How Long Can You Travel to the EU Without a Visa?

When planning a trip to the European Union (EU), it's essential to understand the visa requirements and travel restrictions, which can vary significantly depending on your nationality. For citizens of the UK and the US, specific rules govern how long they can stay in the EU without needing a visa. Here's a detailed guide for both British and American travellers.

 

Travel to the EU for UK Citizens

Since the United Kingdom left the EU in January 2020, UK citizens are no longer entitled to the freedom of movement that allowed them to live, work, and travel across EU member states without restriction. However, UK nationals can still travel to the EU without a visa for short stays, thanks to the visa-free travel arrangements that apply to many non-EU countries.

Schengen Area Rules: Most EU countries are part of the Schengen Area, a zone comprising 27 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders. UK citizens can visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. This 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not each individual country. It’s important to note that the 90 days are cumulative, so multiple short trips can quickly add up to the 90-day limit.

Counting the 90 Days: The 90 days are calculated on a rolling basis. This means that each day you spend in the Schengen Area counts towards your total, and you must look back over the previous 180 days to determine how many of those days were spent in the zone. For example, if you spend 30 days in France, leave for a few weeks, and then return to Spain for another 30 days, you have used up 60 of your 90 days.

Consequences of Overstaying: Overstaying the 90-day limit can result in fines, deportation, or being banned from the Schengen Area for a certain period. Therefore, it's crucial to track your days carefully to avoid inadvertently breaking the rules.

Non-Schengen EU Countries: Some EU countries, like Ireland, are not part of the Schengen Area, and different rules apply. For example, UK citizens can visit Ireland without a visa for up to 90 days independently of their time spent in the Schengen Area. Always check the specific entry requirements for each country you plan to visit.

Working or Studying in the EU: If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, work, study, or live in the EU, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit. The application process and requirements vary depending on the country.

 

Travel to the EU for US Citizens

Similar to UK citizens, US nationals can also travel to the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays, though the rules are slightly different.

Schengen Area Rules: US citizens are permitted to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. This limit, like for UK travellers, applies to the entire Schengen Area. The 90-day rule is the same for all travellers, and it’s crucial to remember that the 90 days are cumulative across all Schengen countries.

ETIAS Requirement: Starting in 2024, US citizens will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation before traveling to the Schengen Area. This is not a visa but a travel authorisation, similar to the US ESTA. The ETIAS will be valid for three years and will allow for multiple entries into the Schengen Area as long as the 90-day rule is observed.

Counting the 90 Days: Like for UK travellers, the 90-day period for US citizens is calculated on a rolling basis. Therefore, keeping track of your travel dates is essential to avoid overstaying.

Consequences of Overstaying: If you overstay your 90 days in the Schengen Area, you could face penalties, including fines, deportation, or future entry bans.

Non-Schengen EU Countries: US citizens should also be aware that some EU countries are outside the Schengen Area, such as Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and Cyprus. Each of these countries has its own entry requirements and visa rules.

Working or Studying in the EU: For stays longer than 90 days, or if you intend to work or study, a visa or residence permit is required. The process and requirements will vary by country, so it’s important to research and apply well in advance of your trip.

 

Upcoming changes

For both UK and US citizens, traveling to the EU remains relatively straightforward for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, it is vital to understand and adhere to the rules of the Schengen Area to avoid any legal issues or penalties.

As of 2025 there will be additional requirements for anyone planning a trip to the EU including biometric checks to replace passport stamps. There will also be a visa waiver which will be necessary for any trip to the EU.