Schengen visa guides
Schengen visa requirements by country
Choose the country you are visiting for a checklist of the documents you will typically need, extra documents for where you live, and links to the official embassy and visa centre pages.
Choose your destination
How a Schengen visa works
A short-stay Schengen visa lets you travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You apply to the country where you will spend the most time, in the country where you legally live, and the same core documents are requested by almost every country.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries are in the Schengen area?
There are 29 Schengen countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. Not all EU members are in Schengen, and Schengen includes some non-EU countries.
Which country should I apply to for a Schengen visa?
Apply to the country where you will spend the most days. If you split your time equally, apply to the country you will enter first. One visa covers travel across the whole Schengen area.
Do UK citizens need a Schengen visa?
UK citizens can currently visit most Schengen countries without a visa for short stays, but this is subject to change, including new entry systems. This guide is for people who do need a visa, such as people living in the UK who hold another nationality. Check the official EU pages for your situation.