When planning a European vacation it can be easy to get lost in plotting out an itinerary. With so many different countries and cities to visit, research can take weeks - if not months.
However, there is more to planning a trip to Europe than simply looking at destinations, flights and accommodation. In fact, there will be no European adventure at all without the appropriate visa or travel authorisation. That’s why it is paramount to look into the different visa and travel authorisation options, otherwise, entry may be denied.
Do Australians need a visa to go to Europe?
The question, ‘do Australians need a visa for Europe?’ requires a complex answer. This is largely because visa requirements will differ based on your reason for travel, length of stay and countries you are visiting.
Australians Passport holders do not need a visa when travelling to Schengen member countries - for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. If you are not an Australian Passport holder, you will require a Schengen Visa. Reasons for travel could include everything from visiting family/friends to tourism and all the way to business purposes or short-term study.
On the other hand, for Australians planning to study, work or live in one of the Schengen areas for more than 90 days, a Visa will be required.
Countries that are not part of the Schengen Area have their own individual entry and exit requirements. For example, the United Kingdom does not require Australians to have a visa in order to visit for up to 90 days. However, there are other non-Schengen countries which do require a Visa – one example being Ukraine.
The Schengen Area - what you need to know
What is a Schengen Area?
Allowing travellers to move freely between member countries, the Schengen Area makes travel seamless for tourists. Rather than undergoing border checks or going through the process of applying for a visa, entry and exit requirements are simplified.
Put simply, a Schengen Area is a country that has removed border and visa requirements when it comes to travellers entering and exiting. There are currently 27 member countries with more destinations such as Croatia and Cyprus looking to join.
Understanding the 90/180 day rules when travelling to countries in the Schengen Area
Understanding the 90/180 day rule is paramount in order to ensure that you do not accidentally exceed your length of stay.
The first thing to note is that the 180 days aren't fixed in time. Rather, your 90 days are calculated from your first day in the Schengen Area within a 180 day period.
If you were to leave the Schengen Area and return within the same 180 day period, the previous stay counts towards the 90 days. While these rules take some time to get your head around, compliance is key, otherwise, you could be fined or banned from entering the area.
What documents do Australians need to enter the Schengen Area?
Australians travelling to Schengen member countries will need different documents depending on their reason for travelling and the length of their trip.
For example, an Australian travelling to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180 day period will need a valid passport. This means that the passport must still be in date for at least three months after you intend to leave the Schengen Area. From 2024, these member countries will also require that Australians apply through the European Travel Information and Authorisation Systems (ETIAS) for a travel authorisation.
For Australians intending to stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen Area, you will require documentation including a valid passport and a valid national visa.
What are the requirements when applying for a Tourist Schengen Visa?
Do you need a visa to visit Europe? In some instances, Australians will be required to apply for a Schengen Visa. Some examples where this may occur is when an Australian passport holder has been rejected from entering the area without a visa. Another example is when nationals of countries which are required to obtain a visa to visit Europe are living in Australia under status arrangements such as permanent or temporary residency.
Before starting this process, it is important to note that it may take up to 3 weeks for the application to be approved. With this in mind, it is important to be proactive about applying for a visa so that potential delays don't impact your travel plans. The first step in the process is to fill in the Schengen Visa Application form. You will need two copies of this document. From there, you will require a valid passport and two photos taken within the last three months.
Further documentation includes a cover letter that details why you want to visit Europe and the member countries you wish to visit. Attaching the flight itinerary and proof of accommodation will show that you have the intention to leave Europe after your stay. Those applying for a Schengen visa will also need to obtain travel insurance. This applies no matter if you are visiting with a group or as an individual, or if travelling for business or personal reasons.
Which countries are in the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area encompasses four million square kilometres and 27 countries. These countries include:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
Visa requirements to the European countries that are not part of Schengen
Countries that are not part of the Schengen Area have their own entry and exit requirements.
These countries are:
- The United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Albania
- Armenia
- Belarus
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- Kosovo.
Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine also have their own entry and exit requirements.
What is the ETIAS Visa Waiver?
From 2024, visitors to Europe who do not require a visa will need to register with the ETIAS. This mandatory travel requirement is essentially a travel authorisation utilised to strengthen border security and minimise security threats.
Do Australians need to apply for ETIAS to travel to Europe?
Australians travelling to Europe will need to apply for ETIAS. Keep in mind, this is not a visa. Rather, it is a travel authorisation. The ETIAS travel authorisation is designed for people travelling for up to 90 days. Those travelling for longer than 90 days will need a visa.
Which European countries are Australians able to visit with ETIAS travel authorisation?
There are currently 30 European countries that require Australians to obtain ETIAS travel authorisation prior to arrival.
These countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
How to apply for the ETIAS
Australians can apply for the ETIAS online. Taking around 10 minutes to fill out, the application requires information such as name, address, passport details, citizenship status, education and work experience. You will also need to detail the first country you will visit.
Further questions to expect include detailing criminal history, drug use, previous trips to Europe and travel to areas of conflict. Successful applicants are typically notified within a few minutes of paying the $11 application fee.
What is bilateral visa waiver and when can I get one?
Australia currently has bilateral visa waivers and reciprocal agreements with several Schengen member countries. This essentially means that you can spend 60 or 90 days in the country for tourism, regardless of time spent in other Schengen countries.
- Belgium
- Finland
- Italy
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- The United Kingdom.
In order to take advantage of Australia’s bilateral visa waivers, you need to lodge a request upon entry or during the stay.
Your visa application checklist when travelling to Europe
Working out visa requirements when travelling to Europe can feel complicated. By breaking down the application into steps, you can make sure that you have all the correct documentation needed for a simple process.
Steps involved when obtaining a European visa:
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Complete and sign the Visa Application form
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Attach two photos that have been taken in the last 3 months
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Ensure you have a valid passport
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Present flight, accommodation and other travel details
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Acquire a travel insurance policy
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Show proof of financial means
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Provide confirmation of visa fee payment
FAQ's
Can I work in Europe without a visa?
Some country’s citizens require a visa to work in Europe. Australians however do not need to apply for a European work visa. Instead, when arriving in the designated country, you will need to apply for the country’s residence and work permit.
How much does a visa cost for Europe?
Visa fees will vary depending on age. Adults will be charged 124.48 AUD (€80) . Children aged between 6 and 12 will incur a fee of 62.24 AUD (€40). Children under the age of 6 will not be charged.
What happens if I overstay the 90 days in Schengen countries?
Each Schengen member country has their own penalties when visitors overstay the 90 days. Penalties could range from deportation with fines, to being banned from entering any Schengen area for three years.
What happens if I travel to Europe without a visa?
For those obligated to obtain a visa before travelling to Europe, failure to do so will result in your entry being declined when you arrive at an airport/seaport. In some areas of Europe you may be fined or detained for travelling without a visa.
If I don’t require a visa to a Schengen country, do I still need to apply for ETIAS travel authorisation?
As ETIAS is not a visa but rather a travel authorisation, Australians will need to obtain it in order to visit both Schengen and non-Schengen member countries from the year 2024 onwards.
Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I transit in the Schengen Area?
If you remain only in the international transit areas you do not need an ETIAS travel authorisation. However, if you leave the area and enter a Schengen member country, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation.