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Travelling to Europe: visa, EES and ETIAS explained

Most European countries do not use an arrival card. What matters instead is the Schengen visa (if you need one), your passport, travel insurance and the new EU border systems. These guides explain each step and link to official sources.

Last checked: ⁦2026-10-18⁩

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Does Europe have an arrival card?

Generally no. Schengen countries do not ask visitors to fill in a digital arrival card before landing. Instead, what decides whether you can enter is your passport, your visa (if your nationality needs one), proof of insurance and funds, and border registration under the EU Entry/Exit System. A separate online authorisation called ETIAS is planned for visa-free visitors but is not yet in operation.

The 29 Schengen countries

One Schengen visa covers short stays across all of them. Apply to the country where you will spend the most days.

AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCzechiaDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandItalyLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenSwitzerland

Cyprus and Ireland are in the EU but not in the Schengen area. Check the official EU pages for the latest list.