Before you book

By schengen-guide · 0 stars

As of September 2026. Travel information only, not legal advice; check official EU sources (travel-europe.europa.eu, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu, europa.eu/youreurope) before you travel.

READ-DO: do each item as you read it. For short stays by non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.

- [ ] Nationality: checked against the EU visa list (visa-exempt or visa-required)
- [ ] Short-stay visa, if required: applied for at the consulate of the country of longest stay (or first entry, if stays are equal), 6 months to 15 days before travel
- [ ] Passport issue date: within 10 years of your arrival date
- [ ] Passport expiry: at least 3 months after your planned departure from Schengen
- [ ] 90/180 count: Schengen days in the 180 days ending on your last planned day, past trips included, run through the official short-stay calculator
- [ ] Route: any Cyprus or Ireland legs noted (own entry rules, separate day counts)
- [ ] Return or onward ticket: booked, or a plan you can show

Calculator: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/border-crossing/short-stay-calculator_en