European countries with one visa. Some countries in Eastern Europe and the Balkans have different rules and may offer eVisas or visas on arrival. Always check the visa policy for the country you plan to visit.
You can find full visa details for each European country below:

Spain Visas
When you want to visit Spain for different purposes, you might need a Spain visa. In this comprehensive guideline, you can find the visa that suits your purpose without confusion…

Italy Visas
If you need an Italy visa depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. The nationalities of a few countries and states are exempt from Italy visa. But, Many countries need an Italy visa. Italy is…

Netherlands Visas
If you are going to the Netherlands for Tourism purposes, you might need a Tourist visa. If you need a Netherlands Tourist Visa or not depends on your nationality. The EU/EAA and all Schengen states are free…
France Visas
When you want to visit France for longer than 90 days, your visit is long-term. Almost all countries need a visa or residence permit for long-stays in France. The type depends on the purpose of your visit…
Switzerland Visas
Traveling to Switzerland is always fun. The land of chocolate and Rolex watches has a lot of opportunities for every visit. Once you know you need a visa to enter Switzerland, you should…
Finland Visas
Finland airport transit visa comes under the short-stay visa. It allows you to change flights in one of the Finish airports. It also gets called a Transit Schengen Visa. Not the nationalities of all countries need it…
Sweden Visas
Sweden airport transit visa comes under the short-stay visa. It allows you to change flights in one of the Swedish airports. It also gets called a Transit Schengen Visa. Not the nationalities of all countries need it…
UK Visas
Although American citizens don’t need a UK visa to visit it for tourism, business and stay up to six months, some of them need a visa. American citizens should do research and find out whether they need a UK visa…
Germany Visas
If you apply for a short-term visa, you have to complete a Schengen visa application form. In the case of a long-term stay, you should complete two National visa application forms. You can download the form…
Norway Visas
There is a key point about working in Norway. Norway work visa grants permission to enter the country. But Norway work permit is the permission to work in the country. You may not work in Norway without…
Portugal Visas
The application process for Portugal might be a little different for each type of visa. You could also go through various procedures by your nationality. Yet, the standard application process is as follows…
Belgium Visas
Belgium is the land of music festivals and parades, the birthplace of french fries, beer country, flower carpets, and so many other wonders. It’s a great palace to visit, work or study. You just need a Belgium…
Russian Visas
From Saint Basil’s Cathedral to Kizhi Island, you don’t want to miss many spectacular zones in this life. Russia is the tenth most visited country in Europe, and its rich history and famous art and architecture…
Greece Visas
It’s amazing to walk and think that Plato, Pythagoras, Socrates, and Aristotle were walking on this land and say the quotes you have read from them; Greece. The country is full of wonders and amazing…
Denmark Visas
This guide helps you to get familiar with Denmark visa types, requirements, and the application process. You can pick the visa that is appropriate for you and find more information about it from the links…
Europe Visa on Arrival Countries
Country | Max Stay | Notes |
Albania | 90 days | VoA for certain passport holders (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia) |
North Macedonia | 15–90 days | VoA for holders of valid multi-entry Schengen, UK, or US visas |
Serbia | 30 days | VoA for selected countries; US/Schengen visa holders may enter visa-free |
Kosovo | 90 days | VoA possible for some travelers depending on nationality |
Montenegro | 30 days | VoA for those with valid US, UK, or Schengen visas |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 30 days | VoA for select nationalities, mostly with valid third-country visas |
Turkey | 30–90 days | Offers both VoA and eVisa depending on nationality |
Europe eVisa Countries
Country | Max Stay | Notes |
Albania | 90 days | eVisa available for tourism, business, and short stays |
Armenia | 21–120 days | eVisa system open to many nationalities |
Azerbaijan | 30 days | eVisa available via the ASAN Visa portal |
Georgia | 90 days | eVisa system open to select countries |
Moldova | 90 days | Offers eVisa for tourism, business, and transit |
Turkey | 30–90 days | eVisa available to citizens of many countries |
Ukraine* | Suspended | eVisa system was available but is temporarily suspended due to conflict |
Kosovo | 90 days | Visa policy aligned with EU visa-free regime as of 2024, but eVisa process still varies |
Russia | 16 days | As of 2023, Russia launched a unified eVisa for tourists from 55+ countries |
Common Documents Needed for a Europe Visa
Visa requirements in Europe depend on the country you’re visiting and your nationality. However, most travelers applying for a Schengen visa or any other European visa usually need the following documents:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3–6 months beyond your travel date)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-size photo
- Flight reservation or travel itinerary
- Hotel booking or proof of accommodation
- Bank statements or proof of financial means
- Travel insurance (with coverage of at least €30,000, required for Schengen countries)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Invitation letter (if visiting family or friends)
- Cover letter explaining your travel purpose
- Proof of ties to your home country (job letter, property documents, etc.)
Facts About Europe Continent
- Total area: About 10.18 million km²
- Number of countries: 44 sovereign states (some sources count 46 with partially recognized or transcontinental countries)
- Population: Around 740 million people (2024 estimate)
- Languages spoken: Over 200 languages across the continent
- Biggest country by area: Russia (partly in Europe, total area over 17 million km²)
- Most populated country: Russia (around 145 million people)
- Largest peninsula: The Scandinavian Peninsula (includes Norway, Sweden, and part of Finland)
- Highest mountain: Mount Elbrus, Russia (5,642 meters)
- Longest river: Volga River, Russia (about 3,530 kilometers)
List of European Countries
Country | Capital | Area (km²) |
Albania | Tirana | 28,748 |
Andorra | Andorra la Vella | 468 |
Austria | Vienna | 83,879 |
Belarus | Minsk | 207,600 |
Belgium | Brussels | 30,688 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Sarajevo | 51,209 |
Bulgaria | Sofia | 110,879 |
Croatia | Zagreb | 56,594 |
Cyprus | Nicosia | 9,251 |
Czech Republic | Prague | 78,866 |
Denmark | Copenhagen | 43,094 |
Estonia | Tallinn | 45,227 |
Finland | Helsinki | 338,455 |
France | Paris | 551,695 |
Germany | Berlin | 357,582 |
Greece | Athens | 131,957 |
Hungary | Budapest | 93,030 |
Iceland | Reykjavik | 103,000 |
Ireland | Dublin | 70,273 |
Italy | Rome | 301,340 |
Kosovo | Pristina | 10,887 |
Latvia | Riga | 64,589 |
Liechtenstein | Vaduz | 160 |
Lithuania | Vilnius | 65,300 |
Luxembourg | Luxembourg | 2,586 |
Malta | Valletta | 316 |
Moldova | Chisinau | 33,846 |
Monaco | Monaco | 2.02 |
Montenegro | Podgorica | 13,812 |
Netherlands | Amsterdam | 41,543 |
North Macedonia | Skopje | 25,713 |
Norway | Oslo | 385,207 |
Poland | Warsaw | 312,679 |
Portugal | Lisbon | 92,212 |
Romania | Bucharest | 238,397 |
Russia* | Moscow | 3,969,100 (European part ~3.9 million) |
San Marino | San Marino | 61 |
Serbia | Belgrade | 88,361 |
Slovakia | Bratislava | 49,035 |
Slovenia | Ljubljana | 20,273 |
Spain | Madrid | 505,990 |
Sweden | Stockholm | 450,295 |
Switzerland | Bern | 41,284 |
Ukraine | Kyiv | 603,628 |
United Kingdom | London | 243,610 |
Vatican City | Vatican City | 0.49 |
Note:
- Kosovo is partially recognized.
- Russia is transcontinental; part in Europe, part in Asia.
Transcontinental Countries in Europe
These countries are located in both Europe and Asia. Only part of their land is in Europe:
Country | Capital | European Area Only (km²) | Notes |
Armenia | Yerevan | Entire territory in Asia | Politically and culturally tied to Europe |
Azerbaijan | Baku | Partial | Caucasus region (partly in Europe) |
Georgia | Tbilisi | Partial | Often associated with Eastern Europe |
Kazakhstan | Astana | ~148,000 | Western Kazakhstan lies in Europe |
Turkey | Ankara | ~23,764 | Thrace region is in Southeast Europe |
European Union Member States
Austria | Belgium | Bulgaria |
Croatia | Cyprus | Czechia |
Denmark | Estonia | Finland |
France | Germany | Greece |
Hungary | Ireland | Italy |
Latvia | Lithuania | Luxembourg |
Malta | Netherlands | Poland |
Portugal | Romania | Slovakia |
Slovenia | Spain | Sweden |
Most Spoken Languages in Europe
- Russian: Russia, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Ukraine
- German: Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg
- French: France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Italy (Aosta Valley), Andorra
- Turkish: Turkey, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Greece, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo
- Italian: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City
- English: United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany
- Spanish: Spain, Gibraltar, Andorra, France, Germany, Portugal
- Polish: Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Belarus, Ukraine
- Ukrainian: Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Romania, Latvia, Estonia
- Dutch: Netherlands, Belgium, Suriname (note: Suriname is not in Europe, can be omitted for Europe-focused content)
Best Countries to Visit in Europe
Europe is full of incredible places that attract millions of visitors each year. Here are some of the most visited and loved countries in Europe:
- France remains the most visited country in the world. In 2019, it welcomed over 89 million international tourists. People come for Paris, the Eiffel Tower, charming villages, food, wine, and world-famous art museums.
- Spain had over 83 million visitors in 2019. Tourists are drawn to its sunny weather, historic cities, Mediterranean beaches, and its 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Italy attracted about 64.5 million tourists in 2019. Visitors explore ancient ruins like the Colosseum, see world-class art, and enjoy Italian food and the coastal scenery of places like Amalfi and Cinque Terre.
- Turkey received over 51 million visitors in 2019. It offers a mix of cultures, ancient history, mosques, and beaches. Cities like Istanbul and Antalya are top picks for travelers from Europe and Asia.
- Germany saw over 39 million visitors in 2019. People love its castles, Christmas markets, green landscapes, and cultural events like Oktoberfest. Berlin, Munich, and the Romantic Road are popular routes.
- The UK had over 39 million visitors in 2019. Tourists visit historic sites like Stonehenge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. London is one of the most visited cities in Europe.
Top Tourist Attractions in Europe
Europe is filled with landmarks that are known all over the world. These are some of the most visited and iconic attractions on the continent:
Eiffel Tower, France
Located in Paris, this 330-meter-high landmark is one of the most visited monuments in the world. Over 250 million people have visited since it opened in 1889.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This 19th-century castle in Bavaria looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. It inspired the design of Disney’s Cinderella Castle and attracts millions each year.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
A peaceful lake with a small island and a church at its center. Visitors enjoy rowing to the island, hiking nearby, and enjoying the scenic Alpine views.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Russia
Famous for its colorful onion domes, this 16th-century cathedral sits in Red Square, Moscow. It’s now a museum and a symbol of Russian architecture.
Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia
Also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and stone streets are beautifully preserved. It was a location for the filming of Game of Thrones.
Canals of Venice, Italy
Venice is a car-free city built on water. Visitors explore it by foot and boat, especially by gondola through its famous canals.
Alhambra, Spain
Located in Granada, the Alhambra is a stunning example of Islamic architecture in Europe. Built in the 13th century, it’s now one of Spain’s top cultural sites.
Acropolis of Athens, Greece
The Acropolis is one of the most important ancient sites in Europe. It includes the Parthenon and offers views over the entire city of Athens.
Colosseum, Italy
This ancient Roman amphitheater was completed in 80 AD and once held 50,000 spectators. It remains one of the most visited landmarks in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
