Travel.State.Gov >
International Travel > Before You Go > Travelers with Special Considerations > Traveling In Europe
Traveling in Europe
If you are planning to travel through Europe, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Borders Agreement. The Schengen Borders Agreement created Europe's border-free Schengen area, where anyone legally present in the European Union (such as tourists, exchange students, or individuals visiting for business purposes) are guaranteed free movement within the Schengen area without being subject to internal border checks. The Schengen Borders Agreement permits citizens from certain countries - including the United States - to travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Today, the Schengen area encompasses most countries in Europe, and also includes four non-EU states: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. We recommend the following:
PASSPORT
You can find passport validity requirements for your destination country, along with other important information, on our country pages. If your passport does not meet the Schengen requirements, you may be:
An immigration official will determine if you qualify for visa-free entry to the Schengen area when you first cross any external Schengen border and present your passport. The officer may bar 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 in our country pages.
VISA
Schengen area countries may reinstate temporary internal or external border control without advanced notice. U.S. citizens should carry their U.S. passport book at all times when entering or leaving the Schengen area and when traveling between Schengen countries. For additional information on traveling to and within the Schengen area, see our FAQ below.
FAQ
What is the Schengen Borders Agreement?
The Schengen Borders Agreement permits citizens from certain countries - including the United States - to travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days for tourism or business.
As a U.S. citizen, how long can I stay in the Schengen area without a visa?
With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area.
To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa. Apply for a visa through the embassy of the country where you will spend most of your time.
What do I need to enter the Schengen area?
What do I need when traveling to Schengen countries?
Does the Schengen Borders Agreement apply to students, interns, or workers?
How can the U.S. government help me if border officials do not let me enter?
What countries are members of the Schengen Borders Agreement?
Click on the country name for more information.
Additional Resources
The European Commission’s Schengen Area website
The European Parliament’s Regulation 562/2006
The European Union website