Europe is a popular destination for many U.S. travelers who want to experience its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. However, before you pack your bags and book your flight, you should be aware of the rules and requirements of the Schengen Agreement, which affects how you can enter and move around 27 European countries.

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that created the Schengen Area, a zone of free movement that covers most of mainland Europe and some island nations. The Schengen Area includes 22 European Union (EU) member states and four non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland are not part of the Schengen Area, and have their own visa and border policies.

The main benefit of the Schengen Agreement for travelers is that they can cross internal borders within the Schengen Area without passport checks or visa requirements. This makes traveling between different countries easier and faster. However, there are also some limitations and conditions that travelers should be aware of.

Here are some of the most important things you need to know about traveling in the Schengen Area as a U.S. citizen:

• You need a valid U.S. passport to enter the Schengen Area. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area. You also need sufficient passport validity for each country you will visit outside the Schengen Area.
• You do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area for tourism or business purposes, as long as you stay for no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. This means that you can visit multiple Schengen countries with one entry stamp, but you cannot exceed the total limit of 90 days. If you do, you may face fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering the Schengen Area.
• You need to receive a stamp in your passport when you first enter and exit the Schengen Area. This stamp serves as proof of your date of entry and exit, and helps calculate your length of stay. If you do not receive a stamp, you may have problems with immigration officials or local authorities later on.
• You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, return or onward tickets, or other documents when you enter or exit the Schengen Area. You should carry these documents with you at all times when traveling in Europe.
• You should carry your passport with you when traveling between Schengen countries, even if there are no border checks at that time. Some countries may reinstate temporary border controls without notice due to security or health reasons. You may also need to show your passport when checking into hotels, renting cars, or using public transportation.
• You need to apply for a visa if you want to stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen Area, or if you want to work, study, or engage in other activities that require a permit. You should apply for a visa through the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to spend most of your time. The visa application process may vary depending on the country and the type of visa you need.
• You need to check the travel advice and entry requirements for each country you will visit outside the Schengen Area, as they may differ from those of the Schengen Area. For example, some countries may require a visa, a yellow fever certificate, or other documents for U.S. citizens. You can find this information on our country pages¹.
• You need to be aware of the risks and challenges of traveling in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some countries may impose travel bans, quarantine measures, testing requirements, or other restrictions for travelers from certain areas or countries. These measures may change with little warning and affect your travel plans. You should monitor the local situation and follow the advice of local authorities before and during your trip.
• You need to be prepared for emergencies and natural disasters that may occur in Europe, such as terrorism attacks, civil unrest, crime, or hurricanes. You should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)² to receive alerts and updates from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your destination country. You should also have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, evacuation costs, and trip cancellation or interruption.

Traveling in Europe can be an enriching and rewarding experience for U.S. citizens who follow the rules and requirements of the Schengen Agreement. By doing so, they can enjoy the benefits of free movement and explore the diversity and beauty of Europe.

Note: As of August 2023, Dominica has been added to the list of countries whose citizens need a visa to enter the UK. U.S. citizens who hold dual citizenship with Dominica should apply for a UK visa before traveling to the UK. For more information, visit the UK government website³.