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What are the requirements to travel to Europe from the USA?
Travel to Europe from the USA and learn the requirements for visiting the Old Continent. Pack your bags and get ready to explore!
To plan a long trip, it’s not enough to know what to pack. It is also essential to understand which documents you will need to show at airport immigration. So if you are getting ready to travel to Europe from the USA and spend some time in the Old Continent, here is an updated guide with everything you need before your trip.
Depending on the reason for your trip, whether you are going to study, visit as a tourist, or spend an extended stay while working remotely as a digital nomad, you may need to apply for a specific visa to enter Europe. We also explain the other documents you must have, including your passport, health insurance, and the address of the place where you will be staying.
We will also let you know how you can drive in Europe, whether you need to buy travel insurance, and the best ways to stay connected to the internet while you are there. So if you are ready to experience the charm of cities like Paris, Rome, or Madrid, take note of the following information and get your trip planned with no stress.
Tip for traveling to Europe
Let’s start with a great travel tip that, even though it is not one of the official requirements to travel to Europe from the USA, will make your trip much smoother. Meet the travel companion you did not know you needed: Holafly. Imagine landing at the airport and getting online within seconds straight from the app. That is exactly what you can do with Holafly’s Europe eSIM. It is ideal for short trips of one or two weeks, since you can choose unlimited data only for the days you actually need it.
For longer stays, Holafly’s monthly plans give you stable and secure 5G coverage with no long term commitments. You can choose between the 25 GB plan or the unlimited option and connect several devices at the same time. Plus, you can travel through multiple European countries using the same eSIM and the same data plan!
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Now that you know how to stay connected online during your trip, let’s start with the requirements for traveling to Europe from the USA.
1. Round-trip plane ticket to Europe and back to the USA
The first requirement for traveling to Europe from the United States is a round-trip plane ticket. Immigration authorities require this to ensure your stay is planned and that you will not overstay your allowed time in Europe. If you are traveling as a tourist, your return ticket should have a fixed date and not exceed 90 days. At the same time, your outbound ticket is always required to board your flight from the United States.
2. Tourist, residence, or work visas for Europe
If you are a U.S. citizen planning to visit European destinations as a tourist, you generally will not need a visa for most Schengen countries. However, your stay cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
If your trip is for remote work as a digital nomad or for an exchange program as a student, you will need to apply for a visa that allows for a longer stay. The specific requirements and types of visas vary depending on the country you plan to live in, but in general, these are the most common options across Europe:
- Student visa: If you plan to pursue a university degree at a European institution or take a language course, such as Spanish, French, or German.
- Work visa: If you have secured employment in a European country, you must present the job offer to obtain this visa.
- Digital nomad visa: Some European countries have introduced a digital nomad visa that allows you to work remotely for a set period, usually with a minimum duration of 12 months.
- Volunteer or au pair visa: If you are planning to travel to Europe to take part in a volunteer project or work as a caregiver, there are specific visas available for these purposes.
Since each European country has its own rules, it is a good idea to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit and review the specific requirements for each type of visa.
3. U.S. passport
A U.S. passport is one of the main requirements for traveling to Europe. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area and be in good condition, with enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
It’s a good idea to check your passport in advance and, if it’s close to expiring, renew it at your local Department of State office. Keep in mind that if your passport doesn’t meet the requirements, the airline can deny you boarding.
4. Accommodation address in Europe
When traveling to Europe from the United States, immigration officers may ask for the address where you’ll be staying. This can be a hotel, coliving space, apartment, Airbnb, or even a letter from a friend or family member inviting you. The purpose is to confirm your travel plans and have a point of contact in case any issues arise during your stay.
5. Health insurance in Europe
If you are traveling as a tourist, you do not need health insurance to enter Europe. However, if you are applying for any of the visas mentioned earlier, having medical coverage is mandatory. In any case, it is always wise to travel with a policy that covers medical care, hospitalization, and emergency repatriation, with a minimum coverage of $34,450, as required by Schengen regulations.
6. EES (Entry and Exit System)
A new requirement for U.S. travelers heading to Europe is the EES electronic registration, which began in some European countries in October 2025. The system collects information on visitors staying up to 90 days who are not part of the Schengen area. Until ETIAS is implemented for U.S. citizens in 2026, this digital system will be used to track arrivals and departures of travelers from outside the Schengen zone.
This system helps speed up border checks, monitor irregular migration by keeping a record of each visitor, and enhance overall security within the European Union. All you need to do is download the Travel to Europe app on your smartphone and enter your passport details along with a photo. Make sure to complete this process at least 72 hours before your trip.
7. Pass immigration control in Europe
Now that you know all the requirements for traveling to Europe from the United States, it’s time to learn how to get through immigration smoothly. If you are traveling as a tourist, the EES does not replace the standard checks, but it can speed up the process since your information is already in the system. Officers will simply verify that everything is in order, making your entry much quicker.
If you haven’t done the electronic registration, immigration officers will complete a few checks when you arrive. They may take your fingerprints and photo, review your passport, confirm your accommodation, and check your visa and health insurance. You might also be asked about the purpose of your trip or which countries you plan to visit. The best approach is to stay calm, answer questions clearly, and soon you’ll be free to enjoy your European adventure.
Other tips for traveling to Europe from the United States
In the following sections, we won’t cover mandatory requirements, but we will share tips to help you enjoy your trip more safely, comfortably, and smoothly. For example, we’ll explain why getting travel insurance is a smart choice and how you can drive on European roads with your U.S. driver’s license. Let’s dive in!
Travel insurance for Europe
In addition to health insurance, you can get an international travel policy to protect yourself against flight delays or cancellations, lost luggage, theft, issues with accommodations, or accidents during risky activities. With this coverage, you’ll have 24/7 assistance and reimbursement for any losses you may incur, so you can travel with greater security.
Driving license in Europe
As a U.S. citizen, you can drive in Europe using your American driver’s license for up to six months. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you plan to travel by car across multiple European destinations, it’s a good idea to get this international permit from your local DMV to avoid any fines.
If you plan to stay in Europe for an extended period, you may be able to swap your U.S. driver’s license for a local one. Some countries, like Spain, Germany, and France, have agreements with certain U.S. states, while others, such as Portugal and Italy, require you to take both a written and practical driving test.
Vaccines
Although Europe does not require U.S. travelers to be vaccinated, it is wise to make sure your routine shots like tetanus, measles, and hepatitis B are current. The only exception is if you have recently been to a country where yellow fever is common, in which case the vaccine is necessary.
Frequently asked questions about requirements for traveling to Europe from the USA
You do not need a visa if you are visiting as a tourist for up to 90 days. However, if you plan to work or study, you will need to check with the embassy of the country you are visiting to find out the visa requirements.
Yes, you can, but only for the first six months and if you have an International Driving Permit with you. If you plan to stay beyond that, you will need to switch to a local driver’s license in the country where you are living.
Since this is a new digital process, it is not yet mandatory, but it is recommended because it speeds up border control. For now, only a few European countries have implemented it.
It is set to take effect at the end of 2026 and will be required for U.S. travelers heading to Europe. You can apply for it online, and it will remain valid for three years.
Most European countries use the euro, though some, like Denmark, Sweden, and Poland, have their own currencies. In most places, international credit cards and digital payments are widely accepted.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
