Schengen: a guide to the European border-free zone

The EU's passport-free travel space, known as the Schengen area, is one of the most tangible achievements of European integration. Learn about it in our guide.

Cars waiting to pass a border control

What is Schengen?

The Schengen area is one of the pillars of the European project. Since its creation in 1995, when passport controls were abolished inside this zone, EU citizens enjoy the right to freedom of movement. This means that they can live, study, work and retire anywhere in the EU. Tourists and businesses also benefit from these rights.

Schengen countries

All EU countries are part of Schengen except for Ireland, which has opt-outs, as well as Cyprus which is due to join Schengen at some point in the future. EU countries have agreed to lift border controls at air and maritime borders for people travelling from and to Bulgaria and Romania as of 31 March 2024.

In addition, four non-EU countries are also part of the Schengen area: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Find out more about the Schengen area's enlargement

Purpose and benefits

Millions of people travel across an internal EU border every day. Free movement may in practice entail different rights for different categories of people, from tourists to families.

All EU citizens can stay in another EU country as a tourist for up to three months with a valid passport or identity card. Also they can live in another member state for work, with the right to be treated in the same way as nationals of that country. Entrepreneurs benefit from freedom of establishment and students have the right to study anywhere in the EU.

Closing internal EU borders again would impose heavy costs and impede cross-border commuting for 1.7 million people.

Check out how Covid-19 affects freedom of movement in the EU

Map of the Schengen area, showcasing  current members, EU countries that are not currently a part of it, and a candidate country

Ensuring security 

The Schengen rules abolish internal border controls, while harmonising and reinforcing protection of the area's external borders. Once inside the Schengen area, people can travel from one country to another without being subjected to border checks. However, national authorities may check people at or close to internal borders if police information and experience warrant stepping up surveillance temporarily.

Schengen also includes a common visa policy for short stays by non-EU citizens and helps participating states join forces in the fight against crime with the aid of police and judicial cooperation .

The Schengen Information System has been reinforced to deliver more security to Europeans. Discover the improvements in our infographics.

Read more about how Europol is better equipped to fight crime and terrorism

Schengen visa in passport ©AP Images/European Union-EP

External and internal borders

The functioning of the Schengen rules was affected by the increase of migration flows into the EU in 2015 and the heightened security concerns, including terrorist and serious cross border crime activities, leading to the re-introduction of border checks by several member states. The outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 also pushed several EU countries to bring back internal border controls, in an attempt to control the spread of the virus. Parliament has repeatedly criticised the continuation of internal border checks in the Schengen area and wants to allow them only as a measure of last resort. In a resolution on EU coordinated action to combat the pandemic adopted in April 2020, Parliament urged member states to adopt only necessary and proportionate measures when introducing and prolonging internal border controls', stressing the need to get back to a fully functioning Schengen area.

In December 2021, the European Commission proposed an update of the rules governing the Schengen area, aiming to ensure that reintroducing internal border controls remains a measure of last resort and promote the use of alternative measures instead such as targeted police checks and enhanced police cooperation.

After working on the proposal , the European Parliament adopted its position on 20 September 2023 and decided to open negotiations with the Council. MEPs have on several occasions argued against the frequent reintroduction of controls, which hampers the free movement of people across the EU.

Challenges and EU responses

Managing migration and the security of its external borders is a challenge for Europe. Up to 1.83 million illegal crossings were detected at the EU's external borders in 2015. Although this figure dropped to about 355,300 in 2023 , the EU tries to strengthen its external border controls and to deal more efficiently with asylum applications.

These challenges have triggered considerable developments in border management policy . This includes for example the creation of instruments and agencies such as the Schengen Information System, the Visa Information System, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), or an entry and exit registration system at the Schengen zone's external borders.

In a resolution adopted in July 2021, Parliament approved the renewed Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) budget for 2021-2027, which was increased to €9.88 billion. The fund contributes to strengthening the common asylum policy, develop legal migration, in line with member state needs, support the integration of third-country nationals, and fight irregular migration. It also serves to push member states to share the responsibility of hosting refugees and asylum-seekers more fairly. The fund works closely with the new Internal Security Fund (ISF), focusing on tackling cross-border threats, such as terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime. The ISF was also approved by Parliament in July 2021 with a budget of €1.9 billion.

Travellers who don't need a visa will in the future be screened before they arrive in the EU using the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) in order to detect criminals, terrorists or anyone else posing a risk before they arrive in the EU. Etias is expected to be operational as of mid-2025 .

In addition, MEPs have approved plans to give the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency a standing corps of 10,000 border guards by 2027 to boost Europe's security.

This article was initially published in June 2019 and was last updated in January 2024

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  • Passports, travel and living abroad
  • Travel abroad

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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Schengen area

The Schengen area is made up of 27 European countries that agreed to create common entry and exit requirements in order to remove the need for internal borders. As long as Schengen area entry requirements are met, the agreement allows foreigners to travel freely between participating countries without having to go through border controls (some exceptions apply, see below).

Schengen area countries

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

Entry/exit requirements

The Schengen area has common rules about visas and controls at external borders and has abolished checks within its internal borders. However, some Schengen area countries may require you to register with local authorities shortly after you arrive, particularly when you are staying in private accommodations.

Canadians do not need a visa to travel to countries within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you leave the Schengen area and return within the same 180-day period, the previous stay will count against the permitted 90 days.

If you plan to stay for longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the  high commission or embassy  of the country or countries to which you are travelling and obtain the appropriate visa before you travel. If you do not obtain the appropriate visa and you stay longer than the permitted 90 days in the Schengen area, you may be fined or deported.

It is important to get your passport stamped when you first enter the Schengen area. If you do not have an entry stamp from your first Schengen port of entry, you may have problems if you encounter the local police (or other authorities) anywhere in the Schengen area during your visit or with immigration officials at the time of departure.

The European Commission’s  Migration and Home Affairs  web page provides more information and a calculator to help you to find the number of visa-free permitted travel days you have left in the Schengen area, taking into account your previous stays there.

The Schengen Borders Code allows member states to temporarily reintroduce internal border controls if there is a serious threat to public policy or internal security. Canadians wishing to enter a Schengen area country that has reintroduced internal border controls could be required to present a passport, valid for at least three months from the time of expected departure from that country. For more information, visit the European Union’s  Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control web page.

  • Factsheet: What is Schengen? , European Commission
  • Schengen, Borders and Visa , European Commission

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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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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.

PHOTO: Tourists with umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun at Colosseo area (Colosseum), during the ongoing heat wave with temperatures reaching 40 degrees, on July 19, 2023, in Rome.

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."

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

PHOTO: In this undated file photo, a tourist visa is stamped on a passport.

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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Schengen Travel Insurance

Traveling to a schengen area.

  • Double-check the expiration date on your passport, paying particular attention to the validity of childrens passports, whic are only valid for five years.
  • Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date
  • Always carry your passport with you when traveling to other countries within the Schengen Area. While there may not be any border checks at the time of your travel, officials have the authority to reinstate border controls at any time, without prior notice.

Schengen Travel Insurance of which AXA is a leading provider, covers you in all 27 Countries within the Schengen Territory that have abolished internal border controls for their citizens. The countries are:

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Do I need travel insurance while traveling to Schengen Countries?

What do I receive with my Schengen travel insurance?  

What countries are covered under my axa travel plan, how can axa help with your trip to europe, how to get a travel protection quote.

Receive a  free quote  within minutes Or call us at  855-327-1441  to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors. Monday-Saturday, 8AM-7PM Central Time  

Does AXA Travel Insurance provide coverage for Schengen Visa?

AXA Gold and Platinum plans offer the necessary medical and assistance coverage in all 27 countries in the Schengen Territory.   However, the Gold and Platinum plans only provide coverage up to 60 – 90days.

What should I do if I have a medical issue while in the Schengen Area?

Please contact the local authority as soon as possible. Then contact us on the phone number given with the special conditions you receive after taking out your policy. Our helpful staff will then do all we can to resolve your issue and get you treatment or travel home, in line with the conditions of your policy. If you require assistance while traveling, call us at +1312-935-1719

The embassy states that I must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. Is this possible?

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Visas and entry requirements in europe and the schengen area.

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This page is for Australians travelling to Europe.

Read this page to learn about:

  • the Schengen Area
  • entry and exit to the Schengen Area
  • other European countries with visa waivers
  • non-Schengen European countries

The Australian Government doesn't issue visas for other countries. We can't provide final information on border rules. Ask your destination's high commission, embassy or consulate for details before you travel.

The Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is made up of 27 European countries with common border rules. It lets travellers move freely between member countries without

  • going through border controls
  • getting a visa for each country.

The members of the Schengen Area are:

  • Czech Republic
  • Liechtenstein
  • The Netherlands
  • Switzerland

Bulgaria and Romania will partially join the Schengen area from 31 March 2024. Border checks will stop for air or sea travel between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen Area countries. Checks will still apply for land-based travel.

Entry and exit in the Schengen Area

Australians can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Your travel must be for:

  • business purposes
  • visiting friends and family
  • tourism and holidays
  • cultural and sports events
  • official visit
  • medical reasons
  • short-term study

Apply at the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country where you'll stay the longest. If you're staying for the same length of time in each country, apply at the embassy of the country you'll visit first.

You'll need to apply for a visa if:

  • you're planning to stay for more than 90 days
  • your reason for travel changes, and you no longer qualify for visa-free travel.

You'll need to apply outside the country you want a visa for.

Calculating your 90/180 days

Calculating your visa-free days can be complicated. The European Commission provides a calculator to help you track your visa-free days .

  • The 180 days isn't fixed in time. It's calculated backwards from today.
  • Your 90 days are calculated from your first day in the Schengen Area within the 180 days.
  • If you leave and return within 180 days, your last stay will count towards the 90-day maximum.
  • If you use up your visa-free days, you must leave until you accumulate more or apply for a visa.
  • You may be fined or banned from the Schengen Area if you overstay your 90 days.
Example You arrive in Spain on 18 March. You fly to the UK on 21 April and stay there until the 29th. On 30 April, you travel to Greece and stay until 23 June. Your trip was 97 days, but only 90 were in the Schengen Area. You can't re-enter the Area until at least 14 September, when the Spanish leg of your trip falls outside your 180 days. If you re-enter on 14 September, you can only stay another 35 days as your time in Greece still counts towards your current 90 days. If you re-enter on 22 September, you can stay another 90 days, as you haven't been in the Area in the past 180 days .

Entering and exiting the Schengen Area

You must show a valid passport when entering the Schengen Area.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave.

Make sure you get a clear entry stamp in your passport when you enter the Schengen Area for the first time. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained.

Some countries need you to register within 3 days of arrival.

See our destination-specific travel advice for entry and exit details for each country. Check the European Commission for information on temporary border controls .

These visa rules only apply when travelling on your Australian passport . If you're a dual national travelling on your other passport, check the rules for that nationality.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an electronic security system. It will do a security check before you can enter participating European countries . ETIAS is expected to start in mid-2025 if the new system is working.

You won't need an ETIAS for EU countries who aren't taking part in the program.

Other European countries with visa waivers

There are other European countries where you can travel visa-free. Travel to these countries does not count towards your 90 days for Schengen Area travel.

Countries can change their border rules at short notice. Before you travel, ask your destination's nearest embassy or consulate for the latest rules.

Visa waiver agreements with Australia

Australia has visa waiver agreements with several countries in the Schengen Area. These agreements may allow you to spend 60 to 90 days in the country for tourism.

Visa waiver agreement countries include:

Using visa waiver agreements with Schengen visa-free arrangements is complex. Each country operates the visa waiver in its own way.

Most countries need you to use the visa waiver at the end of your Schengen Area travel.

Visa-free tourism programs in non-Schengen countries

Some European countries outside the Schengen Area allow you to enter visa-free for tourism. Most let you stay up to 90 days. Some are for longer. See our country advisories for details on border rules.

  • Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • North Macedonia (Republic of North Macedonia)
  • United Kingdom

Non-Schengen European countries

Many European countries are not part of the Schengen Area. Non-Schengen countries have their own border rules. These countries include:

Ask these countries' high commission, embassy or consulate for visa information.

  • General advice on  visas .
  • Before you go, get the right travel insurance .
  • Read about Australia's 11 reciprocal health care agreements .
  • The Schengen Area explained

Related content

Many Australians hold two or more nationalities. If you're travelling to the country of your other nationality, find out how your citizenship can impact you.

Foreign governments often require you to get a visa before they let you enter. This page provides general advice and information about visas overseas.

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Schengen Travel Insurance: How to buy the best one online

You are planning a trip to Europe and more specifically to the Schengen Area. 27 countries which have agreed to allow travellers to move freely, without inner border control between its member states. However, before entering the land of the so-called old continent, it is very likely that you will need to subscribe to mandatory medical travel insurance , especially if you need a Schengen visa .

Here is a quick and easy guide to compare Schengen travel insurance offers and choose the best one for you: the one meeting all the requirements demanded by embassies and consulates, offering the best value for money and comprehensive coverage to protect you during your stay.

  • Who needs travel insurance to enter Europe? 
  • What mandatory requirements must a Schengen travel Insurance meet? 
  • 10 golden rules to compare Schengen insurance policies.
  • Why buy AXA Schengen Travel Insurance online? 
  • AXA Schengen Travel Insurance: which option suits you best? 

Who needs travel insurance to enter Europe? If you need a Schengen visa…

Several billion people need a visa if they wish to enter the Schengen Area. This concerns the citizens of over a hundred countries. Check this list  to find out if this applies to you.

Among the many documents required with your Schengen visa application, you will need to provide a travel insurance certificate . To be valid, it must meet several criteria (see below) imposed by the EU Visa Code.

Travel insurance is mandatory to apply for a Schengen visa.

PLEASE NOTE : You must subscribe to a Schengen travel insurance BEFORE applying for your visa . A travel insurance certificate features among the demanded documents to enclose with your visa application file prior to its examination.

If you don’t need a Schengen visa…

Your nationality does not require you to obtain a visa to enter the Schengen Area?

In this case, travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended by authorities. Why? Because no one is immune to health problems, accidents or other mishaps during a trip.

Adapted travel insurance covers, among other things, medical expenses in Europe. They can be very expensive for foreign visitors, particularly when sanitary repatriation is necessary.

Without international medical insurance , you risk having to pay huge medical bills without the possibility of being reimbursed when you get home. The cost of home repatriation can skyrocket in a (failing) heartbeat!

What mandatory requirements must a Schengen travel Insurance meet?

Your Schengen travel insurance must include the following guarantees to be accepted with your visa application:

  • Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses.
  • It must be accepted by all the countries and member states of the Schengen Area.
  • It must provide coverage in all the Schengen Area countries.
  • It must guarantee that expenses linked to hospitalisation and medical care due to health problems occurring during your trip are covered.
  • It must allow you to be repatriated to your home country in case of serious health issues.
  • It must be valid during the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

1. In order for your travel insurance to be in compliance with prevailing regulations, make sure your policy is accepted by all the member states of the Area , even if you plan to visit only one. Otherwise your visa application could be denied .

Here is the list of the countries which must be covered by your Schengen travel insurance:

  • Liechtenstein
  • The Netherlands
  • Switzerland

2. Don’t forget: if you fail to subscribe to mandatory travel insurance, your visa application might not be granted. Make sure to provide an approved travel insurance certificate to European embassies and consulates.

To find out more, read our article: How to choose your Schengen visa insurance?  

10 golden rules to compare Schengen insurance policies

To make the wisest choice when it comes to Schengen travel insurance, make sure to compare the different products available on the market and ask yourself the following questions to determine which one is the best for you:

  • Does it meet all the requirements (stated above) demanded to obtain a Schengen visa?
  • Is the insurance company approved by the embassies and consulates of the country you wish to visit and by all of the Schengen states?
  • Is there a deductible fee?
  • Are there age limits for travellers?
  • Does its price vary depending on the age of the insured?
  • Is there a compulsory medical exam prior to your subscription?
  • How long to do you have to wait to get the insurance certificate which must be enclosed with your visa application?
  • Does it offer the best value for money ?
  • Is a refund guaranteed if your visa application is rejected?
  • Does it offer additional cover guarantees : coverage extended to other countries, lost or stolen ID documents, search and rescue expenses, etc?

Our advice : read the General Terms and Conditions of all insurance contracts and make sure you are familiar with the exclusion clauses. We often focus on what IS covered and forget to check what is NOT!

AXA travel insurance is accepted with all Schengen visa applications.

  • Schengen visa insurance meets all the European visa requirements .
  • It is approved and accepted by the consulates and embassies of all the countries of the Schengen Area.
  • It guarantees coverage of at least €30,000 and up to €100,000 (depending on the chosen option).
  • It covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, sanitary repatriation and death of the insured.
  • You are covered in all the member states of the Schengen Area as well as other non-Schengen European countries such as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen option).
  • It remains valid during the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

Other advantages of choosing our Schengen Travel Insurance

When you choose AXA, you benefit from:

  • International reputation and expertise ,
  • 24/7 assistance with a team always available to attend your needs,
  • Quick and simple online subscription ,
  • Immediate access to your Schengen Travel Insurance certificate . All you have to do is print it!
  • Time saved: simply enclose the certificate with your application file.
  • No age-limit .
  • 0 deductible on medical files,
  • The best value for money,
  • A cheap travel insurance for the Schengen Area (from €22/week),
  • The refund of your subscription if your visa application is denied,
  • Many additional guarantees: shipment of prescription drugs , glasses and prosthesis, coverage of anticipated repatriation of other insured parties travelling with the victim as well as their luggage, coverage in case of anticipated return if the insured must interrupt their stay in Europe because of an emergency (a sick relative, for example)…
  • COVID : all our insurance certificates subscribed online mention: “All Covid-19 related medical expenses covered.”
  • 3 different options available, adapted to the needs and budget of all.

Don’t wait any longer and subscribe online to your travel insurance  to visit the Schengen Area!

AXA Schengen Travel Insurance: which option is the best for you?

Because each trip to Europe is different and we all have different needs, AXA has designed 3 custom-made travel insurance options , all meeting the requirements of the Schengen visa application.

AXA Low Cost

Our cheapest option (from €22/week) is nonetheless perfect to obtain your Schengen visa! It meets all the requirements demanded, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino). It includes maximum coverage of €30,000 (medical expenses, emergency hospitalization) and repatriation.

AXA Europe Travel

It meets all the Schengen Visa requirements. This option is the best choice for those who wish to travel within the Schengen Area as well as in other European countries. It provides coverage in the 27 Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including Cyprus, Bulgaria, the Republic of Ireland and Romania) + the UK .

It offers additional guarantees such as:

  • coverage of search and rescue costs,
  • the insured traveller’s trip home if they must interrupt their stay because of an emergency,
  • transportation, accommodation and travel insurance for a relative to come visit the hospitalised or ill traveller if they are alone…

Other guarantees are also available. Starting price at €33 a week for a coverage of up to €100,000.

AXA Multi-Trip

It meets all the Schengen Visa requirements. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders .

It covers the 27 Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including Cyprus, Bulgaria, the Republic of Ireland and Romania) + the UK. Its additional guarantees are the same as those of Europe Travel. It offers a €100,000 coverage at a starting price of €328 a year.

Comparative table of the 3 AXA Schengen travel insurance options

If you want to find out more, make sure to read the following articles:

The 27 countries of the Schengen area:

  • https://www.axa-schengen.com/en/countries-schengen-area

Which countries can I visit with Schengen travel insurance?

  • https://www.axa-schengen.com/en/schengen-visa-insurance/countries

Which countries are the easiest to obtain a Schengen visa from?

  • https://www.axa-schengen.com/en/easiest-country-to-obtain-a-Schengen-Visa-from

How long does it take to get a Schengen Visa?

  • https://www.axa-schengen.com/en/schengen-visa/processing-time

What mandatory guarantees must a Schengen visa insurance meet to be accepted?

To be accepted with your Schengen visa application, your international medical insurance must meet several criteria: medical expenses covered up to at least €30,000, coverage of repatriation (sanitary or of the body in case of death) - it must remain valid during the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area- it must cover all the countries of the Schengen zone and it must be valid in all countries part of the Schengen area even if you do not intend on visiting them.

What does a certified Schengen visa insurance mean?

It means that the insurance company where you have subscribed your travel insurance is officially recognized as valid by the consulates and embassies of the Schengen countries. If the international medical insurance is not considered as valid your visa application will be denied.

Can Schengen visa travel insurance subscription be refunded if the visa application is denied?

Some companies –such as AXA Schengen insurance- guarantee the refund of the subscription fee if the visa application is denied. A written proof supporting the refusal and delivered by the consulates and embassies will need to be provided.

Get Schengen insurance

Copyright AXA Assistance 2023 © AXA Assistance is represented by INTER PARTNER ASSISTANCE SA/NV, a public limited liability company governed by Belgian law with registered office at Regentlaan 7, 1000 Brussel, Belgium – Insurance company authorized by the National Bank of Belgium under number 0487 and registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under number 0415 591 055 – RPR Brussels- VAT BE0415 591 055

AXA Travel Insurance Global | AXA Assicurazione Viaggio | AXA Assurance Voyage | AXA Seguros y asistencia en viajes | AXA Seguro de viagem

When you need to renew a passport to travel to Europe

  • Wednesday 27 March 2024 at 12:10pm

schengen europe travel

Since Brexit , passport rules for UK visitors to the European Union (EU) have tightened up.

But many people may not be aware of the finer print, and some families are finding themselves thousands of pounds out of pocket when they have been banned from boarding flights due to the rule changes.

So what exactly are the rules for British travellers to the EU, and how can you avoid a passport disaster if you're jetting off for the Easter holidays?

How have the rules changed?

When the UK was a member of the EU, British passports remained valid up to and including their expiry date for travel to other EU countries.

But post-Brexit, British passport holders wishing to travel to EU countries in the Schengen Area are treated as non-EU nationals. This includes popular tourism destinations such as Portugal and Greece.

As such, they must meet two key requirements, as outlined on the EU's Your Europe website . If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:

which is valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting;

which was issued within the previous 10 years.

This means you should really be looking at the date of issue when checking if you need to renew, as well as the expiry date.

It may appear that your passport is within date, but if it hasn't been issued in the past 10 years you could be stopped from boarding your plane or ferry.

Have you heard our new podcast Talking Politics? Every week Tom, Robert and Anushka dig into the biggest issues dominating the political agenda…

According to the government's website, for some Schengen countries, once the three-months-remaining rule is taken into account, a passport needs to have been issued no more than nine years and nine months ago.

What is the Schengen Area?

The border-free Schengen Area is made up of 27 countries and guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists.

It is comprised of most EU countries, except for Croatia, Cyprus, and Ireland. Bulgaria and Romania will be part of the Schengen Area as of March 31 2024. The non-EU countries Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are also part of the area.

Aren't all passports only valid for 10 years?

Until September 2018, the UK had a policy that meant you could claim credit on 'unspent' time when renewing your passport, so you could be issued with a passport that was valid for up to 10 years and nine months.

People who took advantage of this policy could now find themselves caught out.

Do the rules affect children's passports?

Passports for under-16s are usually valid for five years, so there should be no chance of breaching the 10-year rule.

But be careful of the three-months-remaining rule, which states your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave the country. Children's passports are more likely to get caught out by this rule as their passports don't last as long.

Am I covered if I get caught out?

Unfortunately, if you don't make sure your passport will be accepted before you travel, you are unlikely to get back any money you lose.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, told ITV News: “There has been confusion over guidance for travel to the EU. Passports must be issued within 10 years of entry into your destination country and remain in date for at least three months after the day you plan to return to the UK.

“It is essential to ensure your passport is valid when you are due to travel and return home. Otherwise you risk losing the money for your flight or holiday as your provider will not refund you, and insurance will not cover you for the error.”

Do the rules apply anywhere else in the world?

These rules are specific to Schengen Area countries. If you are travelling to the rest of the world you should check the individual rules for entering those countries on the government website .

When should I renew my passport?

To be on the safe side, it's best to apply to renew your passport before it is nine years and nine months old.

You should allow up to 10 weeks to receive your passport, so you should apply for it at least 10 weeks before you're due to travel. The Passport Office say people usually get their passports within three weeks.

You can apply online (£82.50) or by post with a paper form (£93). Passport costs are set to increase by more than 7% in April, the Home Office announced this month.

If you need a passport urgently, you can pay more for the fast track service . The one-week service costs £155 for an adult passport and £126 for a child passport, while the one-day premium service costs £193.50, or £204.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…

schengen europe travel

When do I need to renew my passport for travel to Europe?

Since Brexit , the rules on passport validity for British visitors to the European Union have tightened.

Gone are the days when you could travel to the EU at any point before your travel document expired; the UK is now a “third country”, with rules to match.

Added confusion has come in the form of the UK’s own HM Passport Office, which has continued to give out incorrect information regarding child passport expiry dates .

These are the key questions and answers based on EU rules.

What’s changed?

While the UK was in the European Union, British passports were valid up to and including their expiry date for travel within the EU. But since the end of the Brexit transition phase, British passport holders are treated as “third country nationals” with stipulations about passport issue and expiry dates – together with limits on the length of stay almost everywhere in Europe.

For the avoidance of doubt, these are not “new EU rules” – they were decided while the UK was in the European Union.

What is required for my passport to be valid?

The requirements for the Schengen Area – comprising most EU countries plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and a handful of micro-states – are crisply expressed on the Travel page of the European Union’s Your Europe site : “If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:

  • valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
  • which was issued within the previous 10 years.”

(All children’s passports meet this latter condition – see below.)

For the avoidance of doubt, there is no problem travelling to Europe with a passport issued for over 10 years, so long as it is under 10 years old on the date of departure to the EU and will have three months remaining on the date of return.

Why the line about ‘issued within the previous 10 years’?

For many years, until September 2018, the UK had a generous policy of allowing credit for “unspent” time when renewing a passport, issuing documents valid for up to 10 years and nine months.

So a passport issued on 31 October 2012 could show an expiry date of 31 July 2023.

This was fine around Europe and the world for decade – until Brexit, whereupon a longstanding rule kicked in. For non-members of the EU hoping to enter the Schengen Area, a passport must have been issued in the past 10 years.

With a passport issued on 31 October 2012, regardless of the expiry date, you’re not allowed to enter the EU post-1 November 2022.

Until September 2018 the government appeared unaware of the problem. Once the issue was identified, the practice of giving up to nine months’ grace ended abruptly.

Are the “issued less than 10 years ago” and “valid for three months” rules combined?

No. There is no need to have a passport issued less than nine years, nine months ago. The two conditions are independent of one another.

The Migration and Home Affairs Department of the European Commission in Brussels told me: “Entry should be allowed to those travelling with passports issued within the previous 10 years at the moment of entry into the Schengen area.

“The condition that the passport must have been issued within the previous 10 years does not extend for the duration of the intended stay. It is enough if this condition is fulfilled at the moment of entry.

“To give a practical example, a non-EU traveller arriving on 1 December 2021 for a 20-days stay in the EU with a passport issued on 2 December 2011 and valid until 2 April 2022 will be allowed entry.”

If I get wrongly turned away, what are my rights?

For flights: you can claim denied boarding compensation (either £220 or £350, depending on the length of the flight) and associated costs – for example, booking another flight on a rival airline, or for wasted car rental and hotel expenses that cannot be reclaimed.

I’ve just read a report saying I need six months remaining for Europe?

Some news outlets, regrettably, continue to publish incorrect information. Ignore it.

Does that 10-year-plus rule apply anywhere else in the world?

No as far as I am aware. The concern around the date of issue is relevant only for travel to the European Union – not for the rest of the world.

For destinations outside EU, the only significant consideration is the expiry date. And for destinations such as Australia, the US and Canada, your passport is valid up to and including this date.

So with that passport expiring on 31 July 2023, you could be in New York until that very day (though you would need to get a daytime flight back to avoid your passport running out en route.

Read the Independent ’s guide to how many months you need left on your passport to travel worldwide

What about children?

Passports for under-16s are typically valid for five years (plus any extra credit). A child’s passport issued for five years and nine months is clearly within the 10-year limit, and there is no possibility of breaching that condition.

(During 2021, the Home Office’s defective passport checker stripped all extra credit, which was both wrong and unhelpful. The online checker has now been switched off.)

But beware of the three-months-remaining-on-exit rule, which children are more likely to fall foul of because of the shorter duration of their passports.

What about this 90/180 day rule?

For trips to the Schengen area (most EU nations plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and some small countries) British passport holders can stay a maximum of 90 days in any 180. That’s roughly three months in six.

it is tricky to explain, but I shall do my best. Imagine a calendar that stretches back almost six months from today. What happened more than 180 days ago is irrelevant. What counts is the number of days you were either inside (I) or outside (O) the Schengen Area in the past 180 days.

You can easily keep count on a calendar yourself, either printed or digital.

If “I” hits 90, you must leave that day and stay out for almost three months, to accumulate 90 “Os” in a row. Then you can go back in, for a maximum of 90 days.

During the course of a calendar year, it could work like this (assuming no travel to the EU in the previous six months).

  • 1 January: enter the EU and stay for 90 days until the last day of March, when you must leave.
  • 1 April: remain outside for 90 days, which takes you to 29 June.
  • 30 June: enter the EU and stay for 90 days, until 27 September. Then leave.
  • 28 September: remain outside the EU until 26 December.

For longer stays, some countries offer visas that allow British citizens to remain for months on end. If you get one of these, then the time spent in that country does not count towards the “90/180” rule – in other words, you can explore other EU countries with a fresh calendar.

What about non-Schengen EU members?

For British visitors to Ireland , there are no limits on passport validity. Indeed, a passport is not legally mandatory for British travellers to the republic, though some airlines insist on it.

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania have identical rules to the Schengen Area: passport issued in the past 10 years, and with three months validity remaining on the day of leaving the country. But time spent in any of these nations does not contribute to the “90/180” day total.

Help! My passport is full of stamps and I have no space left. Will I be turned away?

No, even though Eurostar warns British passport holders : “Check that you have a clear page in your passport as it will need to be stamped with your travel date when you’re travelling to and from the EU.”

The EU’s Practical Handbook for Border Guards is explicit about a “document enabling a third-country national to cross the border [that] is no longer suitable for affixing a stamp, as there are no longer available pages”.

It says: “In such a case, the third-country national should be recommended to apply for a new passport, so that stamps can continue to be affixed there in the future.

“However, as an exception – and particularly in the case of regular cross-border commuters – a separate sheet can be used, to which further stamps can be affixed. The sheet must be given to the third-country national.

“In any case, the lack of empty pages in a passport is not, in itself, a valid and sufficient ground to refuse the entry of a person.”

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The EU Schengen Information System helps combat serious crime and terrorism

The image displays a short text saying: This system helps prevent terrorist activity.

The 29-year-old passenger landed in Amsterdam and claimed he had no passport. When the border guards ran his fingerprints against the Schengen Information System (SIS), they found out he was wanted by Germany for financing terrorist activities. This story shows how dozens of terrorist suspects are caught every year thanks to the Schengen Information System .

It has been one year since the SIS was upgraded with new categories of alerts, including biometrics, such as palmprints, fingerprints and DNA records for missing persons, and additional tools to combat serious crime and terrorism. These upgrades further equip national authorities, providing them with more complete and reliable information to enhance security and border management in Europe.

The Schengen Information System is the largest information sharing system for security and border management in Europe. It provides information on wanted or missing persons, third-country nationals with no legal right to stay in the European Union, and lost or stolen objects, such as cars, firearms, boats and identity documents.

Thanks to the SIS, competent national authorities , such as police and border guards, can access and consult alerts  on wanted persons and objects in one common European database. These persons and objects can then be located anywhere within the EU and the Schengen area during police, border or other lawful checks.

Find out more about the true story of a terrorist suspect who was arrested thanks to SIS

More on SIS:

Schengen Information System

EU Schengen Information System saves lives

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  1. Schengen Area Countries

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  2. List of 27 Schengen Countries in Europe: Map, Details & Features

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  3. Map of the Schengen Area, Europe's Border-free Travel Zone

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  4. Schengen visa : all you need to know about it to travel Europe

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  5. The Schengen Visa

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  6. Detailed Guide on the Schengen Countries Area

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COMMENTS

  1. Schengen Visa & EU Travel Entry Requirements

    A Schengen visa is a permit that allows you to enter and travel freely within the Schengen Area, which comprises 27 European countries, for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, primarily for tourism or business purposes. It includes both short-stay visas for travel or transit through a Schengen state and airport transit visas.

  2. Schengen Area

    Schengen Area. The border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 425 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes (anyone legally present in the EU). Free movement of persons enables every EU citizen to travel, work and live in an ...

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  5. The Schengen area explained

    The Schengen area is one of the main achievements of the European project. It started in 1985 as an intergovernmental project between five EU countries- France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg - and has gradually expanded to become the largest free travel area in the world. Schengen is the name of a small village in ...

  6. Schengen: a guide to the European border-free zone

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  7. Schengen Area

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  8. Travelling to the EU and Schengen area

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  10. U.S. Travelers in Europe's Schengen Area

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  11. Schengen Europe Travel Insurance

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  12. Schengen Agreement

    The Schengen Agreement (English: / ˈ ʃ ɛ ŋ ə n / SHENG-ən, Luxembourgish: [ˈʃæŋən] ⓘ) is a treaty which led to the creation of Europe's Schengen Area, in which internal border checks have largely been abolished.It was signed on 14 June 1985, near the town of Schengen, Luxembourg, by five of the ten member states of the then European Economic Community.

  13. New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

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  19. Schengen Travel Insurance: How to choose the best one

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  20. When you need to renew a passport to travel to Europe

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  22. IATA

    The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is due to come into effect in mid-2025. Find out everything you need to know. ... Currently, the standard method for identifying a multiple-entry Schengen visa involves examining the "Number of entries" indicated on the Schengen visa sticker or scanning the machine-readable ...

  23. European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

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  24. When do I need to renew my passport for travel to Europe?

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  25. Germany to impose security checks on all its borders during soccer's

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  26. EU's Schengen Information System helps combat serious crime and

    The Schengen Information System is the largest information sharing system for security and border management in Europe. It provides information on wanted or missing persons, third-country nationals with no legal right to stay in the Union and lost or stolen objects (such as cars, firearms, boats and identity documents).

  27. Europe's 5 Most Stressful Airports to Travel Through This Easter

    Five of the world's most stressful airports are located in European countries. London Gatwick Airport has emerged as the most stressful airport at both European and global levels. The ranking was based on a survey of 1,642 air passengers from 53 different nationalities, each of whom had taken at least two international trips in 2023.