travel within eu without passport

Travelling in Europe Without A Passport: Everything You Need to Know

Travelling in Europe without a passport for a short stay (less than 90 days) is possible. It all depends on where the traveler is coming from and where they are going on the continent. To better understand the regulations, we must first distinguish between three entities:  

Europe is a continent made up of about 50 countries, including the 27 member countries of the European Union and the 26 member countries of the Schengen Area. 

The European Union is a supranational political and economic organisation with its own institutions (such as the European Parliament). It is based on a single market that guarantees four freedoms of movement between Member States, including the free movement of people. It is composed of 27 Member States:

- Germany  - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria (currently joining the Schengen Area) - Cyprus (outside Schengen) - Croatia (currently joining the Schengen Area) - Denmark - Spain - Estonia - Finland - France - Greece - Hungary - Ireland (outside Schengen) - Italy - Lithuania - Latvia - Luxembourg - Malta - The Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Czech Republic - Romania (currently joining the Schengen Area) - Slovakia - Slovenia - Sweden.

The Schengen Area is a zone of free movement of people, which means without systematic identity checks at internal borders. It includes 22 of the 27 EU Member States and 4 Associate States: - Germany - Austria - Belgium - Denmark - Spain - Estonia - Finland - France - Greece - Hungary - Iceland (non-EU) - Italy - Latvia - Liechtenstein (non-EU) - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Norway (non-EU) - The Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Czech Republic - Slovakia - Slovenia - Sweden - Switzerland (non-EU)

You Can Travel in Europe Without A Passport If...

- You are a citizen of one of the European Union or Schengen Area Member States (see list above), - Your destination is one of the European Union or Schengen Area Member States (see list above), 

If these two conditions are met, then you can travel in Europe without a passport, even by plane. However, you will need a valid national identity card. 

Are you traveling in the Schengen Area? You can cross the borders between Schengen Area countries without an identity check, but be aware that you may be subject to checks once in the country. So remember to keep your valid passport or ID card with you at all times.

  Don't Forget Your EHIC

At least 2 weeks before departure, don’t forget to apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card covers all European Union citizens for medically necessary health care during a stay in a European Union country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Do you need additional insurance to cover repatriation and, depending on your situation, supplement national health care coverage? With Europ Assistance's Schengen travel insurance, you can choose between two policies with 24/7 emergency travel assistance in any Schengen Area country for as long as you wish. 

You Need A Passport for Travel in Europe If... 1/2

- You are not a citizen of one of the European Union or Schengen Area Member States (see list above), - Your destination is one of the European Union or Schengen Area Member States (see list above), 

In this case, traveling in Europe without a passport is not permitted. Upon arrival in a Schengen Area member country by plane or train, you must show your valid passport, issued less than 10 years ago and valid for at least 3 months after your planned exit date. But that's not all. 

  Would You Like to Travel in the Schengen Area for Less Than 90 days for Tourism, Business or to See Family?

Depending on your nationality , in addition to a valid passport, a Schengen short-stay visa (type C or uniform Schengen visa) may be required. Finally, whether or not you have a visa, the border police may ask for supporting documents upon your arrival in a Schengen member country, including:  - Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay  - Proof of sufficient financial resources (amount differs depending on the Schengen country) - A return ticket or proof of sufficient financial means to book one - Documents justifying the reason for your trip (professional or personal) - Proof of insurance covering all medical, hospital and death expenses that may be incurred during your entire stay in France, including medical repatriation expenses. 

Choose peace of mind for your visa application or when crossing the border with Schengen travel insurance policies from Europ Assistance . Recognised and accepted by Schengen embassies and consulates throughout the world, our policies cover your medical expenses for up to 60,000 euros in case of illness or accident in one of the Member States of the Schengen Area, as well as additional coverage, available here .

  Would You Like to Travel in the Schengen Area for Paid Work and/or A Stay of More Than 90 days?  

Whatever your nationality (outside the European Union and the Schengen Area), you must apply for a work visa or a long-stay visa (type D) directly from the country you wish to visit. Find out everything you need to know about long-stay visas in France here .

You Also Need A Passport for Travel in Europe If... 2/2

- You are a citizen of one of the European Union or Schengen Area Member States (see list above), - Your destination is a country on the European continent that is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area. 

Are you a French citizen? Find out which identity document (passport, national identity card) and, if applicable, which visa you need to travel to your destination in Europe with this official simulator .  Are you a citizen of another country? Check with the embassy or consulate of the European country where you wish to travel.  

  Entering France with a Schengen Visa from Another Country

You can do so if your Schengen visa allows it. To check, read the Schengen visa sticker affixed to your passport. If it says SCHENGEN STATES, this visa authorises you to enter all the countries of the Schengen Area. If the initials of one or more countries are indicated, it means that a territorial restriction applies. In this case, you can travel only to the listed countries. More information is available here .

If you are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa to travel within the Schengen Area for less than 90 days, you can travel to all Schengen countries. However, you must respect the 90-day period, which includes all countries.    Can I Travel in the Schengen Area with A Receipt?

The document referred to here is a residence permit receipt. According to the law, it is a “document that proves that your application for a residence permit at your prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of residence has been received. It authorises you to stay in France for the specified period.” The interpretation of these words leads us to answer that no, you cannot travel in the Schengen Area with a receipt. 

Would you like to return to France with a receipt after leaving the Schengen Area?  If you have a receipt for your first application for a residence permit, you must apply for a return visa at the French consulate in the country where you are staying.  If you have a residence permit renewal receipt, you can return to France with your receipt, your expired residence permit and a valid passport. In both cases, you will have to prove that you meet the entry requirements (proof of residence, financial resources, etc.).   

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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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Annie André

About the author

I'm Annie André, a bilingual North American with Thai and French Canadian roots. I've lived in France since 2011. When I'm not eating cheese, drinking wine or hanging out with my husband and children, I write articles on my personal blog annieandre.com for intellectually curious people interested in all things France: Life in France, travel to France, French culture, French language, travel and more.

Travelling in the EU

Your rights & eu rules.

As an EU national, you enjoy the right of free movement. This means you’re entitled to travel, work and live in another EU country. If you’re a citizen of a Schengen country  – which is most EU countries – you’re also free to travel to other Schengen countries without the need for border checks.

As an EU national, you can also benefit from EU-wide passenger rights for travel into, out of or within the EU by air, rail, bus/coach or ship. You can travel with pets and other animals in the EU provided you comply with the rules (pet passports). There are EU limits on taking alcohol, tobacco or cash with you to another EU country. Each EU country can set its own limits or restrictions, so check before you go.

Travelling to or within the EU? Follow the links below to check which documents you need to take.

Documents you need to travel in the EU

Information on travel documents needed by EU nationals, non-EU national family members, non-EU nationals and children when entering the EU or travelling across it. Find out what to do if you lose your passport or it expires when travelling in the EU.

Public Register of Authentic travel and identity Documents Online (PRADO)

View authorised travel and identity documents issued by EU countries and Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

Schengen – ID-free travel zone

What is it.

The Schengen area is a travel zone without borders between the 29 Schengen countries. It allows EU nationals and many non-EU nationals to travel freely without border checks. Since 1985, it’s kept growing, and now covers almost all EU countries and a few non-EU countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland). It guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU nationals.

Any person, irrespective of nationality, can travel between Schengen countries without going through border checks. However, national authorities can carry out police checks at borders between these countries and in border areas.

Having abolished their internal borders, Schengen countries have also tightened controls at their common external borders on the basis of Schengen rules to ensure the security of those living or travelling in the Schengen area.

See all the Schengen countries

Common visa policy

The common visa policy enables non-EU visitors to make transit or short stays to the Schengen area. A short-stay visa issued by one of the Schengen countries generally entitles them to travel through all Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

In practice, this means that if you’re cleared to enter one Schengen country, you can travel to any of the other Schengen countries without having to show your travel document again.

Follow the links below for more information about your rights when travelling in the EU.

What can you take with you?

Information on what you can take with you when travelling in the EU, including pets, food, alcohol, tobacco and cash. Find out the luggage restrictions when flying from an airport in the EU and which EU countries use the euro.

Air passenger rights

Information on where and when EU air passenger rights apply and how to make a complaint. Find out who to contact if you need help or advice with your claim.

Assistance for travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility

Information on your rights if you’re travelling in the EU with a disability or reduced mobility. See if you’re entitled to an EU disabled parking permit.

Further information

Using the euro

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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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Travelling within the Schengen Area with a residence permit or visa

You want to travel within the Schengen Area. Find out which countries belong to the Schengen Area and with which document you are allowed to travel within it. Also find out how long you are allowed to travel within the Schengen Area with that document.

Schengen countries

Documents required to travel within the schengen area, the netherlands is part of the schengen area. the schengen area consists of different european countries. there are no border controls within the schengen area. the schengen area consists of the following countries:.

• Czech Republic
• Denmark (without the Faeroes and Greenland)
• France (without French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion)
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Norway (without Spitsbergen)
• Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira)
• Spain (including the Balearic and Canary Islands)
• Switzerland

Cyprus and Ireland are not Schengen countries.

Do you want to travel within the Schengen Area? Then you need specific documents. Find out with which document you are allowed to travel within the Schengen Area and how long you are allowed to travel with that document.

Passport or other travel document always required.

You always need a passport or other travel document for a journey abroad. This is also the case for a journey within the Schengen Area. Your passport or travel document must not have been issued more than 10 years ago. The passport or other travel document must also be valid for at least another 3 months after you leave the Schengen Area.

Travellers with the nationality of a Schengen country

Travellers with the nationality of a Schengen country are free to travel to all countries in the Schengen Area. They do not need any extra document besides their passport or other travel document.

Travellers with residence permits

What if you do not have the nationality of a Schengen country but do have a valid Dutch residence permit? Then you are allowed to be in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Besides your passport or other travel document, take your residence permit with you when you travel.

Travelling in the Netherlands after your residence permit has expired

Is your residence permit expiring and you will not continue to live in the Netherlands? But do you wish to stay in the Netherlands for an additional maximum of 90 days after the end of your permit? Read about a short stay after end of residence permit .

Travellers with a provisional residence permit (mvv)

Do you not have a residence permit, but you do have a valid provisional residence permit (in Dutch: machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf or MVV)? Then you are allowed to enter and exit the Netherlands and other countries in the Schengen Area. The MVV is a sticker in your passport.

Other travellers

You do not have the nationality of a Schengen country. Nor do you have a valid residence permit or valid provisional residence permit (MVV). In that case you sometimes need a visa to travel in the Schengen Area. This can be a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa.

No visa needed

Do you not need a visa? Then you are allowed to be in the Schengen Area in the visa-free period for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. In this period you are allowed to enter and exit the Schengen Area several times. You do not need an extra document besides your passport or other travel document.

Do you want to be in another Schengen country for a short stay? Then you do not have to first leave the Schengen Area. Do contact the authorities of the country you want to visit.  

Single entry visa

You have a valid single-entry Schengen visa. You may enter the Schengen Area once with this visa. You may be in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. When you arrive in the Schengen Area, you must show that the Netherlands is your destination.

Multiple entry visa

You have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa. You may enter and exit the Schengen Area several times with this visa. You may be in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The first time you enter the Schengen Area you must show that the Netherlands is your destination.

• Travelling with a residence permit and return visa
• Apply for a Schengen visa

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

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 Cyprus

Cyprus is not in the Schengen area. You can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in Cyprus without a visa.

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

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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Freedom of movement in the EU

Introduction, which eu and national laws apply to free movement, what does freedom of movement mean, staying in another eu state for up to 90 days, staying in another eu state for over 90 days, family members, restrictions on freedom of movement, what to do if your free movemen trights are denied, refugees and asylum seekers, further information.

Citizens of EU member states are automatically citizens of the European Union . This means that they can move freely around the countries of the EU, and have the right to live in those other countries if they meet certain conditions.

Freedom of movement applies to all EU member states, although restrictions can be placed on new members to the EU. It also applies to Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein (who make up the EEA alongside the 27 EU member states) and Switzerland.

UK citizens have the separate right to live and work in Ireland through the Common Travel Area . Irish citizens have the same rights to live and work in the UK.

Article 45 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union grants free movement to workers. The Maastricht Treaty 1992 created EU citizenship and widened the scope of free movement. EU treaties have direct effect in Ireland, which means that the treaties are part of Irish law.

EU Directive 2004/38/EC (known as the ‘Citizens’ Rights Directive’) sets out rules that member states must follow, including how free movement applies to family members of EU citizens, and what happens to the EU citizen’s residence rights if they lose their job, or become ill. EU Directive 2004/38/EC was transposed (or was entered into Irish law) by European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 .

You can read about how EU law works .

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to move freely within the territory of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland. When they are lawfully in one of those countries, they should not be treated differently from citizens of that country in terms of:

• Access to employment
• Working conditions
• Access to training
• Access to trade unions
• Access to (for example) housing, education, education for their children

As an EU citizen, EEA or Swiss national, you can travel within the territory of the European Union, the EEA and Switzerland. You do not need a visa to travel to another EU, EEA country or Switzerland and your passport should not be stamped upon exiting your country or entering another country.

EU countries must not set conditions (other than needing a passport or national identity card, or to report their presence to the authorities) for EU citizens to enter their country.

This means that you should not be asked to prove that you have an offer of employment, money to live off, are registered with a college, or have any other particular business or purpose to visiting the EU member state.

EU citizens, EEA or Swiss nationals who arrive in Ireland must have a passport or national identity card. If you are travelling in mainland Europe, you may be allowed to move between countries without showing your passport or identity card (in the Schengen Area ).

Family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, who are not citizens themselves, may have to apply for a visa to enter Ireland. See ‘ Family members ’ below.

Your right to stay in an EU, EEA country or Switzerland for up to 90 days could be cancelled if you become an unreasonable burden on the social assistance system of the member state. If you have recently moved to Ireland, have not been able to find work, and have no money to support yourself, the Irish state does not have to pay you social assistance. See ‘ Restrictions on freedom of movement ' below.

If you want to remain in an EU, EEA state or Switzerland for more than 90 days, you may be asked to show that you are:

• In employment
• Self-employed
• A full time student with health insurance and money to support yourself
• You have money to support yourself and health insurance (for you and your family) without state assistance

Qualifying family members of EU citizens, EEA nationals and Swiss citizens from these categories also have a right to live in another state for more than 90 days. See ‘ Family members ’ below for more information.

If you stay in another EU or EEA state or Switzerland for over 90 days and are not in any of the above categories, you could be given a Removal Order.

In Ireland, EU, EEA or Swiss citizens do not have to register their presence in the State with the authorities. This means that you will not have to show that you are in one of the above categories unless:

• Your spouse, partner or dependent family member is not from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and is applying for residence
• You apply for a social assistance payment and must satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition
• You apply for permanent residency for yourself, or your family (this is available after 5 years’ lawful residence)

You can read more about residence rights of EEA citizens .

Free movement applies to certain family members, even if they are not EU, EEA or Swiss citizens. This means that certain family members can live in another EU, EEA member state or Switzerland if you can show that you are lawfully resident there.

Free movement does not generally apply to EU, EEA or Swiss nationals, when they are living in their own country of nationality. This means that family members of EU, EEA or Swiss nationals may have stronger residence rights in a particular country than a family member of a national of that country.

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national and you plan to move to Ireland with your non-EU/EEA or Swiss family, you should check if they need a visa to enter Ireland . They can only apply for residence from within the State. The application process for a visa and for residence depends on the relationship between you and your family member.

Qualifying and permitted family members

Visas for qualified family members should be free of charge and fast-tracked, and applications for residency should be free of charge and processed within 6 months. The following are qualifying family members :

• Your spouse or civil partner
• Your child or the child of your spouse under the age of 21
• Your grandchild or your spouse’s grandchild under the age of 21
• Your dependent parent, or dependent parent of your spouse
• Your dependent grandparent, or the dependent grandparent of your spouse
• Other direct, dependent descendants or direct, dependent relatives in the ascending line (for example, great grandparents or great grandchildren) of either you or your spouse

Children over 21 are generally considered qualifying family members if they are in education, or are dependent on you due to an illness or disability. You will have to show that your parents or grandparents (or the parents or grandparents of your spouse) were dependent on you before they came to Ireland.

Other family members may also be given residence. They are permitted family members and include:

• Your partner
• Any relative who is part of your household
• Any relative who needs your personal care because of illness or disability

Other family members have rights of residence based on decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union (for example, parents of EU citizens and parents of Irish citizens ).

The residence rights of the non-EU/EEA/Swiss family members may continue following the death of, or break-up in relationship with, the EU/EEA or Swiss citizen if certain conditions have been met.

When lawfully resident, those family members are also entitled to work in the host country. After 5 years of legal residence family members may apply for permanent residence.

You can read more about residence rights of family members of EEA citizens .

A member state can restrict free movement on the grounds of:

• Public policy
• Public security
• Public health

This means that you could be expelled from the EU/EEA country or Switzerland where you live in some circumstances. The longer you have lived legally in that country, the stronger the safeguards against being removed and returned to your country of nationality.

A Removal Order cannot be disproportionate . In other words, a country could be breaking EU law if they remove you without good reason and without an examination of the facts of your case.

Before a decision is made on granting a Removal Order against you, the member state must consider:

• The length of your stay in the country
• How well you are integrated (for example, your work history)
• Your age and health
• How removing you would impact other family members who would remain in the State
• The links you have to your country of origin

You may also be removed if you have lost your residency rights. This could happen if you have not found work after 3 months of residence and are not able to support yourself.

Freedom of movement rights can be denied in a number of ways. For example:

• You could be denied entry to another EU/EEA country or Switzerland
• You could face discrimination in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland that prevents you from accessing the labour market
• You could be removed from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland for reasons other than those that are allowed in EU law
• Your family could be denied the right to join you in the EU/EEA country or Switzerland where you live
• You have been denied healthcare, public housing, or another State service that is provided to nationals of the country
• Your qualifications have not been recognised in the new EU/EEA country or Switzerland

You can contact one of the organisations listed below if you want advice on your rights as an EU,EEA or Swiss national, or wish to make a complaint about your treatment in that country.

Europe Direct offers advice on its Freephone number and runs local offices in each member state.

Your Europe Advice offers information and advice about EU rights on its website and through its legal advisers.

You can make a formal complaint to the European Commission if you believe your rights as an EU citizen have been breached.

You can make a complaint to SOLVIT. SOLVIT can investigate complaints about EU rights. It will not generally investigate complaints where court action is already underway, and it does not handle consumer complaints.

If you have claimed asylum in an EU member state, then you must stay in that country while your application is being processed. The Dublin III Regulation sets out the rules on where a claim for international protection (asylum) should be made within the European Union.

You can read more about the EU and how it works in our documents:

• European Union
• EU institutions
• The euro area

Related documents

• Council of the European Union The Council of the European Union consists of one government minister from every member state. The Council is part of the law making process in the European Union. 2887.9553
• Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) The Court of Justice of the European Union ensures that European law is interpreted and applied in each member state. Find out about the other important functions of this court. 2845.0957
• Residence rights of EU citizens and their families in Ireland EEA nationals have the right to travel to Ireland and do not require a residence permit to remain here. There are however some limits on these rights. 2725.263

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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General information on travelling in the EU

EU citizens are entitled to travel to any other EU country without any special formalities. In order to travel to other EU countries, travellers simply have to possess and carry a valid passport or a valid ID card .

At least one of these two documents should be carried at all times, as checks may be carried out at internal borders for reasons of public order or national security. A driver's licence does not count as a travel document or as proof of identity.

In general, Austrian citizens need a valid passport or identity card to leave the country and to enter it. This results from the provisions of the Passgesetz.

Although for certain countries a passport which has expired not more than five years ago may still be used, it is strongly recommended that you use a valid passport . Generally speaking, the entry requirements of the country to/through which you are travelling should be observed, as well as the terms and conditions of your chosen carrier ( e.g. airline).

In addition, on trips by air, certain airlines' conditions of carriage may prohibit passengers from flying with an expired passport.

Another important point to note is that children must also carry their own passport or ID card during the journey.

For children (up to the age of 18) travelling to Austria without their legal guardian , you should provide (in addition to passport) an informal declaration of consent for foreign travel. This declaration should be accompanied by a copy of the birth certificate of the child and a copy of the passport of their legal guardian. If the child's surname is different from that of their guardian, it is also recommended that they take a copy of their parents' marriage certificate . You will find a template for a declaration of consent on the website of → ÖAMTC or → ARBÖ . Additional requirements may apply when entering other EU countries .

In European Union countries, no residence permit is required for stays of up to three months.

However, registration is necessary in most cases. Usually, these registration formalities are done automatically in hotels, guest houses, apartments, etc. by filling in a form upon arrival.

For stays of more than three months, it is usually necessary to submit a declaration of residency.

In Austria , guests in tourist accommodation ( e.g. hotels, guest houses, B&Bs , privately rented rooms) must register within 24 hours of their arrival by entering their details in the register of guests.

Travelling for non-EU nationals

Find information about travel documents for non-EU nationals and their family members

Travel documents for non-EU family of EU citizens Visas, visa exemptions, applying for a visa, arrival at a border without an entry visa, entry refusal.

Travel documents for non-EU nationals Information on passport and visa requirements for non-EU nationals.

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