Last Updated: October 2026
What this page is
This is the list of facts our pages rely on, each with the official source it came from and the date we last checked it. We check facts against official EU, UK and national government sources. When an official source is not available, a press report is used and labelled as press-reported.
A daily news watch flags changes to these facts, and fast-moving facts, such as ETIAS and EES status, are rechecked weekly. Other facts are rechecked monthly or yearly depending on how often they change. For how we work and how to report an error, see About Schengen Traveler.
Last updated: 27 October 2026
- ETIAS (21)
- EES (6)
- UK ETA (18)
- Schengen membership (16)
- Schengen rules and penalties (16)
- Country entry rules (57)
- Other (43)
ETIAS
| Fact | Value | Status | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A member state may exceptionally issue an authorisation with limited territorial validity (humanitarian grounds, national interest, international obligations), valid at most 90 days from first entry | Exceptional, Article 44 | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, Article 44 | 26 Oct 2026 |
| A previous refusal does not lead to automatic refusal of a new application | Assessed on all available information | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, Article 37(4) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| A travel authorisation does not confer an automatic right of entry or stay | No automatic right | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, Article 36(6) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| An admissible ETIAS application is decided no later than 96 hours after submission | 96 hours | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, Article 32(1) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Applicant has 10 days to provide requested additional information; decision within 96 hours of the reply | 10 days; then 96 hours | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, Articles 27(2) and 32(2) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Commission guidance of 28 April 2026: ETIAS scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026; exact start date to be communicated later in the year | Q4 2026 (scheduled, April 2026) | Verified | European Commission Main differences between EES and ETIAS: what travellers need to know | 26 Oct 2026 |
| ETIAS covers 30 European countries including Cyprus | 30 (Schengen area plus Cyprus) | Verified | European Commission Main differences between the EES and ETIAS: What travellers need to know | 26 Oct 2026 |
| ETIAS fee is EUR 20 | EUR 20 | Verified | European Commission European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| ETIAS is annulled if conditions were not met when issued, and revoked if no longer met on the Article 37(1) refusal grounds | Annulment (Art 40), revocation (Art 41) | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, Articles 40 and 41 | 26 Oct 2026 |
| ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are collected | not in operation | Verified | European Commission European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| ETIAS valid 3 years or until passport expires | not confirmed | Verified | European Commission Main differences between the EES and ETIAS: What travellers need to know | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Grounds for refusal: lost/stolen/invalidated document in SIS, security, illegal immigration or high epidemic risk, SIS refusal alert, no reply to information request, no-show at interview, serious doubts on data | Article 37(1) and (2) | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, Article 37 | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Most ETIAS applications are approved within minutes | Within minutes | Verified | European Commission Main differences between EES and ETIAS: what travellers need to know | 26 Oct 2026 |
| On entry the traveller must present the same travel document as in the ETIAS application; a change of travel document requires a new application | New passport = new ETIAS | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, Article 38(1)(c) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Refusal email states the grounds, the national unit that refused, and the right to appeal with its time limit | Article 38(2) | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, Article 38(2) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Refused applicants have the right to appeal, in the member state that decided, under its national law; the national unit gives appeal information in an official language of the applicant’s country | Appeal in deciding member state | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, Article 37(3) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| The Commission announced on 17 July 2025 that the ETIAS fee will be EUR 20 instead of the previous EUR 7, entering into effect as soon as ETIAS is operational | EUR 20 (announced 2025-07-17) | Verified | European Commission European Travel Authorisation (ETIAS) will cost EUR 20 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| The Commission’s March 2025 timeline expected ETIAS in the last quarter of 2026 | Q4 2026 (expected, March 2025) | Verified | European Commission Revised timeline for the EES and ETIAS | 26 Oct 2026 |
| The EU will announce the ETIAS start date several months before launch; the page gives no start date | no date | Verified | European Commission European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| When an interview is held, the application is decided no later than 48 hours after the interview | 48 hours | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, Article 32(2) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| When the ETIAS National Unit requests additional information or documents, the applicant must provide them within 10 days of receipt of the request | 10 days to reply | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 (ETIAS Regulation), Article 27 | 27 Oct 2026 |
EES
| Fact | Value | Status | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cypriot government insists EES will not be applied at the nine Green Line crossing points | government position | Press-reported | Cyprus Mail (15 Oct 2026) EPP calls for ‘timely completion’ of Cyprus’ Schengen accession | 26 Oct 2026 |
| EES began phased rollout in October 2025 | 2025-10-12 | Verified | European Commission The new Entry/Exit System went live on 12 October – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
| EES detects overstayers automatically | automatic detection | Verified | European Commission Entry/Exit System (EES) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| EES records fingerprints and facial images of non-EU nationals on short stays | fingerprints and facial image | Verified | European Commission Entry/Exit System (EES) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican passport holders are exempt from EES | Exempt from EES registration | Verified | European Commission Entry/Exit System fully operational on 10 April 2026: who is exempt | 26 Oct 2026 |
| The Entry/Exit System became fully operational on 10 April 2026 | 2026-04-10 | Verified | European Commission Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
UK ETA
| Fact | Value | Status | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The UK ETA fee rose from 16 pounds to 20 pounds from 8 April 2026 | Press-reported date | Press-reported | The Local UK to hike price of electronic travel authorisation | 27 Oct 2026 |
| A UK ETA costs 20 pounds | GBP 20 | Verified | GOV.UK Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK: Overview | 26 Oct 2026 |
| A UK ETA lasts 2 years or until the passport expires | 2 years | Verified | GOV.UK UK enforces digital permission to travel | 26 Oct 2026 |
| A UK ETA lets you travel for up to 6 months and costs 20 GBP | 6 months; 20 GBP | Verified | GOV.UK Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| A UK ETA permits multiple journeys | Multiple journeys | Verified | GOV.UK UK enforces digital permission to travel | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Canada is on the GOV.UK list of nationalities that can apply for an ETA | Canada eligible | Verified | GOV.UK Check when you can get an ETA | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Each person travelling needs an ETA, including babies and children | Each traveller incl. children | Verified | GOV.UK Get an ETA to visit the UK | 27 Oct 2026 |
| From 25 February 2026 non-visa nationals need an ETA to enter the UK and airlines stop passengers without valid documentation boarding | 25 February 2026 | Verified | GOV.UK UK enforces digital permission to travel | 27 Oct 2026 |
| GOV.UK says a UK ETA decision usually arrives by email within a day but can take up to 3 working days | Usually within a day; up to 3 working days | Verified | GOV.UK Apply for an ETA | 27 Oct 2026 |
| GOV.UK warns that other websites may charge more to apply for an ETA | Other sites may charge more | Verified | GOV.UK Get an ETA to visit the UK | 27 Oct 2026 |
| No faster decision by applying through another website or app | No faster decision | Verified | GOV.UK Apply for an ETA | 27 Oct 2026 |
| People with a British or Irish passport generally do not need an ETA | British or Irish passport exempt | Verified | GOV.UK Get an ETA to visit the UK | 27 Oct 2026 |
| The ETA is linked to the passport applied with; the confirmation email has a 16 digit ETA reference; wait for the email before travelling | Linked to passport; 16 digit reference | Verified | GOV.UK Apply for an ETA | 27 Oct 2026 |
| The ETA lets you travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for up to 6 months | Covers UK and Crown Dependencies | Verified | GOV.UK Get an ETA to visit the UK | 27 Oct 2026 |
| The UK ETA app uses the phone camera to scan passport and face | Camera scan of passport and face | Verified | GOV.UK Apply for an ETA | 27 Oct 2026 |
| UK ETA is needed by each person travelling (nationality-dependent) | Each person travelling needs an ETA | Verified | GOV.UK Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK: Overview | 26 Oct 2026 |
| US citizens can apply for a UK ETA | United States eligible | Verified | GOV.UK Check when you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) | 27 Oct 2026 |
| You need an ETA if you pass through border control at a UK airport | Landside transit needs an ETA | Verified | GOV.UK Get an ETA to visit the UK | 27 Oct 2026 |
Schengen membership
| Fact | Value | Status | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A new Schengen member needs the unanimous backing of the 25 member states already in Schengen | unanimity | Press-reported | Cyprus Mail (10 Oct 2026) Cyprus ‘to be fully integrated into Schengen area by next year’ | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Cyprus expects to finish six outstanding actions by early November, then tell the Commission it is technically ready | early November 2026 | Press-reported | Cyprus Mail (10 Oct 2026) Cyprus ‘to be fully integrated into Schengen area by next year’ | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Cyprus’s accession was left off the early-October JHA Council agenda | not on agenda | Press-reported | Cyprus Mail (15 Oct 2026) EPP calls for ‘timely completion’ of Cyprus’ Schengen accession | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Cyprus’s Deputy Migration Minister said an agreement at the political level is now needed (2 Oct 2026) | political agreement needed | Press-reported | Cyprus Mail (2 Oct 2026) Cyprus ‘technically ready’ for Schengen | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Cyprus’s Deputy Migration Minister says Cyprus expects to join in full during 2027 | 2027 (government expectation) | Press-reported | Cyprus Mail (10 Oct 2026) Cyprus ‘to be fully integrated into Schengen area by next year’ | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Member states discussed Cyprus’s request in a Council working party on 15 September 2026 | 2026-09-15 | Press-reported | IMI Daily (12 Oct 2026), citing Ant1 Cyprus Schengen Entry Now Expected in 2027, Not 2026 | 26 Oct 2026 |
| The Commission found Cyprus technically ready in July 2026 | July 2026 | Press-reported | EU Perspectives (15 Jul 2026) Cyprus ready for Schengen, Commission confirms. EU capitals will have the last word | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Bulgaria and Romania air and sea border controls lifted 31 March 2024 | 2024-03-31 | Verified | European Commission Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen Area – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Bulgaria and Romania became full Schengen members on 1 January 2025 | 2025-01-01 | Verified | European Commission Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen Area – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Bulgaria is in the Schengen Area | Full member since 1 January 2025 | Verified | European Commission Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen Area | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Croatia joined Schengen in 2023 | 2023 | Verified | European Commission History of Schengen – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Cyprus is not yet a full Schengen member | integration underway, internal border controls not abolished | Verified | European Commission Schengen area – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are in Schengen but not in the EU | 4 non-EU members | Verified | European Commission Schengen area – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Ireland is an EU member that opted out of Schengen | not in Schengen | Verified | European Commission Schengen area – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Schengen join years in the country table (1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2011) | 1995 BE FR DE LU NL ES PT; 1997 IT AT; 2000 GR; 2001 DK FI SE NO IS; 2007 nine states; 2008 CH; 2011 LI | Verified | European Commission History of Schengen – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
| The Schengen Area has 29 countries | 29 (25 EU Member States and 4 non-EU countries) | Verified | European Commission Schengen area – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
Schengen rules and penalties
| Fact | Value | Status | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| An EU entry ban should not normally exceed 5 years, except for serious threats | 5 years in principle | Verified | EUR-Lex Directive 2008/115/EC on common standards and procedures for returning illegally staying third-country nationals | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Entry bans are recorded in SIS as refusal of entry or stay alerts, available to border guards | SIS alert category | Verified | European Commission Schengen Information System: Alerts and Access | 26 Oct 2026 |
| EU law gives a right to an effective remedy against return decisions and entry-ban decisions | effective remedy (Articles 12 and 13) | Verified | EUR-Lex Directive 2008/115/EC on common standards and procedures for returning illegally staying third-country nationals | 26 Oct 2026 |
| France: administrative detention while awaiting removal is limited to 90 days | 90 days | Verified | French government public service portal Centre de rétention administrative (CRA) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Holders of an EU residence permit or long-stay visa are not subject to the 90/180-day rule | Not subject | Verified | European Commission Short-stay calculator | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Italy: illegal stay is punished by a criminal fine (ammenda) of EUR 5,000 to 10,000 | EUR 5,000 to 10,000 | Verified | Normattiva (Italian State) Decreto legislativo 286/1998, art. 10-bis (Ingresso e soggiorno illegale nel territorio dello Stato) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Italy: the offence does not apply to a foreigner identified by border police on leaving | exclusion on exit | Verified | Normattiva (Italian State) Decreto legislativo 286/1998, art. 10-bis (Ingresso e soggiorno illegale nel territorio dello Stato) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Negligent unlawful stay in Germany can be an administrative offence with a fine up to EUR 3,000 | up to EUR 3,000 | Verified | German Federal Ministry of Justice § 98 AufenthG – Einzelnorm | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Netherlands: being in the country in breach of an entry ban is punishable by up to 6 months in prison or a fine of a few thousand euros | 6 months or fine of a few thousand euros | Verified | Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) Entry ban | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Spain: expulsion can replace the fine | expulsion in place of fine | Verified | Spanish Official State Gazette (BOE) Ley Organica 4/2000, de 11 de enero, sobre derechos y libertades de los extranjeros en Espana | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Spain: expulsion carries an entry ban of up to 5 years, up to 10 for serious threats | 5 years (10 for serious threats) | Verified | Spanish Official State Gazette (BOE) Ley Organica 4/2000, de 11 de enero, sobre derechos y libertades de los extranjeros en Espana | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Spain: irregular stay is a serious infraction fined EUR 501 to 10,000 | EUR 501 to 10,000 | Verified | Spanish Official State Gazette (BOE) Ley Organica 4/2000, de 11 de enero, sobre derechos y libertades de los extranjeros en Espana | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Stays are assessed by considering the 180-day period preceding each day of stay | Rolling window | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2016/399 (Schengen Borders Code), Article 6 | 26 Oct 2026 |
| The date of entry is the first day of stay and the date of exit the last day of stay | Both count | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2016/399 (Schengen Borders Code), Article 6 | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Unlawful stay in Germany (once required to leave and the departure period has expired) is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine | up to 1 year or fine | Verified | German Federal Ministry of Justice § 95 AufenthG – Einzelnorm | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Visa-free visitors may stay 90 days in any 180-day period across Schengen | 90/180 | Verified | European Commission Short-stay calculator – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
Country entry rules
| Fact | Value | Status | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entry for Russia, Belarus, China, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye reported to end 1 November 2026 | Visa required from 1 Nov 2026 (press) | Press-reported | Rus Tourism News Montenegro introduces new visa rules for Russia, China and Turkiye | 26 Oct 2026 |
| A foreign visa cannot be used to register a stay on employment grounds; a D visa is needed | Type D visa for employment | Verified | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Frequently Asked Questions | 26 Oct 2026 |
| A stay in Andorra is automatically calculated in the EES as a stay in the Schengen area; the envisaged agreement keeps this for non-residents | Counts toward the 90/180 days | Verified | European Commission COM(2024) 108 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Andorra is not in Schengen; you must travel through France or Spain and meet Schengen entry requirements | Not Schengen; entry via FR/ES | Verified | GOV.UK Andorra travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Andorra issues no visas to third-country nationals; visa-required travellers need a Schengen visa | No Andorran visas | Verified | European Commission COM(2024) 108 | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Andorra uses the euro as official currency under a 2011 monetary agreement and can issue its own euro coins | Official currency; own euro coins allowed | Verified | European Central Bank Euro coins: Andorra | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina is an EU candidate country | Candidate country (status granted December 2022; negotiations decision March 2024) | Verified | European Commission Bosnia and Herzegovina – Enlargement | 26 Oct 2026 |
| British citizens can visit Bosnia and Herzegovina visa-free for up to 90 days in a 6-month period | 90 days within 6 months (UK citizens) | Verified | GOV.UK Bosnia and Herzegovina travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| British citizens can visit North Macedonia up to 3 months without a visa | 3 months (UK citizens) | Verified | GOV.UK North Macedonia travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| British citizens visit Montenegro visa-free up to 90 days in any 180-day period | 90 days in 180 (UK citizens) | Verified | GOV.UK Montenegro travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| British citizens visit Serbia visa-free up to 90 days in a 6-month period | 90 days within 6 months (UK citizens) | Verified | GOV.UK Serbia travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Convertible Mark pegged at 1 EUR = 1.95583 BAM | 1.95583 BAM per EUR | Verified | Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina Notice: On the Official Exchange Rate of Convertible Mark against Euro | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Egypt visa on arrival, paid at the airport | 30 USD cash, valid up to 30 days (UK guidance) | Verified | GOV.UK Egypt travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Entering Serbia from Kosovo without a Serbian entry stamp risks refusal | Likely refused entry | Verified | GOV.UK Serbia travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| EU roaming rules do not apply in Bosnia and Herzegovina | Roaming regime covers EU and EEA only | Verified | Your Europe (European Union) Roaming: Using a mobile phone in the EU | 26 Oct 2026 |
| EU roaming rules do not apply in North Macedonia | Roaming regime covers EU and EEA only | Verified | Your Europe (European Union) Roaming: Using a mobile phone in the EU | 26 Oct 2026 |
| FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria, which is outside the control of the Moldovan government | FCDO advises against all travel | Verified | GOV.UK Moldova travel advice | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Foreign nationals must register with the police within 72 hours of arrival | 72 hours | Verified | GOV.UK Bosnia and Herzegovina travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Holders of valid Schengen, EU member state, UK or US visas, or Schengen/EU/US residence permits may stay up to 90 days in 180, within validity | UK covered for visas only, not residence permits | Verified | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Visa Requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Holders of valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visas, or residence permits from those, may stay up to 30 days visa-free | 30 days | Verified | Government of Montenegro Embassy of Montenegro in Serbia | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Indian and South African ordinary passport holders need a visa for Turkey | visa required | Verified | Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Information For Foreigners | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Jordan single-entry visit visa bought on arrival at an airport | 40 JOD, valid 3 months (UK guidance) | Verified | GOV.UK Jordan travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Montenegro EU candidate since 2010; all 33 screened chapters opened | Candidate country; 33 chapters opened, 16 provisionally closed (page may be outdated) | Verified | European Commission Montenegro – Enlargement | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Montenegro uses the euro without a formal arrangement | No formal arrangement | Verified | European Central Bank The euro | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Non-EU spouses of EU citizens can join them under Directive 2004/38/EC | Directive 2004/38/EC | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Directive 2004/38/EC | 26 Oct 2026 |
| North Macedonia EU candidate since 2005; accession negotiations began July 2022 | Candidate country | Verified | European Commission North Macedonia – Enlargement | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Ordinary passports from the US, Canada, Australia, China (from 2 January 2026), New Zealand and the UK are visa-exempt for 90 days in any 180-day period | 90 days in 180 | Verified | Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa information for foreigners | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Ordinary passports from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are visa-free in Turkey for tourism | visa-free, up to 90 days | Verified | Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Information For Foreigners | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Passport must be valid 60 days beyond the permitted stay (150 days for 90 days); ministry advises six months; GOV.UK says 150 days plus one blank page | 150 days minimum for a 90-day stay | Verified | Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa information for foreigners | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Passport valid at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Montenegro | 3 months (UK guidance) | Verified | GOV.UK Montenegro travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Register with local police within 24 hours of arrival in Serbia | 24 hours | Verified | GOV.UK Serbia travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Register with local police within 48 hours of arrival; non-registration may bring a fine, detention or return restriction | 48 hours | Verified | GOV.UK North Macedonia travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Serbia EU candidate since 2012; accession negotiations ongoing | 22 of 35 chapters opened | Verified | European Commission Serbia – Enlargement | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Spain non-lucrative visa does not permit gainful work or professional activity | No work | Verified | Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Non-lucrative residence visa | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Spain non-lucrative visa is valid 90 days; apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within 1 month of entering Spain | Visa valid 90 days, then residence card | Verified | Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Non-lucrative residence visa | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Spain non-lucrative visa needs health insurance covering all risks insured by the Spanish public health system | Cover equal to the Spanish public system | Verified | Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Non-lucrative residence visa | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Spain non-lucrative visa requires 400% of IPREM: 2,400 EUR/month in 2026, plus 600 EUR/month per family member | 2,400 EUR/month; +600 per family member | Verified | Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Non-lucrative residence visa | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Strict customs rules apply; tax and duty may be owed on tobacco, liquor and luxury goods when re-entering France or Spain | Customs rules apply | Verified | GOV.UK Andorra travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| The official e-visa site is www.evisa.gov.tr | evisa.gov.tr | Verified | Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa information for foreigners | 26 Oct 2026 |
| The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists EU member states as visa-exempt for Turkey, with a visa requirement listed for Cyprus | Most EU states visa-free; Cyprus listed as requiring a visa | Verified | Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa information for foreigners | 27 Oct 2026 |
| There is a de facto absence of systematic border checks between France and Andorra and between Spain and Andorra | No systematic checks (de facto) | Verified | European Commission COM(2024) 108, recommendation on negotiating a border management agreement with Andorra | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK citizens may visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period | 90 days in 180 | Verified | GOV.UK Turkey travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK citizens must show a return or onward ticket and need a passport valid 3 months after leaving Moldova plus one blank page | 3 months; 1 blank page | Verified | GOV.UK Moldova travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK citizens visit Albania visa-free up to 90 days in 180 | 90 days in 180 (UK citizens) | Verified | GOV.UK Albania travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK citizens visit Cyprus up to 90 days in 180; Cyprus not in Schengen | 90 days in 180 (UK citizens) | Verified | GOV.UK Cyprus travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK citizens visit Georgia visa-free up to one year | 1 year (UK citizens) | Verified | GOV.UK Georgia travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK citizens visit Kosovo visa-free up to 90 days | 90 days (UK citizens) | Verified | GOV.UK Kosovo travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK citizens visit Moldova visa-free up to 90 days in 6 months | 90 days in 6 months (UK citizens) | Verified | GOV.UK Moldova travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK citizens visit Morocco visa-free up to 90 days for tourism | 90 days (UK citizens) | Verified | GOV.UK Morocco travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK citizens visit Tunisia visa-free up to 90 days | 90 days (UK citizens) | Verified | GOV.UK Tunisia travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK government advises against all travel to most of Ukraine | Against all travel to most regions; all but essential in some western regions | Verified | GOV.UK Ukraine travel advice | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK passport must be valid at least 90 days after leaving Serbia | 90 days (UK guidance) | Verified | GOV.UK Serbia travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| UK passport must be valid at least 90 days after planned departure | 90 days (UK guidance) | Verified | GOV.UK Bosnia and Herzegovina travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| US holders of official or diplomatic passports need a visa | Official passports need a visa | Verified | Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa information for foreigners | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Visitors register with the local tourism office or police within 24 hours | 24 hours; hotels usually register guests | Verified | GOV.UK Montenegro travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Visitors to Transnistria fill in a migration card (2 copies) for the de facto authorities and keep one to show on leaving | Migration card | Verified | GOV.UK Moldova travel advice: Entry requirements | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Widespread military activity in Ukraine close to some Moldovan borders | FCDO warning | Verified | GOV.UK Moldova travel advice | 26 Oct 2026 |
Other
| Fact | Value | Status | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A British passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Albania | 3 months after departure | Verified | GOV.UK Albania travel advice: Entry requirements | 27 Oct 2026 |
| A visa does not confer an automatic right of entry | No automatic entry right | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), Article 30 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| A visa is extended where the holder proves force majeure or humanitarian reasons | Force majeure or humanitarian reasons | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), Article 33 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| AAA issues the US IDP for a $20 fee under the 1949 Geneva Convention | USD 20 | Verified | AAA International Driving Permit | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Albania was granted EU candidate status in June 2014; the first intergovernmental conference on accession negotiations was held in July 2022 | Candidate 2014; negotiations 2022 | Verified | European Commission Albania, EU enlargement | 27 Oct 2026 |
| An external service provider may charge an additional service fee | Additional to the visa fee | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), Article 17 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Applications are decided within 15 calendar days; the period may extend up to 45 calendar days in individual cases | 15 / 45 calendar days | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2019/1155, amending Article 23 of the Visa Code | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Applications are lodged no more than six months before the visit and, as a rule, no later than 15 calendar days before | 6 months / 15 days | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2019/1155, amending Article 9 of the Visa Code | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026 | 2026-01-01 | Verified | European Central Bank Bulgaria introduces the euro | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Bulgaria is the 21st euro area member | 21 | Verified | European Central Bank Bulgaria introduces the euro | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Canada eTA costs CAN$7, most applications are approved within minutes, valid up to 5 years or until the passport expires, stays normally up to 6 months | CAN$7; up to 5 years | Verified | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada About the eTA | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Children from age six and below 12 pay the reduced fee; children under six are waived | 6 to 11 reduced; under 6 free | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), Article 16 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Demonstrations have been held in central Tirana with some violence and property damage; stay away from them | Stay away from demonstrations | Verified | GOV.UK Albania travel advice | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Do not drink the tap water in Albania, as it may cause illness | Not safe to drink (page said safe in Tirana) | Verified | GOV.UK Albania travel advice: Health | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Driving in Albania can be very hazardous and often aggressive and erratic; rural road surfaces are poor | Hazardous | Verified | GOV.UK Albania travel advice: Safety and security | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Driving licences issued by EU Member States are mutually recognised | Mutual recognition | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Directive 2006/126/EC, Article 2 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Emergency services 112; ambulance 127 | 112 / 127 | Verified | GOV.UK Albania travel advice: Health | 27 Oct 2026 |
| ETIAS applies to third-country nationals who are exempt from the visa requirement | Visa-exempt only | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 (ETIAS Regulation), recital 5 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| EU roaming rules apply in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (EEA); Switzerland not mentioned | Applies in EEA countries; not stated for Switzerland | Verified | Your Europe (European Union) Roaming: Using a mobile phone in the EU | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Fingerprints from an earlier application can be copied from the VIS within 59 months; after that they are collected again | 59 months | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), recital 10 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Fixed conversion rate of 1.95583 lev per euro | 1.95583 BGN per EUR | Verified | European Central Bank Bulgaria introduces the euro | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Medical and dental facilities, including accident and emergency, are very poor, particularly outside Tirana | Very poor outside Tirana (page said adequate in larger cities) | Verified | GOV.UK Albania travel advice: Health | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Pakistan is on the UK visa national list, so Pakistani nationals need a visa to visit the UK | Visa required | Verified | GOV.UK Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Pakistani nationals need a visa to cross the external borders of the Member States (listed in Regulation 2018/1806) | Visa required | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 (visa list) | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Pakistani ordinary passport holders need a visa for Turkey; a one-month single-entry e-Visa is available only with a valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit | Conditional e-Visa | Verified | Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa information for foreigners | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Reports of crime targeting foreigners are rare, though there is crime and violence in some areas | Rare | Verified | GOV.UK Albania travel advice: Safety and security | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Stays beyond 90 days in Albania need a long-stay visa or a residence permit; the long-stay visa can be applied for at e-visa.al | Long-stay visa or residence permit | Verified | GOV.UK Albania travel advice: Entry requirements | 27 Oct 2026 |
| The 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic has 103 contracting parties, including the US, Canada, Australia and the UK | 103 parties | Verified | United Nations Treaty Collection Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 1949), status | 27 Oct 2026 |
| The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic has 91 contracting parties; the US and Canada are not listed | 91 parties | Verified | United Nations Treaty Collection Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 1968), status | 27 Oct 2026 |
| The competent Member State is the main destination, or if none can be determined, the one whose external border is crossed first | Main destination; else first entry | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), Article 5 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| The EU has 27 member states | 27 | Verified | European Commission Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen Area – Migration and Home Affairs | 26 Oct 2026 |
| The Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children | EUR 90 / EUR 45 | Verified | European Commission Applying for a Schengen visa | 27 Oct 2026 |
| The six-month period for free lev-to-euro exchange at banks ended 30 June 2026; the Bulgarian National Bank exchanges free at its counters with no end date | ended 2026-06-30; BNB counters free indefinitely | Verified | Bulgarian National Bank Press release of 1 July 2026 (page untitled) | 26 Oct 2026 |
| The travel document must be valid three months after the intended departure, have two blank pages and be issued within the previous 10 years | 3 months / 2 pages / 10 years | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), Article 12 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Travel insurance should cover local treatment and unexpected medical evacuation | Insurance advised | Verified | GOV.UK Albania travel advice: Health | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa must cover at least EUR 30,000 | EUR 30,000 | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), Article 15 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| UK IDP costs 5.50 pounds, issued in person at certain PayPoint shops, in three types (1926, 1949, 1968); carry your licence with the IDP | GBP 5.50 | Verified | GOV.UK International Driving Permits for UK drivers abroad | 27 Oct 2026 |
| UK photocard holders can drive up to 30 days in Cyprus without an IDP; Cyprus requires the 1949 type | 30 days | Verified | GOV.UK International Driving Permits for UK drivers abroad | 27 Oct 2026 |
| UK photocard holders can drive up to 90 days in any 180 in Estonia without an IDP | 90 days in 180 | Verified | GOV.UK International Driving Permits for UK drivers abroad | 27 Oct 2026 |
| UK photocard licence holders do not need an IDP in Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia or Slovenia; no IDP needed in France, Greece, Spain, Sweden or Switzerland | No IDP needed (UK photocard) | Verified | GOV.UK International Driving Permits for UK drivers abroad | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Vietnam is on the UK visa national list, so Vietnamese nationals need a visa to visit the UK | Visa required | Verified | GOV.UK Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Vietnamese nationals need a visa to cross the external borders of the Member States (listed in Regulation 2018/1806) | Visa required | Verified | EU law (Publications Office) Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 (visa list) | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Vietnamese ordinary passport holders can obtain a single-entry e-Visa valid for stays up to 30 days from evisa.gov.tr | e-Visa, single entry, up to 30 days | Verified | Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa information for foreigners | 27 Oct 2026 |
Last updated: 27 October 2026.