If you are planning a long trip around Europe, you may be wondering if you need a visa. While there are some beautiful places to see in Europe, such as Ireland, Germany, France, Italy… just to name a few, there are some rules that you must follow if you are planning a longer stay or working abroad.
This article will take a look at the rules you need to follow when travelling or moving to Europe, and when it is appropriate to apply for a visa.
Short term travel
If you are considering a trip that lasts no more than 90 days, then you do not need to apply for a visa when visiting countries in the European Union (EU). However, these 90 days of travelling must be within 180 days. If you are planning to visit more than one country in the EU, this 90 day period combines the entire trip and does not reset when you visit somewhere else. This rule includes Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. It is important to note that if you are planning on travelling to Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria or Cyprus, they have individual 90-day limits that you will need to research before travelling to.
Long term travel
If you are planning to take a trip around Europe that lasts more than 90 days, either as a tourist or perhaps to work, study or reside, you will need to apply for a visa. The type of visa and the application process will vary, depending on where you are going, the length of time you plan on staying there and the reason for travel.
If you are planning to study abroad, you will need to show evidence of a placement offer from your university or course provider and your financial support while you reside in the country to apply for a visa.
The process is very similar if you are planning to work abroad, but you will need to show evidence of a job offer to apply for a work permit or sponsor licence.
The process is much more complex if you want to permanently reside in another country. You will usually have to live there on a visa before you can apply for citizenship.
Important things to consider
The rules of travelling between the UK and Ireland are slightly different. If you are a UK citizen and wish to travel or live in one or the other, you can do so without restrictions. If you are outside of the UK and wish to work, study or live in Ireland, the same rules apply as any EU travel and you will need to complete an application for Irish citizenship or a work permit.
You are currently able to use your EU ID card to travel around Europe. If you are from the UK or plan on visiting the UK, the ID card will not be valid after 1st October 2021, unless you have an EU Settlement Scheme permit, which is valid until 31st December 2025.
It is important to research before planning a trip around Europe, to ensure you have all the correct documentation in place, especially if you are planning a long term trip.
Bonnie is always on the road with some amazing adventures ahead. Her favorite continent is South America and she’s passionate about culture-focused traveling and ethical and sustainable tourism. During her time in university as a research assistant for a sociology professor, she realized she can’t fully understand cultures from a safe distance. She quit her job to become a full-time “voluntourist,” which brings her to places where she can immerse in local communities and support their causes. On top of writing, one of Bonnie’s priorities is offering women advice on how to stay safe while solo backpacking.