Click any blue country to open its travel guide
Last Updated: February 2026
Europe is one of the most diverse and rewarding travel destinations in the world β but navigating entry requirements, transport systems, and local customs across dozens of countries can feel overwhelming. Our country guides break it all down for you.
Each guide covers everything you need to plan a smooth trip: visa and entry requirements, what’s changing at borders with EES and ETIAS, how to get there and around, where to go, and practical tips on money, language, power outlets, health, and more.
π Not sure if you need a visa?
Use our free Europe Travel Planner to get a personalized travel briefing β visas, currencies, adapters, eSIMs, and more β just select your nationality and destinations.
Western Europe
| Country | Schengen | Currency | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Belgium | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| France | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Germany | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Ireland | No (EU only) | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Liechtenstein | Yes | Swiss Franc (CHF) | Read Guide β |
| Luxembourg | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Netherlands | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Switzerland | Yes | Swiss Franc (CHF) | Read Guide β |
| United Kingdom | No | Pound Sterling (Β£) | Read Guide β |
Southern Europe
| Country | Schengen | Currency | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | No | Albanian Lek (ALL) | Read Guide β |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | No | Convertible Mark (BAM) | Read Guide β |
| Croatia | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Cyprus | No (EU only) | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Greece | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Italy | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Kosovo | No | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Malta | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Montenegro | No | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| North Macedonia | No | Macedonian Denar (MKD) | Read Guide β |
| Portugal | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Serbia | No | Serbian Dinar (RSD) | Read Guide β |
| Slovenia | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Spain | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Turkey | No | Turkish Lira (TRY) | Read Guide β |
Northern Europe
| Country | Schengen | Currency | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | Yes | Danish Krone (DKK) | Read Guide β |
| Estonia | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Finland | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Iceland | Yes | Icelandic KrΓ³na (ISK) | Read Guide β |
| Latvia | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Lithuania | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Norway | Yes | Norwegian Krone (NOK) | Read Guide β |
| Sweden | Yes | Swedish Krona (SEK) | Read Guide β |
Central & Eastern Europe
| Country | Schengen | Currency | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belarus | No | Belarusian Ruble (BYN) | Coming Soon |
| Bulgaria | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Czech Republic | Yes | Czech Koruna (CZK) | Read Guide β |
| Georgia | No | Georgian Lari (GEL) | Read Guide β |
| Hungary | Yes | Hungarian Forint (HUF) | Read Guide β |
| Moldova | No | Moldovan Leu (MDL) | Read Guide β |
| Poland | Yes | Polish ZΕoty (PLN) | Read Guide β |
| Romania | Yes | Romanian Leu (RON) | Read Guide β |
| Slovakia | Yes | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Ukraine | No | Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) | Read Guide β |
European Micro States
These four small nations aren’t official Schengen members but share open borders with neighboring Schengen countries. You won’t go through passport control when crossing into them, but they have their own unique character worth exploring.
| Country | Schengen | Currency | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra | No (open borders with France & Spain) | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Monaco | No (open borders with France) | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| San Marino | No (open borders with Italy) | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
| Vatican City | No (open borders with Italy) | Euro (β¬) | Read Guide β |
Essential Travel Resources
Before you dive into individual country guides, these resources cover the rules and logistics that apply across all of Europe:
Schengen Rules & Visa Info
The Complete Schengen Visa Guide β Everything you need to know about Schengen Zone visas, including who needs one and how to apply.
The 90/180-Day Rule Explained β How the Schengen stay limit works, how it’s calculated, and how to avoid overstaying.
Schengen Area Map β See which countries are in the Schengen Zone at a glance.
What’s Changing at European Borders
ETIAS Application Guide β The new European travel authorization launching in late 2026. If you’re from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or another visa-exempt country, you’ll need this.
Entry/Exit System (EES) β Europe’s new biometric border system that replaces passport stamps with digital records.
Practical Planning
Best eSIMs for Europe β Compare eSIM providers for affordable mobile data across Europe. No SIM swapping needed.
International Driving Permit (IDP) Guide β Which European countries require an IDP, how to get one, and what to know about driving in Europe.
Best Travel Insurance for Europe β Our recommendations for coverage that meets Schengen visa requirements and keeps you protected.
Europe Travel Planner β Get a personalized travel briefing for your trip β visas, currencies, adapters, eSIMs, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Europe?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Starting in late 2026, visa-exempt travelers will also need an ETIAS travel authorization. Use our Travel Planner to find your specific requirements.
What’s the difference between the Schengen Area and the EU?
They’re related but not the same. The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 countries that have abolished border controls between them. The EU is a political and economic union. Most EU countries are in Schengen, but there are exceptions β for example, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland are in Schengen but not the EU, while Ireland is in the EU but not Schengen.
Can I travel between Schengen countries without showing my passport?
Yes. Once you’ve entered the Schengen Area, you can move freely between member countries without going through passport control. However, you should always carry your passport β random ID checks can happen, and you’ll need it for hotels, car rentals, and other situations.
What is ETIAS and when does it start?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new pre-travel screening system for visa-exempt visitors. It’s expected to launch in late 2026. Once active, travelers from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia will need to apply online before their trip. It costs β¬7, is valid for three years, and is not a visa. Read our full ETIAS guide for details.
How many countries are in the Schengen Area?
As of 2026, there are 29 Schengen member states. Bulgaria and Romania became full members in 2025, joining the original 27. Additionally, four European micro states (Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City) maintain open borders with their Schengen neighbors.
Which European countries use the euro?
Most Schengen countries use the euro, but not all. Notable exceptions include Switzerland and Liechtenstein (Swiss Franc), Denmark (Danish Krone), Sweden (Swedish Krona), Norway (Norwegian Krone), Iceland (Icelandic KrΓ³na), Poland (ZΕoty), Czech Republic (Koruna), Hungary (Forint), and Romania (Leu).
Plan Your Trip in 60 Seconds
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Related Articles
- ETIAS Application Guide: How to Apply
- The 90/180-Day Rule Explained
- Complete Schengen Visa Guide
- Best eSIMs for Europe
- Best Travel Insurance for Europe
- International Driving Permit (IDP) Guide
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or visa advice. Entry requirements can change β always verify with official government sources before traveling. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.