Traveling to the Schengen Area: entry requirements for third-country nationals

The Schengen Area is a region comprising 29 countries that have abolished internal border controls to facilitate the free movement of people. If you plan to visit this region and are a citizen of a third country (i.e., a country that is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area), you must be aware of the necessary requirements and procedures for entry.

Schengen Area countries

The countries that make up the Schengen Area are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Main entry requirements

For third-country nationals, the requirements for entering the Schengen Area may vary depending on nationality, duration, and purpose of the visit. Below are the most common requirements:

Schengen Visa (if applicable): some third-country nationals need a Schengen visa for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). To apply, they must provide:

• completed and signed application form
• a valid passport with at least two blank pages and a minimum validity of three months after the planned departure
• recent passport-sized photographs
• proof of sufficient financial means
• travel medical insurance with coverage for repatriation and hospitalization
• travel itinerary and accommodation confirmation

Visa Exemption: nationals of countries that are included in the visa exemption list, can enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days every 180 days, but they must meet other requirements, such as:

• valid passport
• proof of the purpose of travel (tourism, business, study or transit)
• sufficient funds to cover the stay
• travel medical insurance

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): starting in 2025, also citizens of visa-exempt countries will need to obtain ETIAS authorization before traveling to the Schengen Area. This process should be electronic and quick, similar to the ESTA system in the United States.

Border controls: upon arrival in a Schengen country, border officials may request to show:

• a valid passport
• return ticket or proof of onward travel
• proof of accommodation and sufficient funds

Exceptions and special cases

• Residence permits or long-term visas: holders of a residence permit or national visa from one of the Schengen countries, can travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing another visa.
• Family members of EU citizens: yhey may benefit from simplified procedures if traveling with or joining the EU citizen.

Tips for travelers

• Plan ahead: apply for the Schengen visa at least three weeks in advance and check processing times at the relevant consulate
• Adhere to the allowed duration: exceeding the 90-day limit, or the authorized period of stay according to the Schengen visa issued, could result in fines and future entry bans
• Choose the right visa: if the goal is to stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen area, travelers must apply for national D visas choosing the most suitable one depending on the purpose of the stay - for example, nationals of United States, Canada and Australia may be interested in applying for EU Blue Card visa or Italian Investor visas

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The content of this article is intended to provide general guidance on the subject matter. It is necessary to seek specialist advice in relation to your specific situation.