How many countries are there in the European Union?
The European Union is a unique economic and political union of 27 member countries in the European continent. It has an internal single market through a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states. Its policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within the internal market.
Why is Europe so attractive?
This is partly because of the high level of development of the large majority of countries but also because of its cultural diversity, historic significance and beautiful cities and landscape. Travelling across Europe may require a visa ...
How does the EU work?
The EU functions based on rule of laws agreed on by all member countries, which together run the four key EU institutions. These institutions are:
What is a Schengen visa?
There are some countries that are a part of free-travel zone called the Schengen Area. To travel to states that are a part of this area you are required to get a Schengen Visa, which is a short term visa and is issued only for travelling and tourism purposes. For longer stays you are required to obtain a specific visa that is issued only by ...
What countries are part of the EEA?
Iceland. Liechtenstein. Norway. While the purpose of the EEA is to extend the EU’s internal market to countries in the European Free Trade Area (EFTA), the EEA members are not obliged to implement EU policies on common agriculture and fisheries, customs union, the common trade policy, foreign and security policy, etc.
What is the difference between the EU and the EEA?
In terms of membership, the sole difference between the EU and the EEA is that the latter consists of three more countries , which are: Iceland. Liechtenstein.
What is the EU's main goal?
Its policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within the internal market. The EU is the largest trade block in the world and the biggest exporter of manufactured goods and services.
Passports and Entry Permits to Travel to Europe
Pre-pandemic, there was one key document to travel to Europe—a valid passport.
Vaccine Certificates to Travel to Europe
The European Union recommends that Member States progressively reopen to international travel. According to EU guidelines, people fully vaccinated with vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) should be able to visit Europe for any purpose, including on vacation.
Passenger Locator Forms
This document goes by several names: passenger locator form, travel health certificate, electronic health declaration, etc. Many European countries now require passengers to fill out an online form before departure.
COVID-19 Test Results to Travel to Europe
The document you may need to travel to Europe in 2022 is a COVID-19 test certificate showing a negative result.
Europe 2022 Document Checklist
To summarize the requirements explained above, here is a checklist of what you may need to travel to Europe this year:
Which countries require a Schengen visa?
The countries whose citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to enter any member country of the Schengen Area are: Afghanistan. Gabon. Oman. Algeria. Gambia. Pakistan. Angola.
Which countries require airport transit visas?
The list of the countries which are subject to the airport transit visa in the Schengen Area goes as following: Afghanistan. Bangladesh.
Can a national enter the Schengen area?
While there are categories and nationals of countries that are privileged with entering the Schengen visa-free zone, there are also other categories and nationals, which have to go through all the processes of meeting requirements and attending interviews, in order to obtain a visa that grants them with the permission to enter the Schengen Area.
Does Sri Lanka require a transit visa?
Sri Lanka. There are however exceptions regarding the Airport Transit Visa for certain individuals. In case of the following terms, the nationals of the above-mentioned countries are not obliged to obtain an airport transit visa:
Do you need a visa for more than one nationality?
In the case of citizens with more than one nationality, the visa requirements depend on the passport he/she chooses to travel with. If you chose to travel with a passport of a nationality that requires a mandatory visa you will have to obtain one even if you are in possession of a passport of one of the Schengen member countries but you are not willing to use it for any reason.
Why is the ETIAS visa important?
There are many reasons for the new ETIAS Visa, but the main reason is safety. In light of recent terrorist attacks and illegal immigration issues in Europe, it’s a way for the EU to keep tabs on its visitors. It’s also providing them with a pretty sweet cash flow. Over 12 million Americans visit Europe each year.
Why is Europe improving its security?
Europe has recently decided it’s time to improve their security level to help negate and avoid any problems that might arise with terrorism and illegal immigration , both of which have proved troublesome in the past decade, with increasing concern. Terrorist attacks in Paris, Brussels, and Strasbourg just recently are proof of that.
When will the new visa requirements take effect?
The new Visa requirement will take effect in January 1, 2022. All Americans wishing to visit the European Schengen-zone will need to apply for an ETIAS Visa,which stands for “European Travel Information and Authorization System.”. This new Visa program applies to all former Visa-Waiver countries for the European Union (yes that’s you too Canada)!
Do Americans need a visa for Europe?
Do Americans need a visa for Europe now? Yes, in 2022! US citizens will need to apply for the ETIAS Visa before visiting Europe. Here is what you will need:
