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New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

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Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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Europe Passport Requirements: What You Need to Know Before Travel

Kate H. Knapp

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Europe is a prime travel destination with 50 incredible countries to visit. It’s important to know what travel documents may be required before you go, however. Each country in Europe has different passport requirements to enter, but all require a valid U.S. passport when arriving from an international destination. Europe passport requirements allow that once you arrive, you can travel between certain countries without a passport, according to the Schengen Agreement , but you will need a passport to cross borders into those that are not part of the Schengen area and when you return home.

A good rule of thumb when visiting most European destinations is to carry a U.S. passport that has at least one blank page for an entry stamp and is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. Be sure to check for any other requirements in the country you are visiting as soon as you book your tickets.

Europe Passport Requirements

Europe’s passport requirements vary for each of its 50 countries. Each country enforces its own mandatory rules for entering. All of them, however, require a passport for those traveling from an international destination, so it’s wise to make sure you obtain a passport as far in advance as possible before you travel. Most European passport requirements dictate at least one blank page for an entry stamp and a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.

As for traveling within Europe, some countries require a passport to cross borders, but 26 countries are a party to the Schengen Agreement , which means you do not need a passport to travel between these countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. There are three islands that are also part of the Schengen Zone, even though their borders are outside of the continent: The Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands.

How to Get a Passport Book for Travel to Europe

Apply for a passport as soon as your travel to Europe is confirmed. The cost will be greater if you apply for a passport within three weeks of travel time and need an expedited application. You can learn more about the requirements and documents needed to obtain a U.S. passport here .

If you already have a valid passport book, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your departure date and has at least one blank page for an entry stamp. If not, apply for a renewal passport at least three weeks before travel or pay a higher fee for an expedited passport.

Other Europe Travel Requirements

Visa : Varies by each European country

Vaccinations : No

So, Do I Need a Passport to Visit Europe?

In summary: Yes. Europe passport requirements state that a valid U.S. passport is necessary to enter any of its 50 countries. Once you arrive in Europe, you can travel between certain countries without a passport, but you will need a passport when departing. Most European passport requirements dictate a passport that is valid for at least six months after departure date and has at least one blank page for an entry stamp.

More Information When Visiting Europe

The U.S. Department of State provides detailed information, including travel advisories and passport validity requirements, to your destination country.

The European Travel Commission offers insightful tips on places to eat, play, and stay within Europe’s diverse countries and regions.

Protect Your Passport

We recommend investing in a passport cover or wallet to protect your pages from bends, tears and spills. It’s important to keep your passport in good condition for easy inspection. 

On travel days, only take your passport out during inspection. Otherwise, keep it stowed away in a dedicated section of your bag (if you keep it in the same place every time, you won’t ever scramble to locate it). Once you arrive at your destination, find a way to stow it securely. In-room safes or safe deposit boxes at the hotel front desk are generally good options, but if neither is available, you’ll need to decide how to keep your passport secure. You might consider keeping it in an under-clothing money belt that you wear, or leaving it in the hotel or vacation rental but locking it in your suitcase with a TSA-approved lock .

Dress Up Your Passport

Shop the look.

Travel Passport Wallet

Carryall Bag

Traveler Wallet

Leather Passport Case

More from SmarterTravel:

• 5 Exotic Places Where You Don’t Need a Passport
• How to Renew a Passport, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck—The Ultimate Guide
• How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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In Europe's Schengen area , your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry. At present, the Schengen area includes most European Union (EU) countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland.

If you are transiting through Canada or the United Kingdom (UK) enroute to the Schengen area : your passport must be valid for at least six months, even though Canada and the UK do not themselves have the six-month rule. If your passport will expire within six months, airlines may not let you board your onward flight to Europe.

Traveling in Europe

If you plan to travel in Europe, you need to know about the Schengen Borders Agreement, which allows you to move freely within a number of countries without border checks. Tourists, exchange students, and people visiting for business from certain countries, like the United States, can travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days. The Schengen area includes most EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland. It also includes four non-EU countries: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Before you travel to the Schengen area, we recommend you do the following:

• Check the expiration date on your passport book carefully before traveling to Europe. Ensure your passport book is valid for at least six months when you enter the Schengen area. This is especially important for minors under age 16 as their passports are only valid for five years. In contrast, U.S. citizen adults aged 16 and older receive passports that are valid for 10 years.
• Always carry your passport book with you when traveling to another country in the Schengen area. Even if there is no border check at that time, officials may reinstate border controls without notice.
• Be prepared to explain your purpose of travel.
• Be prepared to provide proof of sufficient financial resources for the visit.
• Comply with other entry requirements for each country you will visit or transit.

On our Country Information pages , you can find passport validity requirements and other important information for your destination country. If your passport does not meet the Schengen requirements, you may be:

• Refused boarding by the airline at your point of origin or while transferring planes.
• Denied entry when you arrive in the Schengen area, regardless of how long you will stay.

An immigration official will determine if you qualify for visa-free entry to the Schengen area when you first cross any external Schengen border. You will have to present your passport at that time. The officer may deny your entry if you do not qualify.

You should also check passport validity requirements if traveling onward from the Schengen area to a country outside the Schengen area. You can find this information in our Country Information pages.

HOW LONG CAN I REMAIN?

• With a valid U.S. passport book, you can stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area for tourism or business during any 180-day period. You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area.
• If you plan to stay in the Schengen area longer than three months, contact the embassy of the country where you plan to spend the majority of your time and apply for a visa.

Countries in the Schengen area may reinstate temporary internal or external border control without notice. U.S. citizens should carry their U.S. passport book at all times when entering or leaving the Schengen area. They should also bring it when traveling between Schengen countries.

How can the U.S. government help me if border officials do not let me enter?

• We can give you the contact information of foreign embassies of the countries you wish to visit.
• We can provide information about hiring an English-speaking foreign attorney overseas if you choose to do so.
• Note: We cannot influence a foreign government’s decision about allowing you to enter. We cannot intervene in another country’s criminal or administrative procedures.

What countries are members of the Schengen Borders Agreement?

Click on the country name for more information.

Bulgaria (entering in March 2024)

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Romania (entering in March 2024)

Switzerland

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General information

• Entry/Exit system is currently not in operation.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of European countries using the system (exemptions apply, see FAQ section ). This concerns travellers who require a short-stay visa and those who do not need a visa. Refusals of entry are also recorded in the system.

The main advantage of the EES is saving time. The EES replaces passport stamping and automates border control procedures, making travelling to European countries using the EES more efficient for the traveller.

The EES also makes it easier to identify travelers who have no right to enter or who have stayed in the European countries using the EES for too long. It makes it easier to detect travelers using fake identities or passports. Finally, the EES helps to prevent, detect and investigate terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences.

The EES applies to you if you are a non-EU national travelling to a European country using the EES for a short stay of up to 90 days within any 180 day period. It is important to remember that the period of 90 days in any 180 days is calculated as a single period for all European countries using the EES.

European countries using the EES

List of countries using EES

In Cyprus and Ireland, despite being countries of the European Union, passports are still stamped manually.

Why does the EES collect personal data?

The EES collects personal data provided by the traveller each time he or she reaches the borders of European countries using the EES and stores this information in the system together with the date and time of their entry or exit.

This makes border checks faster. It also makes it easier to identify travellers who have no right to enter, who have stayed in European countries using the EES for too long, or who are using fake identities or passports. The EES also collects and stores personal data to contribute to prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offences and other serious crimes.

Conditions for collecting and storing personal data in the EES are set out in the Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 establishing the Entry/Exit System .

Information on the processing of your personal data in the Entry/Exit System

If you are a non-EU national travelling for a short stay (maximum 90 days in any 180-day period)   to a European country using the EES, you will be provided with clear information in writing about the EES and your related rights at the border-crossing point.

Your data is collected and processed for the purposes of border management, preventing irregular immigration and facilitating the management of migration flows. This is required in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 , specifically Articles 14, 16 to 19 and 23 of Chapter II and Chapter III of the Regulation.

What data will the EES collect?

The EES collects and records:

• data listed in your travel document (e.g. full name, date of birth, etc.)
• date and place of entry into and exit from a European country using the EES
• facial image and fingerprints (called ‘biometric data’)
• refusal of entry, where relevant

Please note that the fingerprint data of non-EU nationals who do not need a visa to enter the territory of European countries using the EES and holders of Facilitated Transit Documents will be stored in the EES. If you need a visa to enter the Schengen area, your fingerprints will already be stored in the Visa Information System and will not be stored again in the EES.

The system also collects your personal information, depending on your particular situation, from:

• the Visa Information System (which contains additional personal information)
• the European Travel Information and Authorisation System , in particular the status of your travel authorisation and, if applicable, your family member status

All this is done in full compliance with data protection rules and rights.

What happens if you refuse to have your fingerprints scanned or a photo of your face taken?

As a non-EU national travelling for a short stay, if you refuse to provide your biometric data, you will be denied entry into the territory of European countries using EES.

Who can access your personal data?

• Authorities in European countries using the EES such as border, visa and immigration authorities for the purpose of verifying your identity and understanding whether you should be allowed to enter or stay on the territory.
• Europol may also access your data for law enforcement purposes.
• Under strict conditions, your data may be transferred to another state (EU country or non-EU country) or international organisation (listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 ) (UN organisation, the International Organisation for Migration, or the International Committee of the Red Cross) for return ( Article 41(1) and (2) , and Article 42 and/or law enforcement purposes Article 41(6) ).
• Carriers will only be able to verify whether short-stay visa holders have already used the number of entries authorised by their visa, and will not be able to access any further personal data.

How long does the EES keep your personal data?

Your data will be stored in the system for the following durations:

• Records of entries, exits, and refusals of entry : 3 years, starting on the date on which they were recorded.
• Individual files containing personal data : 3 years and one day, starting on the date of your last exit record (or of your refusal of entry, if you were not permitted to enter).
• If no exit has been recorded : 5 years, starting on the expiry date of your authorised stay.

After each time period expires, your data is automatically erased.

As the fingerprint scans of travellers requiring Schengen visas will already be in the Visa Information System, they will not be stored again in the EES.

In the case of non-EU nationals who are family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals who are travelling to a state other than the state of their nationality, or who already reside there, and who are accompanying or joining these EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals, each entry, exit, or refusal of entry record will be stored for one year following the date of the exit record or of the refusal of entry record.

How can you find out how much longer you can stay in European countries using the EES and what happens if you overstay?

You have the right to receive information from passport control officers on the maximum remaining duration of your authorised stay.

Once EES is operational, you will be able to consult an online tool available on the EES website and/or consult the equipment installed at the border crossing points (if available).

If you stay for longer than permitted, you will be identified as an ‘overstayer’ and your data will automatically be added to a list. Competent national authorities (passport control officers, immigration officers, staff issuing visas, etc.) can access this list.

If you are added to the list of overstayers, other consequences can apply depending on national legislation in place in the respective European country using EES (e.g. you may be removed from the territory; you may be subject to administrative fines or detention; you may be prevented from re-entering the EU in the future.)

If, as an overstayer, you provide credible evidence to the competent authorities, such as border authorities or immigration authorities, that you exceeded the authorised duration due to unforeseeable or mitigating circumstances (e.g. hospitalisation due to a serious injury), your data can be amended in the system and you can be removed from the list.

The calculation of the duration of the authorised stay and the generation of alerts to European countries using the EES when the authorised stay has expired do not apply to non-EU nationals who are family members of EU, EEA or Swiss nationals who travel to a state other than the state of their nationality, or already reside there, and are accompanying or joining the EU, EEA or Swiss national.

What rights do you have with respect to your personal data?

You have the right to:

• Request from the controller access to data relating to you
• Request that inaccurate or incomplete data is corrected
• Request that unlawfully processed personal data that concern you is erased and/or that the processing thereof is restricted

To exercise any of the rights listed in points (1) to (3), you must contact a data controller (e.g. the entity responsible for processing your data) or data protection officer in any of the European countries using the EES, preferably the ones to which you travelled.

You can find the relevant contact details for the European countries using the EES on this site (will be made available at a later stage) .

Where should you submit personal data-related complaints?

You can lodge a complaint with:

• The supervisory authority of the European country using the EES in charge of processing your data (e.g. if you believe that the country has recorded your data incorrectly). (The contact details will be made available at a later stage.)
• Frontex : the European Border and Coast Guard Agency hosts the central unit operating the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) relevant for the visa-exempt non-EU nationals
• European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice -  eu-LISA : the European Union's Agency that through technology supports EU countries' efforts for a safer Europe
• Europol : the European Union's Law Enforcement Agency aims to achieve a safer Europe for the benefit of all the EU citizens

Lodging a complaint means that you can submit a formal request for a new assessment of your data protection rights, for instance, if your query to the data controller to access, delete or amend your data is refused.

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Passport Validity Period for Travel to Europe

Many European countries ("the Schengen states") require that your passport be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.  For more information see the Department of State's Schengen web page at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/schengen-fact-sheet.html .

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Everything you need to know about travel to Europe after Brexit

Do you need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit? Here’s how the rules are looking in 2024

Way back in 2020, the UK left the EU and Brexit took effect. Since then, a hell of a lot has changed about how we travel. There’s now plenty of extra stuff to think about when planning a trip overseas to Europe (especially if it’s for longer periods). So, we ’ve rounded up all the changes to the rules that we’ll have to follow, now that we’re no longer EU citizens. Here is everything you need to know.

RECOMMENDED: 🌤️The best city breaks in Europe for 2024 🏩The best hotels in Europe 🚄The best European sleeper trains launching in 2024 🏂The best affordable ski resorts in Europe

You should probably check your passport

Up until January 2021, all UK citizens with a valid passport were able to travel freely throughout Europe. Now, though, you may need to renew your passport much earlier than you might think. On the day you travel, your passport must have at least six months left before it expires, or you might not be able to travel to any EU countries, or the EEA states of Iceland , Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland . (The old rules still apply for travel to Ireland.)

You can check if you need to renew your passport before travelling using this tool from the British government, and you can apply for a new one here . Make sure you renew it at least a couple of months before you’re planning to travel, as it may take several weeks to process applications in busy times (including right now).

You can no longer apply for an EHIC

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will remain valid until its expiry date, but you can no longer apply for a new one. In 2021, the UK government launched a replacement scheme, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) , which will entitle you to necessary state healthcare for free or at reduced cost in Europe and other countries with reciprocal arrangements such as Australia and New Zealand . You can apply for one on the official GHIC website .

Free mobile roaming is a thing of the past

The guarantee of free mobile roaming throughout the EU, the Schengen area and the Norway, Iceland and Liechenstein, came to an end on December 31, 2020. It ’s best to c heck with your phone operator to find out about any charges you may incur in the country you’re travelling to.

Border checks may feel a little different

At border control, you will now need to use separate lanes from EU citizens when queuing. Officials may also be more inquisitive than before, asking you to provide a return or onward ticket and prove that you have enough money for the length of your initial stay.

Your driving licence will still be valid – but you’ll need a ‘green card’ proving you have insurance too

Despite reports British drivers would soon have to apply for an ‘international driving permit’ before travelling to the Continent, according to the terms of the Brexit deal, UK licences will still be valid within the EU.

According to this advice by the Foreign Office , you do not need a ‘green card’ (proving you have car insurance cover when driving abroad) when driving in the EU. However, countries where they do apply include Albania, Azerbijan, Moldova, Türkiye and Ukraine. 

Visas are now required for longer stays

If you’re a tourist, you won’t need a visa for short trips to most EU and EEA countries. You will be able to stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. To stay for longer than 90 days, or if you ’re working,  you will have to get a visa or travel permit.

The EU has set up this short-term stay visa calculator to help travellers calculate how much longer they can stay in Europe. Visit the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s ‘travel advice’ pages  to find out the application process for each country.

The rules for Bulgaria, Croatia , Cyprus and Romania will be different (this is because they aren ’t in the Schengen area ): visits to those four countries will not count towards the 90-day total. 

These arrangements are up to date as of January 2024. They may change, so check back soon for the latest updates on travel to Europe.

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Wait, do you need a visa to go to Europe now? The new ETIAS requirements, explained

Emily Olson

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements Andrea Pattaro/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements

Already thinking about next summer's vacation plans? If Europe is on your short list, there could be one extra step to take before boarding that plane.

Starting in 2024, American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Though it may sound complicated, the ETIAS and the reasoning behind it are quite similar to existing travel requirements and reflect increasing fear of terrorism in the U.S., Europe and around the world.

Here's what you need to know.

What is ETIAS? Is it a visa?

While some media outlets are taking a cue from the European Union's travel site and calling this a visa, in truth, ETIAS is more like a travel authorization form.

Summer air travel could be expensive and chaotic. Here's how to avoid trouble

"It's definitely not a visa," said Dan Hamilton, a senior non-resident fellow for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. "It's an electronic entry-point, an authorization for countries that are currently visa-free."

Even the European Commission has said as much (and in bold letters) , writing this is "not a visa" but rather an "automated IT system" in a press release on the discussions around it back in 2018.

Whatever you want to call it, the ETIAS form is not what you'd seek if you're trying to work or live in Europe, but rather what you'll need for short-term trips — up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Why is it being implemented?

These new requirements have been years in the making, stemming back to a rise in terrorism fears following 9/11. It's very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization — or ESTA — program that the U.S. implemented in 2008 .

At the heart of ETIAS is an electronic database system to better track who's coming and going. According to the EU's latest report on terrorism data , EU law enforcement authorities arrested about 388 suspects for terror-related offenses in 2021, more than half of whom were accused of being associated with Jihadist groups based abroad.

The European Commission says ETIAS may have the added impact of cutting down on "irregular migration" (i.e. illegal immigration), but one thing the form is definitely not aimed to do is deter tourism in general.

'Revenge travel' is surging. Here's what you need to know

Crowded cities, inflated airfare and extreme heat disasters may all be making headlines this summer, but many of these European countries are still depending on tourism revenue to help them bounce back from pandemic slumps, Hamilton said.

And the pandemic is another one of the many reasons this new requirement has been delayed by decades — there was no need for ETIAS when countries closed their borders to all travel amid fears of spreading COVID-19.

"Another part of it is simply the pace of the way this parliament and European commission works," Hamilton explained in an interview with NPR. "They're ending their term and pushing through a lot of these directives because parliamentary elections happen next June."

"And getting 30 countries to agree on anything takes a long time," he added.

When does it take effect?

The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024 but hasn't clarified a specific date. A press spokesperson for the union's travel arm did not respond to NPR's request for information.

And, similarly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR that the U.S. government website for international travel (travel.state.gov) would be updated "once the regulation goes into effect," but didn't specify when that would be.

"Frankly, I'd be surprised if this starts on time," Hamilton said. The rollout of ETIAS has already been delayed at least once.

But it couldn't hurt to plan ahead for any 2024 travel just to be safe.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS approval?

Basically, all passport holders from 60 countries who can currently travel to most European destinations without a visa — and that includes American passport holders — will now need to get ETIAS authorization for the same trip. That's about 1.4 billion people, by the European Union's estimation.

There are 30 European countries in total on the impacted destination list , including those in the "Schengen Area" — 27 European countries, many that are part of the European Union, that agreed to ease border restrictions to facilitate the movement of people within Europe.

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Those Schengen countries include top vacation spots like France, Italy and Spain.

The other three countries on the list are Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, which are all trying to become a part of the Schengen Area soon.

You can check the full list of both impacted passport holders and affected European destinations here.

How can you apply for ETIAS approval (and does it cost money)?

The application isn't open yet, but the European Union says that when it is, all necessary forms can be filled out via a web portal or mobile phone application.

You'll be asked to share personal information such as your date of birth, parents' names and details about your current occupation and previous criminal convictions. You'll also need to share a passport that is not set to expire in less than three months.

Oh, and you'll have to pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8).

When is the right time to apply?

If you want to play it safe, apply well in advance of your trip — no later than a month out.

ETIAS says most applications "are processed within minutes" and decisions are delivered within four days. But that wait could take up to 14 days if you are requested to supply additional information and up to 30 days if you're invited to interview.

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Presenting 'life kit': making the most of travel and your time off.

Those denied an application can appeal, but that process could be even lengthier.

The European Union says ETIAS approval will stay valid for three years or until the passport you used in your application expires.

Naturally, you'll also need to follow the ETIAS rules to stay in good standing.

Those with ETIAS approval can stay in the European countries on the list for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. So you can leave and come back, but you can't stay in the confines of the countries on the list for 91 days or more non-stop.

What happens if I don't apply for this and try to travel to Europe?

Your ETIAS approval will be linked to your passport. So without it, airport security (or cruise, bus or train line staff) won't let you board.

In other words, you can kiss that dream vacation goodbye.

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Guide to the 6-month passport rule — what is it?

Editor's Note

It may sound trivial, but one of the best rules you can follow as an international traveler is to remember to check your passport validity before you book flights and hotels.

Why? Because the requirements for entry differ from country to country. In the midst of planning my 2024 travel, I realized my U.S. passport expires in April, which could mess with my plans abroad.

Thankfully, I use a travel checklist to avoid disruptions to my travel itinerary.

I immediately started the passport renewal process online and had my photo taken at my local Walgreens — although you can DIY your passport photo if you prefer — so I could send out my application as quickly as possible. I also opted to expedite the processing time for an additional $60 fee and sent my application on its way.

If you're also in the middle of planning 2024 travel or simply want to know the ideal time to begin getting ready to renew your passport, the TPG team has you covered.

We collected information from the U.S. Department of State website and the United Kingdom's government website to create a one-stop cheat sheet examining a range of nations that typically require you to have a passport that lasts longer than your trip — whether by one, three or six months.

Note that certain countries deviate from the standard six-month requirement. These findings are also only related to passport validity dates — we're not covering visa requirements here. Those can vary depending on where you're going and where you're coming from.

Schengen countries in Europe

Many European countries are signers of the Schengen Agreement . As a result, they follow the 3+3 Rule, meaning your passport must be valid for three months beyond your three-month entry visa or for a total of six months, regardless of the duration of your initial stay.

While some Schengen countries only require passports to be valid for three months beyond your intended stay, others assume you may stay the full 90 days of your visa validity — thus the six-month time period.

The signers of the Schengen Agreement are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania will join the group March 31, 2024.

The countries listed below abide by the usual six months of passport validity unless otherwise noted.

Non-Schengen countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Abide by the usual 6 months of passport validity.

• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• New Caledonia
• North Korea
• Saudi Arabia
• Turkmenistan
• Turkey (British passports must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive in the country)
• United Arab Emirates
• West Bank/Gaza Strip

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond the scheduled departure date

Passport must be valid 1 month beyond the date of your intended stay, passport only needs to be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

• Central African Republic
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Morocco (British passports must be valid for at least three months on the date of entry)
• Sao Tome and Principe
• South Africa (passports must also have 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from the country)
• South Sudan

Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominican Republic
• Trinidad and Tobago

Central and South America

• El Salvador

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond arrival

• Brazil (British passports need to be valid six months beyond arrival)

South Pacific

• American Samoa
• French Polynesia
• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• New Zealand

Bottom line

When examining the rules, note that some countries have a slight distinction: They may require validity to be either six months from the date of entry or six months from the date of intended departure . For simplicity, we've taken the conservative approach and assumed that for any country with a six-month rule, like most of the ones above, you should ensure your passport is valid six months past the date of intended departure just in case.

Of course, the list above only includes just a few popular destinations worldwide. If your intended destination isn't on the list, it's always best to check with your relevant passport issuer.

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Travelling to the EU and Schengen area

You do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area if both of the following apply:

• you’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
• you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons

Other reasons include:

• studying a short course
• getting medical treatment
• travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
• journalism or other media activities

Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting to find out what you can and cannot do during your stay.

These rules do not apply to travelling and working in Ireland .

Travelling to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period

You can travel to more than one country in a 180-day period. How long you can stay in each country depends on whether or not it’s in the Schengen area.

The countries in the Schengen area are:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Your total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. It does not matter how many countries you visit. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

To work out if your stay is within the 90 day limit, use the following steps.

Check the date you plan to leave the Schengen area on your next trip.

Count back 180 days from that date to get the start of the 180-day period.

Add up the number of days you have already spent in the Schengen area in that 180-day period (you can use the dates stamped in your passport showing when you entered and left a country).

Work out how many days you will spend in the Schengen area on your next trip. Add this number to the number of days you worked out in step 3.

Check that the total number of days is not more than 90.

Travelling to EU countries that are not in the Schengen area

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not in the Schengen area. You can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in each of these countries without a visa.

Any time you spend in the Schengen area does not affect the number of days you can spend in these countries.

When you may need a visa

​​You may need a visa or permit if you want to either:

• stay for more than 90 days

If you’re travelling for work, check the rules for the country you’re visiting .

If you’re travelling for another reason or staying longer than 90 days, check the entry requirements for the country you’re visiting .

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Americans Will Need to Apply Online to Enter Europe Starting in 2024

The ETIAS and EES systems are both scheduled to begin in 2024 for European travel.

For years, non-E.U. travelers have been told that Europe is changing its entry rules. Well, now it seems to finally be happening.

When the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) was first announced in 2019, many panicked and incorrectly misinterpreted “travel authorization” as a visa —but it’s not. And it’s nothing to worry about. Basically, all it means is that travelers from visa-exempt countries, which includes the United States, only need a travel authorization to enter 30 European countries. And you can easily get the authorization online for a minimal fee.

This change was scheduled to begin in 2021, then 2022, then November 2023–and now it has been pushed back to 2024.

Meanwhile, another border control scheme, the Entry/Exit System (EES), is also coming into effect next year in Europe, where travelers will be asked to share their biometrics when entering or exiting European countries.

So, what does all of this mean for you?

Related: Moving to Europe Is Going to Get Way More Expensive

What Is ETIAS?

More than one billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries—including the U.S. and the U.K.—traveling to Europe will need to apply for ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System. The authorization is valid for up to three years for multiple entries up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland are among the 30 E.U. nations this applies to.

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To get an ETIAS authorization, you need to fill an application either on the website or the app. It costs 7 euros (around $7.80) and most applications will be processed in minutes. Some may take up to 30 days if additional documentation is required, so travelers are advised to apply in advance—before booking flights and tickets. If your passport expires, you’ll need to get it again because it corresponds to your passport details.

There are some exceptions–for example, people under 18 and over 70 don’t need this travel authorization. But this authorization doesn’t guarantee entry into the bloc—you will still go through border control. You can get more details here .

The U.S. has a similar system called ESTA . There are 40 countries that are under its visa-waiver program and citizens of these countries can fill an online application and pay the fee of $21 for ESTA approval. Once approved, it is valid for two years for multiple entries and stays up to 90 days. 

What is EES?

EES stands for Entry/Exit System. It’s an automated system for non-E.U. travelers traveling for a short stay to one of the participating 29 countries. Travelers with a short-stay visa or those who don’t need a visa will be required to give their biometrics.

Your name, date of birth, passport details, date and place of entry and exit, your facial image and fingerprints entry will be recorded. Any refusals of entry will also be kept in the database. The website explains that the EES replaces passport stamping and it automates border control procedures. 

“The EES also makes it easier to identify travelers who have no right to enter or who have stayed in European countries using the EES for too long. It makes it easier to detect travelers using fake identities or passports. Finally, the EES helps to prevent, detect and investigate terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences.”

The data will be shared among European countries, and those who overstay in the region may be fined, deported, or banned from re-entering. You can learn more about EES here .

EES is not in effect right now and it’s possibly going to be postponed until after the Paris Olympics 2024 conclude in August. France fears that this proposed change at the borders will lead to delays at airports since the process needs new infrastructure. It is also digital-dependent, so glitches at first are expected.

The two border control schemes were supposed to be introduced together, but it is likely that ETIAS will come into effect before EES.

Related: Lawyers Warn: You Can Be Deported if You Do This on a Tourist Visa

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Schengen Area Countries: Borderless travel in Europe Explained

Everything you need to know about the EU and the Schengen Area, Europe’s passport-free and borderless travel Zone + full list of Schengen area countries.

Whether planning a trip to Europe or exploring the possibility of obtaining a second passport through descent to a European country, you’ve likely heard about the Schengen Area.

But what is the Schengen area, and how does it relate to Europe and the EU? 

Understanding the difference between these two entities and how they operate together can be confusing, especially for tourists outside Europe. 

In this guide, we will go over some commonly asked questions about travelling in these areas, explain the difference between the EU and the Schengen area, provide a list of Schengen area countries and the EU, and offer other helpful information for travellers.

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What is the Schengen Area?

Imagine a place where travelling to other countries is as easy as travelling to other cities within your own country. No tedious passport checks or border checks when crossing into another country.

Welcome to the Schengen Zone or Schengen Area, an enormous border-free zone within Europe where nearly thirty countries (mainly from the EU) have come together to create the largest borderless area in the world that allows people to travel freely from country to country without passport controls and border checks.

History and Purpose of the Schengen and Area

In 1985, representatives of five European countries gathered in the quaint village of Schengen, Luxembourg, to sign the groundbreaking Schengen Agreement.

The original intent of the agreement was to gradually eliminate the borders between their countries and establish a unified visa policy among member countries. Removing passport controls at internal borders, allowed the unrestricted movement of people across shared borders and promoted the idea of a unified Europe.

The five founding countries of the Schengen area were France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Over time, more and more countries have signed and implemented the agreement. Today, these countries are collectively sometimes referred to as “Schengen countries.” 

Why is it called the Schengen Agreement or Schengen area? The Schengen area and agreement were named after the small town of Schengen in Luxembourg, where the agreement was first signed in 1985.

Countries in the Schengen area.

The Schengen Area countries consist of 27 European countries that have all signed the Schengen Agreement. 

These countries are sometimes referred to as “Schengen countries” or “Schengen states.” 

Although all the countries that have signed the agreement are European countries, not all EU countries are part of the Schengen Area, and not all Schengen countries are members of the EU. There are also 4 Microstates that are not part of the Schengen area or the EU but still have open borders or semi-open borders with other Schengen area countries.

Here is a breakdown of the 23 EU countries and 4 non-EU countries that make up the Schengen area. Plus, the 4 microstates that are not part of the Schengen area but have an open-door policy with other Schengen member countries.

Table of Schengen area countries

23 eu countries are also schengen area countries.

There are a total of 27 EU countries, four of which are not part of the Schengen zone. Ireland has opted out, but Cyrpurs, Bulgaria and Romania have applied to become Schengen area countries. 

• Ireland and Cyprus are currently not in the Schengen zone.
• Bulgaria and Romania should be a part of the Schengen by the end of 2023. 

There are 4 Non-EU countries that are also Schengen area countries

These four countries are not part of the EU but are Schengen area countries. Together they are part of the (EFTA) European Free Trade Association.

EFTA’s main goal is to promote free trade and economic cooperation among its member states and with other countries outside the EU. These countries share several benefits in terms of their participation in the Schengen Agreement, including passport-free travel for EU and Schengen country citizens. 

• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland.

*Note: Although citizens of Schengen countries can travel to the above four countries without passport and border controls, Non Schengen citizens can only travel to Liechtenstein and Switzerland from other Schengen countries without going through a border check.

Iceland and Norway are both Islands, and all Schengen citizens are required to show their valid passports when flying into these countries. 

**4 Microstates: Defacto members of the Schengen area

In addition to the 27 full member countries of the Schengen Area, there are four small countries called microstates that are not part of the EU or the Schengen Area.

However, these tiny nations have established unique arrangements or relationships with the Schengen Area members and have become de facto members of the Schengen Area. They operate as if they were Schengen Area members without being full formal members.

Monaco is a small sovereign city-state ruled by Albert II, Prince of Monaco, who is the son of the American actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

This microstate is located on the French Riviera along the Mediterranean Sea and shares a border with France. Monaco has an open border with France, and tourists can typically enter Monaco from France without passport checks.

San Marino is a mountainous microstate surrounded by north-central Italy.

Although not a formal EU member, it has an agreement with the EU and Schengen area members and has an open-door policy for tourists and Citizens.

Vatican City

The Vatican city is the smallest country in the world and the administration center of the Roman Catholic church. The only people allowed to live in the Vatican City are the Pope, the celery, and the Swiss Guards who defend the Vatican City.

Like the other microstates, Vatican City is not a member of the EU or the Schengen area but has special agreements with them, and tourists can visit Vatican City via Italy without border controls or passport checks. 

Andorra is a small country nestled between France and Spain. Although Andorra is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen area, it has a special agreement with both France and Spain that allows for open borders and tourists usually do not have to go through border checks when entering or leaving Andora via France or Spain.

Table listing all countries in the Schengen Area 

Benefits and how the schengen area works.

Two key benefits of the Schengen Area for tourists and its residents are passport-free travel and Borderless travel.

These two concepts are closely related and are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different implications. 

What is passport-free travel?

Passport-free travel is a concept that refers to the ability of people to move freely to another country within a region as if they are travelling within a single country without the need to show their passport or passport checks when crossing internal borders to other participating countries, which is a huge time saver. 

What is Borderless Travel?

Borderless travel takes passport-free travel a step further. Borderless travel refers to the absence of physical borders, checkpoints, or any formalities that would slow down the movement of people between two or more countries. 

You still need a valid passport when you first enter one of the 27 Schengen countries

While Passport-free travel allows people to cross borders without passport checks, borderless travel refers to the fact that there are no visible barriers or restrictions when crossing borders.

Although you do not need a passport to travel to other Schengen countries once you are in the Schengen zone, you still need to show a valid passport when you first enter the area through any of the 27 member countries.  

For example, Whether you’re a citizen of a Schengen area country or not, if you are entering one of the 27 Schengen area countries from a non-area Schengen country, such as the US, UK, or Canada, you will absolutely need to show your passport and go through border control at your first port of entry.

Once your passport is stamped and you go through your first Schengen area country border control, you can travel to any of the other Schengen area countries without ever having to show your passport again. 

How long can you stay in a Schengen country?

If you are a citizen of a Schengen country, you can stay in any other Schengen area country indefinitely.

If you are not a citizen but are a legal resident, you can stay as long as your residency permit is valid. 

**The following only applies to tourists from non-Schengen countries. 

Once inside the border of the Schengen area, tourists can travel freely to any other Schengen country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. 

For longer stays, you’ll have to apply for special visas. For instance, to stay for a period of up to 12 months in France, you have to apply for a long-stay visa . Once you have this visa, or its equivalent from another Schengen country, you can travel anywhere in the EU freely without overstaying your visit. These visas are usually renewable annually. 

Don’t overstay past 90 days:

The clock starts ticking when you enter your first Schengen country.

When you leave the Schengen area, customs will look to make sure you haven’t overstayed in the area past 90 days. If you did stay past the allowed 90 days, there may be consequences, including fines, deportation, and future travel restrictions such as being banned from entering the Schengen area for years. 

For example : If you wanted to visit the following France, Spain and Italy, and entered the Schengen area via Italy on May 1, you would have to leave the Schengen area by the 90th day, July 29. The 180-day rolling clock keeps ticking no matter how many Schengen countries you visit and does not reset when you visit other Schengen countries.

If you wanted to return to the Schengen area after staying for 90 days, you would have to wait 180 days, which would be January 25 of the following year. 

• May 1st to July 29th = 90 days
• January 25 of the following year would be the soonest you could return to a Schengen country. 

Schengen visa requirements:

The Schengen area countries have one single collective visa policy. 

Obviously, you don’t need a visa to travel within the Schengen zone if you are a resident of a country that is part of the area. However, you may need a Schengen visa if you are not a resident or citizen of a Schengen country. 

Whether or not you need a tourist visa to enter the Schengen zone depends on whether or not citizens of the country you are from are visa-exempt to enter the Schengen area. 

Visa-exempt countries:

Tourists from visa-exempt countries do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area and can stay anywhere in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa .

There are roughly 70 countries whose citizens are exempt from applying for a schengen visa. 

Once you enter the Schengen zone, your passport is stamped once, and you won’t have to go through any other passport checks when travelling to other Schengen countries.

For example, citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia are from visa-exempt countries. They can travel to any of the 27 European member countries of the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days without applying for or obtaining a Schengen visa for short-term tourism or business trips.

Non-visa-exempt countries:

Tourists from countries that are not visa-exempt must apply for a Schengen visa.

You can apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate or embassy of the country you intend to visit first. Once you have the visa, you can stay in the zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

For example, If you plan on visiting France, Bulgaria, and Poland, in that order, you should apply for a Schengen visa at the French consulate because that is the first country you are visiting. Once you are in the Schengen area, you can visit any other Schengen country using that same visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Here are some countries whose citizens must apply for a Schengen visa.

• Philippines

For a full list of exempt and non-exempt countries, click here .

Helpful Tips for navigating the Schengen Area without a passport

Navigating the Schengen Area without a passport requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience:

You must have a valid passport when you first enter the Schengen area:

To enter the Schengen area, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the area. So, if you want to visit the Schengen area from May 1 to June 1, your passport must be valid for three months, from June 1 to September.

Carry a valid ID:

While you don’t need a passport once you are in the Schengen zone, you should always carry a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or national identity card. If you have neither, you should carry your passport to prove your identity.

Carrying identification with you will help in certain situations where you may be asked to prove your identity, such as when checking into hotels or renting a car. There may also be occasional random checks at certain borders where you’ll need to show some identification and travel documents when required. 

Stay updated on entry requirements, and bring your passport just in case.

Entry requirements can change. Each country has the authority to implement its own specific entry requirements and measures, especially during times of political, security, or health concerns.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Schengen Area implemented travel restrictions and entry bans for non-essential travel from certain countries with high COVID-19 infection rates.

Some Schengen countries require travellers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter. Some countries require travellers to quarantine upon arrival.

So although you may not need to show a passport at border crossings, it’s best to carry one just in case.

What’s the difference between the Schengen area and the EU?

To non-Europeans, the concept of the EU and the Schengen can be confusing.

Remember that not all Schengen countries are part of the EU, and not all EU countries are part of the Schengen area. 

What is the European Union (EU):

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union between 27 European countries with its own parliament, political structures – and government which collectively work towards common goals and decisions. 

The European Union (EU) establishes rules and regulations which allow people to live, work, and study in other European Union countries without the usual restrictions, visa requirements and barriers between different countries.

On the other hand, the Schengen Agreement complements this free movement by removing border controls, which facilitates travel between participating countries without the need for passport and border checks between countries.

Summing up the Schengen area

If you’re passionate about discovering new places and experiencing different cultures seamlessly without the hassle of lengthy border and passport checks, the Schengen area is a fantastic

Happy travels!

Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a 'petite commission' at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my links. It helps me buy more wine and cheese. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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Is my passport valid and what is the 10-year rule?

Since Brexit, new rules for British passports were introduced for people travelling to the European Union and Schengen Area. As we approach the Easter holidays, the 10-year passport rule is catching people out at the airport, preventing them from boarding flights.

UK passport holders are now ‘third-country nationals’ in EU and Schengen countries, so entry rules have tightened. Your passport needs to have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival date (the day you land on holiday) and be valid for three months from the final day of your holiday.

Travellers used to be able to carry up to nine months from an old passport over to a new one. But the rules changed after Brexit and EU countries no longer allow passports issued more than 10 years ago. It means that the issue date is equally as important as the expiry date.

You can also only stay for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period. Previously, you could have stayed as long as you liked.

Holidaymakers whose passports don’t meet the EU’s passport requirements are denied boarding, so it is vital to check if your passport needs renewing when you book your holiday, rather than on the way to the airport.

We’ve explained everything you need to know about the post-Brexit passport rules below.

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Is my passport valid for holidays to the EU?  

Since the UK left the European Union, your passport needs to fulfil two criteria when you visit Europe's Schengen zone.

• It must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you enter the EU/Schengen Zone
• It must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave

For example, if you’re entering Spain on 5 August 2024 and returning to the UK on 19 August, your passport needs to have been issued after 5 August 2014 and be valid until 19 November 2024.

Planning a trip in 2024? We explain how to get 55 days off using just 25 days of annual leave .

Do these post-Brexit passport rules apply to all European countries?

These passport rules apply to all EU member states except Ireland. They also apply to other countries and microstates in Europe’s Schengen zone: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, and Monaco.

Your passport also needs to meet these requirements if you visit Bulgaria, Cyprus or Romania, which are in the EU but aren’t part of the Schengen area.  You can check entry requirements for specific countries on the FCDO’s advice pages .

My passport was issued more than 10 years ago - can I travel in the EU? 

No. Some holidaymakers have been caught out at airports because their passports were issued more than 10 years ago. Up until 2018, the UK government allowed for unspent time on passports to be added to the new passport when renewing, meaning some UK passports are valid for more than 10 years. 

This didn’t matter while the UK was in the EU because passports were valid up to and including the expiry date. But you will now be denied entry if your passport issue date was more than 10 years ago.

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Do I need three months or six months left on my passport?

You need at least three months left on your passport on the day you plan to leave the EU/Schengen Zone.

When the Brexit transition period came to an end, there was some confusion about whether travellers needed six months, but the EU has since issued a clarification.

What about travelling to Ireland?

The rules for British passport holders haven’t changed since Brexit. Your passport just needs to be valid and in date, and the 90/180-day rule does not apply.

Ireland is part of the Common Travel Area, which means British citizens don’t technically need a passport to visit - only a valid ID. However, some airlines, including Ryanair, insist you have a valid passport so it's best to carry one.

If you fly to Ireland, Irish border officers may also ask to see proof of nationality, so the UK government advises taking your passport with you.

Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?

No. Tourists don't need a visa for short visits to the Schengen zone. You can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period as a British passport holder. This means you can visit as many Schengen countries as you like as long as you don’t exceed 90 days in total within 180 days.

In January 2023, Croatia joined the Schengen zone, meaning any time spent there now counts towards your 90 day-limit. 

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania have their own individual 90-day limits. If you travel to one of these, it doesn’t count towards the 90-day limit for the Schengen zone.  Wherever you're heading on holiday, be sure to book with a well-rated airline .

What is the current wait time for a new passport?

 The passport office advises it will take up to three weeks. However, if more information is needed or you need to be interviewed, it could take longer.

If you do need a new passport, make sure you leave enough time to get it renewed.

When are passport fees increasing?

From April 11, online passport renewals (made within the UK) for adults aged 16 will rise from £82.50 to £88.50. Passports for children under 16 will cost £57.50, up from £53.50. The increase is subject to parliamentary approval but is likely to go ahead.

This is an increase of more than 7%, on top of a 9% rise last year, the first in five years.

Postal renewals will rise to £100 for adults - up £7, while for children this will rise £5 from £64 to £69.

The cost of fast-track renewals will increase from £155 to £166.50 for adults and from £126 to £135.50 for children.

Despite the rise, the British passport now gives you less access than it used to, so you're paying more for something that gives you less. In 2010 it was the most powerful passport in the world - ranked by where you can visit visa-free. It is now behind 12 other passports.  

What can I do if I’m denied entry due to my passport being invalid?

It’s the passenger’s responsibility to make sure their passport is valid, and you can’t claim compensation if you are turned away at the airport because it’s not.

If the airline wrongly denies you boarding due to a misinterpretation of the EU’s passport rules, you may be entitled to denied boarding compensation and associated costs if you can prove that to be the case.

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Holidaymakers going to EU caught out by 10-year-passport rule

• Published 27 March

Holidaymakers travelling to the EU are being warned not to get caught out by the "passport 10-year rule".

UK travellers used to be able to carry up to nine months from an old passport over on to a new one. But post-Brexit, EU countries will not accept passports issued more than 10 years ago.

Up to 32 million people applied for passports before the new rules, but it is unknown how many have been affected.

One of them is Nathan Barnes who was refused boarding on a flight to France.

Mr Barnes, a 31-year-old paramedic from Norwich, was on his way to Limoges with his fiancée to visit family.

Despite checking in for the flight online, and going through security and passport control, he was stopped at the departure gate.

"My passport had been issued more than 10 years previously," he said. "They were very matter of fact about it, they just said 'sorry you can't board, off you pop'."

"I was gutted, surprised really. We had checked in online and thought it was fine," he added.

Since the UK left the EU, travellers heading to all countries within the bloc - and including Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland, but not Ireland - must have a passport which was issued less than 10 years before their departure date.

It must also be valid for three months after their planned return date.

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Passports issued after 2018 are valid for exactly 10 years.

However, if a UK passport was issued before September 2018, it could be valid for up to 10 years and nine months.

This is because before 2018 the passport office used to add up to nine months from an old passport on to a new one.

As a result, some people have passports that have not officially expired, and are valid for travel in the rest of the world, but not in parts of Europe because they were issued more than ten years ago.

Are you affected by the 10-year rule?

• Check if your passport was issued before September 2018
• Has it passed its 10-year anniversary? Even if it has several months left to run, it is invalid for travel to all EU countries with the exception of Ireland as well as Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland
• If you are going to these countries you must have a passport issued less than 10 years before your departure date
• If your passport is invalid you can try and book an emergency appointment online at your nearest passport office which offers a one-day and a one-week fast track service
• Otherwise passports can be renewed online by HM Passport Office or by using a paper application from certain Post Offices
• It can take up to three weeks to renew a passport from the UK

How do I renew my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?

'Catches people out'

"The '10-year-rule' is a problem that continues to catch people out", said Rory Boland, the Travel Editor at Which?

"What's really important is that you check your passport validity and expiry date when booking your holiday.

"Not when you go to check-in, and certainly not when you travel to the airport, because that's when people are continually finding that their passport is out of date and it's often then too expensive, and too complicated to save their holiday."

BBC News asked the major airlines and holiday operators for data on the number of passengers who are refused boarding, but those that responded said they did not keep detailed records.

'Holidays lost'

Jane Opher thinks the airlines could be doing more to warn people about the problem when they first book or when they check in.

The 61-year-old architect from London was due fly to Barcelona with her partner at the end of February.

They had both checked in online, gone through security and had lunch at the airport only to be refused boarding at the gate because her passport was issued on 10 February 2014, more than ten years ago, even though it does not officially expire until 10 August 2024.

"It was very stressful - I was traumatised - being told I couldn't board," she told the BBC.

"It was also humiliating to have to be escorted back through the airport like a criminal."

She was left hundreds of pounds out-of-pocket.

Simon Calder, travel correspondent at the Independent, says based on his own research "easily a couple of hundred people a day" are being turned away from their flights.

"Across the year you could easily find that there's over 100,000 people who lose their holidays as a result of these rules," he said.

He has written to the airlines, urging them to do more to make people aware, particularly if someone is checking in and inputting their advanced passenger information, often weeks before their travel date.

Airlines UK told us there was no guarantee that potentially invalid passport details would be picked up in advance, and said airlines do provide reminders and links.

It said it was the responsibility of the person travelling to ensure they have a valid travel document.

For those people who are due to travel this weekend and spot a problem with their passport Mr Calder told BBC Breakfast: "I'm afraid all you can do at this stage is try and get an emergency appointment and see if you can get a passport turned around.

"But if you're travelling later, maybe in the May bank holidays or the summer holidays then you've got time on your side and just to stress... it's only the EU that cares about the issue date, if you're going to America, Australia, Tunisia they say your passport's valid up to and including the expiry date."

If someone is turned back at the airport Mr Calder said they were "absolutely not" covered and would not get their money back. "It's always the passengers' responsibility to make sure they are compliant."

The Home Office also said it provided up-to-date information on passport requirements on its website, which it keeps under constant review.

Fees for new passports and renewals are set to go up in April under government plans. A standard online application for an adult is expected to rise from £82.50 to £88.50 from 11 April. A passport for under 16s is currently £53.30 and is set to increase to £57.50.

Related Topics

• Passport Office
• European Union

More on this story

• Published 5 May 2022

• Published 29 February

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The New Travel Document Aussies Will Need To Visit Europe

Published: Apr 2, 2024, 1:00pm

Table of Contents

What’s the purpose of an etias travel authorisation, which countries require etias authorisations, what aussies need to know about the new europe visa, people who need etias authorisations, frequently asked questions (faqs).

The days of boarding a long-haul flight to the Continent with simply your passport are numbered. As of next year, 1.4 billion people—including Australians—will need a special travel authorisation to enter the Schengen area of Europe, as part of an international effort to increase security.

The new rules will be rolled out by the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in 2025, with the exact date to be confirmed. The program was approved in 2016 and, after being delayed in 2022 due to the pandemic and insufficient infrastructure to support the program, was slated to start this year. However, it has been delayed once again and is now due to be launched next year.

In October, European Commission spokesperson for home affairs, Anitta Hipper, did not give a reason for yet another delay. She said since the program isn’t yet operational, no applications are being accepted.

Once ETIAS kicks off, travellers coming from once visa-exempt countries—including Australian, American and British tourists—will be required to apply for the travel authorisation and pay a small fee. It applies to people who plan to stay in participating countries for fewer than 90 days, and is valid for three years.

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The new requirements are being established to help “identify security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors,” according to the European Commission website.

There are 30 mostly European countries that will require travel authorisations once ETIAS kicks off. You will have to show your passport, ETIAS documentation and any other entry requirements to border officers when entering these countries.

The ETIAS authorisation is only good for short-term stays of 90 days or fewer; it is not a work visa. The ETIAS information is linked to your passport, so if you have to replace your passport for any reason, you’ll also need a new ETIAS travel authorisation. (Your travel insurance company should be able to assist with a lost passport).

You will need an ETIAS Authorisation if any of the following apply to you:

• You’re not a European Union national
• You’re a citizen of any country, including Australia, whose nationals don’t currently need a visa for a short-term stay in a European Union country.
• You don’t have a residence permit or card issued by any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Some travellers may be exempted from the requirement for an ETIAS travel authorisation, so check before you apply.

How to Apply for ETIAS

Australians traveling to Europe can apply on the ETIAS website’s application section once it becomes operational. For notifications in the meantime, you can sign up for emails at the website.

Cost of an ETIAS Travel Authorisation

As of April 2024, the ETIAS application fee is €7. This is equal to roughly $11 Australian dollars with the current Euro to AUD conversion . However, it’s free for anyone under the age of 18 or over the age of 70.

For How Long is the ETIAS Valid?

The ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years once being granted. You can only travel in a participating country for 90 days within any 180-day period. Whenever you travel to participating countries, your ETIAS authorisation must be valid for the entire duration of the stay.

Will Aussies have to pay a fee to holiday in Europe from 2024?

Not yet as the ETIAS travel authorisation has been delayed until 2025. However, from next year, assuming the perennially delayed launch happens, Australians will need to pay a fee to apply for an ETIAS in order to visit countries in the European Union. The application fee is expected to be around $11 AUD.

What does Europe's new entry rules mean for Aussies?

As of 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is rolling out a new requirement for international travellers, including Australians. It simply means that Australians can no longer travel to certain European countries with only their passport, and, instead, they will be required to apply for an ETIAS in order to travel to participating countries for 90 days within an 180-day period.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I have a European passport as an Australian?

If you are an Australian citizen who also holds a European passport, you will not be required to apply for a ETIAS travel authorisation when travelling through the EU on your European passport. If you are travelling on your Australian passport, however, you will be required to apply for ETIAS.

Can Australian citizens enter the EU?

Yes, Australian citizens can enter countries within the European Union. At present, Australians do not require any additional visas to enter EU countries as long as they are only visiting for a holiday and a certain period of time (Australians still need work visas or study permits if visiting the countries for these purposes).

However, as of 2025, Australians will be required to hold an additional document in order to travel to certain European countries. This document is known as an ETIAS, which is a new travel authorisation document coming into effect in an effort to better enforce international security.

Do I have to apply for a new ETIAS every time I enter a new country in Europe?

No, there are not separate travel authorisations for different countries that are involved in the ETIAS agreement. Instead, you will apply for one authorisation that will allow you to travel to and between the 30 participating countries.

Your ETIAS is valid for three years, so if you leave Europe and return within three years, you will still be able to use your pre-existing ETIAS travel authorisation as long as it is still valid for the entirety of your visit.

What countries will Australians need a ETIAS travel authorisation for?

The countries which Australians will need an ETIAS for are:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
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Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

Commission offers 35,500 DiscoverEU free travel passes to young people

Starting this summer, thousands of young people will once again travel around Europe by train for free thanks to the latest call of the DiscoverEU programme. Today at 12:00 CET during the  European Youth Week  buzzing with  activities , the Commission launched the latest DiscoverEU application round. It will end on Tuesday 30 April at 12:00 CET.

In total, 35,500 travel passes are available. To get one, young people born between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2006 can do a quiz with five questions about the EU and one additional question on the  European Youth Portal . Successful applicants will get a free rail pass to travel in Europe for up to 30 days between 1 July 2024 and 30 September 2025.

The call is open to applicants from the European Union and countries associated to the  Erasmus+ programme  including Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Türkiye. Ticket holders can plan their own routes or be inspired by existing ones. For example, they can discover a  route  launched last year, which focuses on cities and places making the European Union ‘beautiful, sustainable and inclusive' in line with the principles of the  New European Bauhaus .

Participants can also benefit from the  DiscoverEU Culture Route  an initiative of the 2022 European Year of Youth that combines various cultural destinations including architecture, music, fine art, theatre, fashion and design. Participants can visit the  European Capitals of Culture  which are on the  UNESCO World Heritage List ,   European Heritage Label  sites, or  Access City Award  label locations, which are cities that have gone above and beyond to become more accessible to everyone.

DiscoverEU is much more than just a ticket. Participants will also receive a  discount card  with over 40,000 discount possibilities on public transport, culture, accommodation, food, sports and other services in eligible countries. Additionally,  Erasmus+ National Agencies  organise pre-departure information meetings, and national agencies across all Erasmus+ countries prepare  DiscoverEU Meet-ups , learning programmes lasting from one to three days.

Social inclusion is a top priority of the Erasmus+ programme, so participants with disabilities or health issues receive support on their journeys. Since October 2022, the Erasmus+ National Agencies have implemented the  DiscoverEU Inclusion Action , allowing organisations working with young people with fewer opportunities to apply for a grant. This action provides extra support to participants, such as extra funding and the possibility to travel with accompanying persons. More than 250 projects have been awarded by the Erasmus+ National Agencies since the first call in October 2022, and two calls of the Inclusion Action are taking place in this year.

While DiscoverEU encourages sustainable travel by rail,  special arrangements  are available for young people from outermost regions, Overseas Counties and Territories, remote areas and islands.

The Commission launched  DiscoverEU  in June 2018 following a preparatory action from the European Parliament. It is integrated into the  Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027 .

Since 2018, more than 1 million candidates have applied for 284,000 available travel passes. According to the latest post-travel survey, 72% of candidates declared it to be the first time travelling out of their country of residence by train. For many, it was also the first time they travelled without parents or accompanying adults, and the majority indicated an increased sense of independence. Over two-thirds said that they would not have been able to finance their travel pass without DiscoverEU.

The DiscoverEU experience has given young people a better understanding of other cultures as well as European history and improved their foreign language skills. Participants are invited to become DiscoverEU Ambassadors to champion the initiative. The  # DiscoverEU Official group  has more than 96,000 members where young travellers can contact each other to share experiences and tips.

To apply, eligible candidates need to complete a multiple-choice quiz on general knowledge about the European Union and other EU initiatives targeting young people. The Commission will rank applicants on the basis of their responses. The Commission will offer travel passes to applicants following their ranking up to the limit of available tickets.

For More Information

European Youth Portal

DiscoverEU is a fantastic opportunity for young people who want to explore Europe, discover places and meet new people. I am happy to launch this spring application round during the exciting European Youth Week. I wish the best of luck to all applicants!

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth

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12 Types of People Who Should Never Travel to Europe

Posted: March 10, 2024 | Last updated: March 11, 2024

You’ve finally reached a point where you’re ready to start traveling more . “Where should I start?” is a great question to ask yourself.

Plenty of fellow globetrotters might recommend Europe. The continent is definitely a top travel destination (after all, Paris was the world’s most-visited city in 2022). But just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you. So, if any of the following descriptors apply to you, we recommend skipping Europe entirely.

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People who don’t want to deal with the hassle of passport renewal

If you have difficulty keeping up with paperwork and tend to miss crucial deadlines, international travel might not be for you.

Having your travel documents in order is crucial when planning to travel internationally. Passport processing takes seven to ten weeks, not including the time your passport spends in the mail.

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People who haven't saved up

You could travel to Europe on a budget, staying in hostels and using a top travel credit card to travel for almost free .

But no matter how many excess costs you cut out, a trip to Europe is inherently expensive — if for no other reason than the currency exchange rate and passport or visa fees.

People who don't like jet lag

After your seven-hour flight across the Atlantic, you’ll land in a time zone at least five hours ahead of the one you left.

For every one to one-and-a-half hours you leap ahead in time, your body requires about a day to adjust. You won’t feel quite like yourself again until five days into your European vacation.

And you can expect to take at least five days to recover once you’re back home, too.

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People who hate flying

A non-stop flight from New York City to London is six hours and 55 minutes long. If you’re on the West Coast, it's closer to 11 hours (from LA to NYC) — not accounting for layovers or weather delays.

Luckily for the flight-averse, the United States is a remarkably road-trip-friendly country with plenty of beautiful new places you can explore within seven hours (by car) of your home.

People who don’t have much vacation time

If you can actually take a few weeks off, you might have enough to see the best sights Europe has to offer. But if you only get a week or so, a journey across the Atlantic just isn’t worth it.

You’ll have enough time to adjust to the new time zone before you fly home and start readjusting.

People who don’t like walking

If spending a lot of time on your feet isn’t your idea of a good time, save your money by skipping Europe.

Touring the Colosseum, wandering London’s vast Natural History Museum, and exploring the Louvre all demand quite a bit of walking.

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People who don’t want to spend a fortune on plane tickets alone

Plane ticket prices can vary depending on when you’re flying and how far in advance you manage to snag tickets.

No matter how early you get your tickets, expect to pay quite a bit for a round trip to Europe in this post-pandemic world: In the summer of 2023, the average plane ticket to the continent cost around $1,200.

People who aren't willing to pay more for gas

A trip outside the country can help put domestic gas pump costs into perspective. In Italy, for instance, a gallon costs around $5.96. In France, $5.54. And in the Netherlands, $6.48.

And that’s after gas prices stabilized, as they doubled during summer, coming to an all-time high. Needless to say, if you were planning on a Euro road trip, it could cost you a pretty penny.

People who aren't huge history fans

Europe’s cities are much older than America’s. Some by a thousand years or more. For instance, the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv has been continuously inhabited for around eight millennia!

While you can certainly find modern activities in any European city, your overall experience might be more interesting if you're passionate about the past.

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People who hate public transit

Because Europe is both old and densely populated, most cities have robust public transit systems.

Sure, as long as you don’t mind the high petrol prices, you can get around many European cities by car.

While you can save a lot of time and money, navigating subways, buses, and trains has a high learning curve, especially for visitors who don’t speak a country’s native language.

People who aren’t multi-lingual

Many Europeans speak English, so even if you don’t speak a second language, you can likely manage in many metropolitan areas in Europe.

However, you shouldn’t count on those around you speaking the same language as you.

And even if you’re surrounded by English speakers, it can be frustrating to constantly ask for translations for menu items or street signs.

People who aren't interested in museums

For many people, Europe’s biggest draw is its museums. The Louvre alone has 652,300 square feet to explore, which can take up to 65 days!

You can avoid wasting money by taking a trip closer to home. Spend half a day at a famous museum like Seattle’s Pop Culture Museum or New York’s Museum of Modern Art and devote the rest of your trip to other activities. Or, if you prefer a more active, outdoorsy vacation, a national park or a mountain town like Asheville, NC, could be just what you’re looking for.

Bottom line

For some people, traveling to Europe is the dream of a lifetime, but if you identify with any of the issues we listed above, you probably aren’t one of them.

Instead of visiting the region out of obligation or to fit in with the crowd, focus on finding travel opportunities closer to home to  earn miles and travel more  to places you want to go.

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Explained: How New Schengen Visa Rules Ease Europe Travel For Indians

The schengen area comprises 25 countries out of the 27 eu countries except the republic of ireland and cyprus..

A Schengen visa permits a brief stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.

The European Union (EU) recently introduced a revamped visa system tailored specifically for Indian nationals. This new system offers substantial advantages to Indian citizens, allowing them access to long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, which can significantly streamline travel plans and enhance the overall experience for those venturing into the Schengen area.

What Is Schengen Visa

The Schengen area comprises 25 countries out of the 27 EU countries except the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus. It includes countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This extensive area not only offers diverse cultural experiences but also facilitates seamless travel across borders for visa holders.

A Schengen visa permits a brief stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. This visa may be issued as either a single-entry, enabling one entry into the Schengen area, or a multiple-entry, allowing multiple visits for the duration of its validity.

How The New Rules Affect Indians

Under the new regulations, Indian travellers can now obtain a two-year Schengen visa, a marked improvement from the shorter validity periods previously available. To qualify for this extended two-year visa, applicants must have acquired and appropriately utilised two Schengen visas within the preceding three years. Upon successful utilisation of the two-year visa, travellers can typically expect to be eligible for a five-year Schengen visa, provided their passport maintains sufficient validity.

The new rules essentially say that Indian travellers can move freely within the Schengen member countries for short stays, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period, without the need for additional permits or authorisations. Under this system, eligible travellers with a proven track record of travel will have simplified access to visas with extended validity, provided their passport's validity permits.

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The 'Cascade' system, as it's termed, is designed to reward frequent travellers with progressively longer visa durations. It begins with a two-year visa, and upon successful use, travellers can potentially qualify for a five-year visa. While these visas do not restrict the purpose of travel, they do not allow the right to work within the Schengen area.

The decision to tweak the rules comes in the broader context of improving relations between the EU and India

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EU eases travel for Indian passport holders with long-term Schengen visas under 'cascade' regime

The european commission had adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to indian nationals amid strengthened relations between india and the eu. indian nationals can avail long-term, multi-entry visas for two years to countries under schengen area..

The European Commission had adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to Indian nationals on April 18, according to an official statement. Under the newly adopted 'cascade' regime, Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. 

The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa if the passport has sufficient validity remaining, as per the laws. During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals. The decision comes amid strengthened relations under the India-EU Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and India.

India has emerged as a key partner of the European bloc and both sides are looking to strengthen people-to-people contacts, which explains the changes in the visa regime. Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen area for short stays of a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work. 

The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries (of which 25 are EU states): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

This comes after the UK announced a 55 per cent hike in the salary requirements of British citizens and residents, including those of Indian heritage, who wish to sponsor their relatives on a family visa. The increase in salary thresholds announced by the government will come into effect from Thursday as part of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's plan to cut down on immigration levels.

Individuals are now required to have a minimum annual salary of GBP 29,000, up from GBP 18,600 for someone to be sponsored to come to the UK on a family visa. By early next year, this will have increased two more times to match the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold of GBP 38,700. The UK Home Office said it marks the final measure in Sunak and Home Secretary James Cleverly's package to reduce legal migration so they don't "burden the taxpayer".

ALSO READ |  UK enforces 55 per cent hike in salary requirements for sponsoring family visa to control migration

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How to get a multi-year Schengen visa on your Indian passport

There's good news for indian passport holders who are planning to visit europe this summer. the eu is easing the schengen visa process for frequent travellers..

Listen to Story

• Visiting Europe is getting easier for Indian passport holders
• A new 'cascade' visa scheme will allow frequent travellers to get a multi-year multiple-entry Schengen visa
• However, you need to meet certain criteria to be able to apply for this 'cascade' visa

There's good news for Indian passport holders who want to visit Europe this year on. The European Union is looking to ease Schengen visa processes for Indian tourists.