🌍 What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that have abolished internal borders. A single Schengen visa allows travel across all of them. Popular countries include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

🛂 Who Needs a Visa for Europe?

You need a visa if you are a citizen of a country not listed under the visa-exempt list for the Schengen zone. Examples of countries that usually require a visa:

• India
• Philippines
• Pakistan
• Nigeria
• China

✈️ Who Does NOT Need a Visa?

Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most EU countries can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period **without a visa** (tourism or business only).

📝 How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

1. Determine your main destination country
2. Schedule an appointment with its embassy
3. Gather documents (passport, itinerary, insurance, proof of accommodation)
4. Attend the visa interview
5. Wait 15–30 days for approval

📌 Visa-Free Countries List (As of 2025)

Check the full updated list of visa-free and visa-required countries on the official Schengen Visa Info site.