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

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

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

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

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 flag

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 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 visa

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

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

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 flag

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 Visa

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…

flag Belgium visa

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 flag visalibrary

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

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…

flag Denmark visa

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.

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