Cleared

US passport to the Schengen area

US citizens don't need a visa for holidays or short business trips to the Schengen area. There's nothing to apply for before you go.

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The rules

What you need: No visa
How long you can stay: Up to 90 days in any 180, across all Schengen countries combined. The days you arrive and leave both count. Time in Cyprus or Ireland doesn't count.
Your passport: Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive, and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you leave the Schengen area.
Arrival card: None needed

Your days in all 29 Schengen countries count together, and earlier trips in the last 180 days count too. Read how the 90/180 rule works, or count your days.

Quick answers

Do US citizens need a visa for the Schengen area?

No. US citizens don't need a visa for holidays or short business trips to the Schengen area. There's nothing to apply for before you go.

How long can US citizens stay in the Schengen area?

Up to 90 days in any 180, across all Schengen countries combined. The days you arrive and leave both count. Time in Cyprus or Ireland doesn't count.

How long does my passport need to be valid for the Schengen area?

Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive, and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you leave the Schengen area.

Things that could change this

Is a child under 18 travelling with only one parent, or without their parents?
If yes: Carry a consent letter for the child
Each Schengen country sets its own rules, and airlines may ask too. Carry a letter signed by any parent who isn't travelling. Portugal requires a certified letter if a child travels alone or with an adult who isn't their parent.
Read the official guidance

Good to know

Fingerprints and a photo at the border. The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully in place since 10 April 2026. The first time you enter, border staff take your fingerprints and a photo, and every entry and exit is logged. Passports are no longer stamped. There's nothing to do before you travel. Children under 12 don't give fingerprints.

ETIAS is coming, but not yet. When it starts, you'll need to apply online for ETIAS before you travel. It will cost €20 (free if you're under 18 or over 70) and last 3 years or until your passport expires. There's no start date yet: the EU says it will announce it several months ahead. Until then, don't pay any website for it.

Have your plans ready to show. Border staff can ask why you're visiting, and for proof of where you're staying, a return or onward ticket and enough money for your stay.

Don't overstay. If you stay more than 90 days in 180, you can be fined, removed or banned from coming back. The EES logs every entry and exit, and you'll be refused entry if you've already used your 90 days.

Schengen countries

Checked 26 October 2026 against European Commission, European Union and US Department of State.

See the 7 official sources

Short-stay calculator (European Commission (Migration and Home Affairs))
User manual for the short-stay Schengen calculator (European Commission)
Travel documents for non-EU nationals (European Union (Your Europe))
ETIAS frequently asked questions (European Union (Travel to Europe))
FAQs about EES (European Union (Travel to Europe))
What is ETIAS (European Union (Travel to Europe))
U.S. Travelers in Europe (US Department of State)