U.S. Travelers in Europe

Follow our guide for U.S. citizens traveling in Europe. Look up your destination for detailed visa entry requirements, electronic travel authorizations, and passport requirements.

As of October 12, 2025, U.S. citizens will need to go through the EU’s new Entry and Exit System when traveling to 29 European countries. This applies to any visits lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Your fingerprints, facial image, passport details, and entry and exit dates will be collected and stored digitally.
• The new system will be introduced gradually over 6 months. 

U.S. citizens visiting the United Kingdom for short trips, tourism, or business need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).(opens in a new tab) This applies if you don’t have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. Your ETA acts as a pre-clearance for travel.  

The rule applies to all parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland. 

You don’t need an ETA to transit through the UK if you won’t go through border control. If you are unsure, check with your airline.

The Schengen Borders Agreement(opens in a new tab) sets the same immigration rules for 27 European countries.  This lets you travel freely between them, with no border checks. 

• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter any EU country or the Schengen Area. If your passport is valid for less than 6 months, an immigration officer may deny you entry. They could send you back to the United States right away. 
• Tourism or business visits: With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days during any 180-day period. You must wait an extra 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area. 
• Stays longer than 3 months: Apply for a visa through the embassy of the country where you’ll spend most of your time.   
• Students, interns and workers: Check with the embassy of the country before you travel. Find out if you need a visa for your activity. If you do need a visa, wait until you receive it before traveling to any destination in the Schengen area.  
• Minors: Children traveling alone, with 1 parent, or with non-guardian adults, may need an extra official document. This depends on the destination. You can check with the nearest foreign embassy or consulate for your destination