Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Last Updated
Monday, 28/10/2024
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This page is for Australians travelling to Europe.

Read this page to learn about:

The Australian Government doesn't issue visas for other countries. We can't provide final information on border rules. Ask your destination's high commission, embassy or consulate for details before you travel.

Changes to EU Carry-On Luggage Rules

From 1 September 2024, the EU's rules for liquids will be temporarily reinstated in some airports which had previously allowed passengers to carry liquid containers larger than 100ml.

If you're travelling to an EU airport, the amount of liquids, gels, and creams you can take in your carry-on luggage will be restricted. These substances should be in containers of 100ml or less and passed through airport security in a clear plastic bag of around 20cm x 20cm. Liquids must be placed into a tray, separate from your luggage and other items.

You should stay informed on the latest rules and allow for plenty of time when travelling through EU airports.

The Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is made up of 29 European countries with common border rules. It lets travellers move freely between member countries without

  • going through border controls
  • getting a visa for each country.

The members of the Schengen Area are:

Entry and exit in the Schengen Area

Visas

Australians can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Your travel must be for:

  • business purposes
  • visiting friends and family
  • tourism and holidays
  • cultural and sports events
  • transit
  • official visit
  • medical reasons
  • short-term study
  • research.

Apply at the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country where you'll stay the longest. If you're staying for the same length of time in each country, apply at the embassy of the country you'll visit first.

You'll need to apply for a visa if:

  • you're planning to stay for more than 90 days
  • your reason for travel changes, and you no longer qualify for visa-free travel.

You'll need to apply outside the country you want a visa for.

Calculating your 90/180 days

Calculating your visa-free days can be complicated. The European Commission provides a calculator to help you track your visa-free days.

  • The 180 days isn't fixed in time. It's calculated backwards from today.
  • Your 90 days are calculated from your first day in the Schengen Area within the 180 days.
  • If you leave and return within 180 days, your last stay will count towards the 90-day maximum.
  • If you use up your visa-free days, you must leave until you accumulate more or apply for a visa.
  • You may be fined or banned from the Schengen Area if you overstay your 90 days.

Example

You arrive in Spain on 18 March. You fly to the UK on 21 April and stay there until the 29th. On 30 April, you travel to Greece and stay until 23 June. Your trip was 97 days, but only 90 were in the Schengen Area.

You can't re-enter the Area until at least 14 September, when the Spanish leg of your trip falls outside your 180 days.

If you re-enter on 14 September, you can only stay another 35 days as your time in Greece still counts towards your current 90 days.

If you re-enter on 22 September, you can stay another 90 days, as you haven't been in the Area in the past 180 days.

Entering and exiting the Schengen Area

You must show a valid passport when entering the Schengen Area.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave.

Make sure you get a clear entry stamp in your passport when you enter the Schengen Area for the first time. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained.

Some countries need you to register within 3 days of arrival.

See our destination-specific travel advice for entry and exit details for each country. Check the European Commission for information on temporary border controls.

These visa rules only apply when travelling on your Australian passport. If you're a dual national travelling on your other passport, check the rules for that nationality.

EES

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped. 

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

ETIAS

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an electronic security system. It will do a security check before you can enter participating European countries. The ETIAS is expected to start in mid 2025.

You won't need an ETIAS for EU countries who aren't taking part in the program.

Be aware of scam websites that encourage you to apply for ETIAS before the system is operational.

Other European countries with visa waivers

There are other European countries where you can travel visa-free. Travel to these countries does not count towards your 90 days for Schengen Area travel.

Countries can change their border rules at short notice. Before you travel, ask your destination's nearest embassy or consulate for the latest rules.

Visa waiver agreements with Australia

Australia has visa waiver agreements with several countries in the Schengen Area. These agreements may allow you to spend 60 to 90 days in the country for tourism.

Visa waiver agreement countries include:

Using visa waiver agreements with Schengen visa-free arrangements is complex. Each country operates the visa waiver in its own way.

Most countries need you to use the visa waiver at the end of your Schengen Area travel.

Visa-free tourism programs in non-Schengen countries

Some European countries outside the Schengen Area allow you to enter visa-free for tourism. Most let you stay up to 90 days. Some are for longer. See our country advisories for details on border rules.

Non-Schengen European countries

Many European countries are not part of the Schengen Area. Non-Schengen countries have their own border rules. These countries include:

Ask these countries' high commission, embassy or consulate for visa information.

Read more:

See also:

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