The five visa categories you'll meet
Visa-free: just show your passport at the border. ETA: an electronic travel authorisation — apply online before flying (ESTA for the US, ETA for Australia and Canada). Visa on arrival: buy at the border on entry. e-Visa: apply online, get an electronic visa, takes a few days. Visa required: apply at an embassy in advance — allow weeks.
The 90/180 Schengen rule
Across the Schengen area (most of the EU plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and a few others), most tourist passports get 90 days of stay in any rolling 180-day window. That 90-day budget is shared across all Schengen countries — three weeks in Spain and a month in France count together. Plan trip lengths around it if you visit Europe often.
Why we always show the official link
Visa rules change frequently — countries strike new agreements, lengthen or shorten stays, and add electronic systems. The result on this page is the typical category as of the “last reviewed” date, but the official immigration site is the authoritative source. Check it before you book.
What we don't cover
Work, study, long-stay, residency and family visas all have separate processes and are outside the scope of this tool. So are border-rule changes that apply only to specific nationalities (e.g. waivers for diplomats, dual citizens, or special categories). For anything beyond a short tourist visit, check the embassy.