Four Things You Should Know About Traveling To A Schengen Country

Four Things You Should Know About Traveling To A Schengen Country

The Schengen Area is made up of 29 European countries that have abolished traditional border checks, enabling free movement of people and goods. It means that those with the right visa can move freely between all countries under the umbrella, whether it’s France, Germany, Spain, or any of the EU member states within the classification. 

Before you take advantage of the Schengen area, however, there are a few things you should be aware of. Here are four of the most important things you should know.

1. About the Visa

The first thing you need to consider when travelling to a Schengen country is your visa. You should apply as early as possible to allow for the processing time (which can be lengthy), and you’ll need a passport that’s going to be valid at least three months after your departure. As is the case with any visa, you’ll also need to declare the reason behind your intended stay, whether for work, visiting family, or leisure. 

Each country is slightly different in how the above information is obtained and processed, so make sure you do your research. 

2. Travel Insurance

Schengen travel insurance requirements are quite strict; insurance is mandatory for all travelers, and must cover at least €30,000. 

There are many different providers you can use, which help simplify what is a relatively complicated process, so be sure to reach out for assistance. Travel insurance is one of the most important elements to sort out early, as without it, you won’t be able to go anywhere.

3. New Border Procedures

From October 12th, 2025, there are also some new border procedures you should be aware of. These come in the form of the Entry/Exit System (EES). From this point onwards, non-EU travellers will be required to scan their fingerprints, answer a series of questions, and have their photo taken, in order for officials to ascertain proof of their insurance and where they intend to stay during their trip. 

There are also new rules coming in at the latter end of 2026, which will require those who don’t need a Visa to purchase and provide electronic travel authorization. 

4. Limits on Your Stay

Finally, it’s also important to understand the limits on the amount of time you can stay in a Schengen country. Currently, visitors can stay a maximum of 90 days without having to apply for a long-stay visa, and crucially, going over this specified time can get you banned from ever visiting again. 

The EES system described above will automatically track the time you’ve spent in the country, so be aware of this at all times (even a day over can spell trouble). 

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, you’re now a little clearer on the requirements for travelling to a Schengen country. While the rules are strict, they’re also relatively easy to abide by – it’ll just take a little bit of extra foresight.

80% of the hassle comes before you get to your destination, so once you touch down, you can move about stress-free.