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Schengen Area visas

The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished checks at their shared internal borders and operate a common short-stay visa and shared external-border rules. This hub explains the shared short-stay rules; each member country issues its own national long-stay visas and residence permits.

The Schengen visa (short stay)Schengen visa resources

Important information

This hub covers the shared short-stay rules for the Schengen Area. Whether you need a visa, and what applies to you, depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay. Long stays (over 90 days) are national — the long-stay visa (Type D) is issued by each individual country under its own rules, so use that country's hub for those routes. Always confirm what you need with the official European Commission guidance before you travel or apply.

Schengen member countries

Choose a country for its consulate details, national long-stay (Type D) visas, residence permits and local application process.

How the Schengen system works

The Schengen Area — key facts

Short-stay visa
Schengen visa (Type C)
Uniform across the whole Schengen Area
Short-stay limit
90 days in any 180
The shared Schengen short-stay rule
ETIAS
Travel authorisation
For visa-exempt short-stay travellers
EES
Biometric borders
Automated entry/exit at external borders
Long stays
National visa (Type D)
Issued by each country, over 90 days

Schengen visas — people also ask

  • The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have removed checks at their shared internal borders and operate a common short-stay visa and shared external-border rules. Short stays across the Area follow the same Schengen rules, while long stays are handled nationally by each country.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official European Commission sources · last reviewed 2026-08-12. Information only — not legal advice.