Tourist VISA - European Union
Tourist Visas to Visit European Union Countries:
Entry Requirements Explained
&
Contact details where to obtain tourist visas'
Please Note: We endeavor to provide accurate information using internet resources & AI; However, errors can occur.
Always confirm Tourist VISA Requirements At Relevant Consulates.
Countries
The purpose of applying for ETIAS -
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is not a visa,
but the mandatory electronic travel authorization required for visa-exempt nationals (e.g., from the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, etc.)
to enter most European Union (EU) countries within the Schengen Area.
Why ETIAS Is Necessary:
Enhance Security:
Screens travelers before arrival to detect potential threats such as terrorism, organized crime, or health risks.
Better Border Control:
Allows EU countries to manage visa-free travel more efficiently while keeping their borders safe.
Quick and Automated Process:
Replaces traditional visa checks with a fast online pre-travel check, usually approved within minutes to 72 hours.
Track Visitors:
Helps track who is entering and exiting the Schengen Zone, strengthening immigration management.
Align with Global Standards:
Similar to systems like the US THIS or Canada's eTA, ETIAS brings the EU in line with other global travel authorization programs.
Who Needs ETIAS?
Citizens of 60+ visa-free countries, including:
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand, and others
When visiting European Union (EU) countries, tourist visa requirements depend on the nationality of the visitor.
The Schengen Visa is the most common type of tourist visa required to visit EU countries that are part of the Schengen Area.
Types of Tourist Visas for EU Countries
✅ 1. Schengen Visa (Type C – Short Stay Visa)
Most tourists who need a visa to enter Schengen Area countries (which includes most EU countries) apply for this.
Purpose: Tourism, family visit, business, medical treatment, etc.
Validity: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Covers: 27 Schengen countries including most EU members
Who Needs to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
Nationals from the following countries must apply for a Schengen tourist visa to visit the EU/Schengen Area:
🌍 Non-EU Countries that Require a Tourist Visa (Schengen Visa)
These travelers need to apply in advance before visiting:
Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia
Asia: India, Pakistan, China, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal
Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Jordan
Russia and CIS countries: Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
Caribbean & Latin America: Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guyana
Others: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, North Korea
🔹 Citizens of these countries must obtain a Schengen tourist visa to visit EU/Schengen states.
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from Canada Traveling to EU
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Canadian citizens can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day periodwithout a visa. For stays longer than 90 days, they must apply for a national visa or long-stay visa (type D) specific to the country they intend to stay in.
Canadian citizens must apply for ETIAS prior traveling to Europe
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Key Steps for Extended Stay (Over 90 Days):
Choose the country of primary residence – the application must be made to that specific country's embassy/consulate.
Apply for a National Visa (Type D) – not a Schengen visa.
Purpose of Stay – You must state the purpose (e.g., tourism, family visit, study, work, retirement, or cultural reasons).
Submit an Application – usually at the local consulate/embassy before departure or, in some cases, within the destination country (varies by country).
📋 Typical Required Documents:
Completed long-stay visa application form
Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
Recent passport-sized photos
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, rental agreement, etc.)
Travel and medical insurance (covering the duration of the stay)
Proof of financial means (bank statements, sponsorship letter)
Criminal background check (sometimes required)
Purpose-specific documents (e.g., letter of intent, host invitation, proof of enrollment if studying)
🕒 Processing Time:
Typically 15–60 days, depending on the country and visa type.
📍Where to Apply:
At the embassy or consulate of the EU country where you intend to stay the longest.
Appointments are usually required and should be booked well in advance
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from USA Traveling to EU
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General Rule:
U.S. passport holders can visit Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. For stays exceeding 90 days, they must apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) or national visa from the country they intend to remain in.
USA citizens must apply for ETIAS prior traveling to Europe
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Steps for Staying Over 90 Days:
Select the primary destination country – this determines where to apply.
Apply for a Long-Stay/National Visa (Type D) – this is not a Schengen visa.
Declare the purpose of your extended stay, such as:
Tourism (less common for long-stay)
Study or internship
Retirement
Family reunification
Residency without work
Freelance or remote work (if permitted)
📋 Typical Required Documents:
Long-stay visa application form
Valid U.S. passport (at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Passport-size photos (per specifications)
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, lease, or invitation letter)
Travel health insurance valid for duration of stay
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, pension statements, etc.)
Criminal background check (may be required)
Purpose-specific documents (e.g., letter of intent, school acceptance, retirement proof)
🕒 Processing Time:
Usually 15–60 days depending on the destination country, visa type, and workload.
📍Where to Apply:
Apply at the embassy or consulate of the specific EU country you intend to stay in before you travel.
Some countries do not allow switching from short-stay to long-stay status once in Europe.
ℹ️ Additional Notes:
Each EU country has its own visa policy and requirements for long stays.
Tourism-only long-stay visas are not common; countries may expect another reason for stays over 90 days.
Some countries (like France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain) offer long-stay visitor visas for retirees or extended tourism.
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from Mexico Traveling to EU
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Mexican citizens must apply for ETIAS prior traveling to Europe
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens of Mexico Visiting the European Union (Schengen Area)
✅ Do Mexican citizens need a tourist visa for the EU?
No, Mexican passport holders do not need a visa to enter Schengen Area countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
Key Entry Requirements for Mexican Tourists:
Valid Mexican Passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Must have been issued in the last 10 years.
Proof of Purpose of Travel
Hotel bookings, tour itineraries, or invitation letters from family/friends.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Evidence that you can support yourself financially during your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, sponsorship letter if applicable).
Return or Onward Ticket
Must show intent to leave the Schengen zone before the 90-day limit.
Travel Medical Insurance
Coverage of at least €30,000 valid across the entire Schengen zone.
🆕 ETIAS:
Beginning in mid-2025 (exact date pending), Mexican travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before visiting any Schengen country.
ETIAS is not a visa, but a mandatory pre-screening.
Application will cost approximately €7. (Fees may change without prior notice)
Valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.
Processed online and usually approved within minutes.
🌍 Countries You Can Visit Visa-Free (Schengen):
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, Switzerland.
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from South Africa Traveling to EU
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South African citizens must apply for ETIAS prior traveling to Europe
Tourist Visa Requirements for South African Citizens Visiting the European Union (Schengen Area)
❗Yes — South African passport holders are required to apply for a Schengen visa to travel to most EU countries for tourism.
🧾 Required Documents for a Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C):
Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
Signed and dated.
Valid South African Passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
Must have 2 blank pages and be issued in the last 10 years.
Two Recent Passport-Sized Photos
Must meet Schengen photo requirements.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservations or a letter of invitation if staying with friends/family.
Round-Trip Flight Reservation
Must show confirmed travel in and out of the Schengen area.
Travel Medical Insurance
Minimum coverage of €30,000, valid in all Schengen countries.
Proof of Financial Means
Recent bank statements (last 3 months), payslips, or sponsorship letter.
Proof of Employment or Study
Letter from employer or school/university confirming your status.
Visa Fee
€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12 years. Free for children under 6.
Cover Letter
Briefly explaining your itinerary and reason for travel.
📍 Where to Apply:
Apply at the embassy or consulate of the main country you are visiting (or the country of longest stay).
Many countries use visa outsourcing centers like TLScontact or VFS Global in South Africa.
Processing time: 15 working days, but apply at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
🌍 Schengen Countries Include:
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, Switzerland.
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from African States Traveling to EU
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Africa States citizens must apply for ETIAS prior traveling to Europe
Citizens from Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, and Mauritius generally need to apply for a Schengen tourist visa when visiting the European Union countries that are part of the Schengen Area, except Seychelles and Mauritius, which enjoy visa-free access for short stays. Below is a breakdown of visa requirements per country:
✅ 1. Seychelles & Mauritius
Visa Requirement:
No Schengen visa required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after departure from the Schengen area.
Must show return ticket, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation or sufficient funds.
❗️2. Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania
Visa Requirement:
Schengen visa required for tourism purposes.
Must apply at the consulate/embassy of the main destination (or first point of entry if staying equal time in multiple countries).
📄 Standard Required Documents:
Completed Schengen visa application form
Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years & valid at least 3 months beyond return date)
2 recent passport-sized photos
Proof of travel itinerary (flight bookings)
Accommodation details (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
Travel medical insurance (minimum coverage of €30,000)
Proof of financial means (bank statements for the last 3 months)
Employment letter or proof of business/self-employment
Cover letter stating purpose and details of visit
Visa fee payment (around €80 for adults)
🕒 Processing Time:
Typically 15 calendar days, but apply at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
📍Where to Apply:
At the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you’re visiting (or via official visa outsourcing centers like VFS Global).
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from United Arab Emirates Traveling to EU
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Category RequirementTourist Visa ❌ Not required for visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Allowed Activities Tourism, business, short-term family visits, transit
Passport Validity Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure
ETIAS Required? ✅ Yes – Starting from mid-2025 (ETIAS = European Travel Information and Authorization System)
Required Documents for Entry (Even Without Visa)
While no visa is needed, border authorities may still ask for:
Valid UAE passport
Return ticket or proof of onward travel
Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel booking or invitation letter)
Travel insurance (recommended but not always mandatory)
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Effective Date Mid-2025 (official launch date to be confirmed)
Required For UAE passport holders traveling visa-free to the Schengen Area
Purpose Pre-travel screening for security, health, and migration risks
Application Method Online, valid for 3 years or until passport expires
Fee Approx. €7
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from United Kingdom Traveling to EU
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CategoryRequirementTourist Visa ❌ Not required for short visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Allowed Activities Tourism, business, family visits, short study courses
Passport Validity Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from
EU ETIAS Required? ✅ Yes, starting in mid-2025 (ETIAS = European Travel Information & Authorization System)
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Stay DurationVisa RequiredMore than 90 days ✅ Yes – National visa or residence permit required
Where to Apply Consulate or embassy of the specific EU country before traveling
Purpose of Stay Long-term tourism, study, work, family reunification, etc.
Required Documents for Extended Stay (Typical List)
Completed national visa application form
Valid UK passport
Proof of purpose (e.g., rental, travel plan, school acceptance, job offer)
Travel insurance
Proof of accommodation
Financial means
Passport-size photos
Criminal record check (some countries)
Medical certificate (some countries)
Effective Date Expected launch in mid-2025
Applies to All visa-free travelers entering the Schengen Area, including UK citizens
Validity 3 years or until passport expires
Application Online at official ETIAS website Fee Approx. €7 (subject to change)
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from Ireland Traveling to EU
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Citizens of Ireland do not need a tourist visa to visit European Union (EU) countries, as Ireland is a full member of the EU and part of the Common Travel Area (CTA).
Summary for Irish Citizens Traveling in the EU:
Requirement Details Visa Needed? ❌ No – Irish citizens enjoy free movement
Passport Required? ✅ Yes, a valid Irish passportLength of Stay ⏳ Unlimited in other EU countries
Purpose Allowed Tourism, business, education, visiting family, etc.
ETIAS Needed? ❌ No – Irish citizens are exempt from ETIAS
Irish citizens do not need to apply for an ETIAS to travel to EU countries. This is because Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and has its own travel policies. Irish passport holders are exempt from both the ETIAS and the EES (European Entry/Exit System) when using their EU passport to travel within the Schengen Area
Schengen Area Access ✅ Yes – No restrictions on travel or duration
Why No Visa Is Required:
Under EU law, Irish citizens benefit from the right to move, reside, and work freely in any other EU member state without requiring a visa or permit.
Ireland also maintains bilateral arrangements with the UK and other EU countries under the CTA.
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from China Traveling to EU
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China citizens must apply for ETIAS prior traveling to Europe
Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa to Visit the EU?
✅ Yes – Chinese citizens must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to enter Schengen Area countries for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
2. What Is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area includes most EU countries (except Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus). A single visa allows travel between all Schengen countries.
3. Schengen Visa Requirements for Chinese Citizens
✅ Required Documents:
Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond departure from Schengen)
Completed Schengen visa application form
Passport-size photos (2, recent and biometric)
Round-trip flight reservation
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter)
Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment letter, or sponsor letter)
Travel itinerary (planned trip details)
Visa fee: approx. €80 (reduced for children or certain applicants)
🏛️ 4. Where to Apply in China?
Apply at:
The embassy or consulate of the main destination country in the EU
Visa application centers like VFS Global (depending on the country)
👉 Book an appointment online in advance.
📅 5. Processing Time
Average: 15 calendar days
Can take longer during peak seasons or if extra documents are required
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from Asia Traveling to EU
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Asia citizens must apply for ETIAS prior traveling to Europe.
Tourist visa requirements for citizens from Asian countries visiting the European Union (EU) vary depending on the traveler's nationality. Here's a general overview:
🔹 Visa Requirement Overview (Short Stay - up to 90 days within 180 days)
Most Asian countries are not visa-exempt for the Schengen Area (which includes most EU countries). Therefore, travelers from the majority of Asian nations must apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C).
🔸 Countries That Require a Schengen Visa (examples):
India
Pakistan
China
Philippines
Indonesia
Vietnam
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Nepal
These travelers must submit a visa application in advance at the embassy or consulate of the main country they plan to visit.
🔸 Visa-Exempt Countries in Asia (for tourism up to 90 days):
Japan
South Korea
Singapore
Malaysia
Hong Kong (SAR)
Taiwan (holders of biometric passports)
These citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days but will be required to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) starting in 2025.
✅ Typical Requirements for Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C):
Completed visa application form
Valid passport (issued within 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond return)
Two passport-size photos
Travel itinerary (flights & accommodation)
Proof of travel medical insurance (coverage of at least €30,000)
Proof of financial means (bank statements, sponsorship letter)
Proof of ties to home country (employment letter, property, family, etc.)
Visa fee (€80 for adults; reduced for some categories)
Cover letter explaining the trip purpose
Biometric data (fingerprints)
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from Russia Traveling to EU
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Russia citizens must apply for ETIAS prior traveling to Europe
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from Russia Visiting the EU
Citizens of Russia must obtain a Schengen Visa (Type C) to enter the Schengen Area (which includes most EU countries) for tourism purposes.
✅ Schengen Tourist Visa (Short Stay – Up to 90 Days) Requirements for Russian Citizens:
Visa Application Form
Completed and signed (available on the consulate or visa center website of the country you intend to visit).
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area.
Issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two blank pages.
Recent Passport-Sized Photos
Two identical photos (35x45 mm), in color, taken within the last 6 months.
Proof of Travel Medical Insurance
Coverage of at least €30,000 valid throughout the Schengen area.
Flight Reservation
A round-trip booking or itinerary showing entry and exit from the Schengen Area.
Accommodation Proof
Hotel bookings, Airbnb reservations, or a letter of invitation from a host with their proof of residence.
Proof of Financial Means
Recent bank statements (3–6 months), pay slips, or a sponsorship letter with supporting documents from a sponsor.
Employment/Study Documents
Employment certificate or student enrollment letter stating leave approval and return commitment.
Visa Fee
€80 for adults (to be paid in rubles at the current exchange rate); reduced fees for children and some other categories.
Cover Letter (optional but recommended)
Explaining your travel purpose, itinerary, and ties to Russia.
Biometric Data
Fingerprints will be collected at the visa center or consulate if not provided in the past 59 months.
📍 Where to Apply:
Russian citizens must apply at the embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application center (e.g., VFS Global) of the main Schengen country they plan to visit.
🕒 Processing Time:
15 calendar days is standard, but delays can occur.
Applicants are encouraged to apply at least 3 weeks in advance of travel.
If you're staying longer than 90 days or for other purposes (study, work), a national visa (Type D) must be applied for instead.
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from Australia Traveling to EU
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Australian citizens must apply for ETIAS prior traveling to Europe
Tourist Visa Requirements for Citizens from Australia & New Zealand Visiting the EU (Schengen Area)
As of now (2025), citizens from Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa to visit Schengen Area countries for short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
✅ Key Requirements for Entry (Visa-Free for Short Stay):
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen Area.
Issued within the last 10 years.
Proof of Purpose of Visit
Hotel reservations, tour bookings, or invitation letter if staying with family/friends.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Bank statements, credit cards, or other financial documents showing you can support yourself (amounts vary by country).
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of return to Australia/New Zealand or onward travel.
Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
Not mandatory for visa-free travelers, but strongly advised. Should cover medical expenses and emergencies (minimum €30,000 recommended).
⏳ Stay Duration Limitations:
You may stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Area.
Overstaying can result in fines, bans, or entry restrictions.
🚨 Important Upcoming Change: ETIAS (2025 Onward)
From mid-2025, Australian and New Zealand citizens will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before traveling to the Schengen Area.
ETIAS is not a visa, but a mandatory pre-screening for visa-exempt nationals.
Valid for 3 years or until passport expiry.
Application fee: €7 (free for under 18s and over 70s).
Apply online through the official ETIAS portal.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days or for purposes like work, study, or joining a family member, you must apply for a national visa (Type D) from the respective EU country.
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Please tap on link below to inquire/apply
VFS Global is a legitimate and globally recognized visa application processing company. It is officially authorized by many governments and embassies around the world to handle visa application submissions, biometric data collection, and related services.Key Facts:Established: In 2001.Operations: Present in over 140 countries.Partners: Works with more than 60 governments, including Canada, the UK, Australia, China, and Schengen countries.Services: Visa application submission, passport return, biometric enrollment, and information services.
Important:VFS Global does not make visa decisions. They only process applications on behalf of the relevant embassies and consulates.Always ensure you are using the official VFS Global website and not third-party imitations. The correct site is: https://www.vfsglobal.com
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