SchengenMap Blog

Do I Need a Schengen Visa? How to Check Fast (Without Guessing)

Most travel mistakes happen because people trust a blog from 2017 written by a guy named "WanderDude." Do not be that.

Step 1: Know what you are doing (tourism or business versus long stay)

Schengen "short stay" rules generally cover tourism and business trips and are different from residence permits, work rights, or long-stay national visas.

Start here: European Commission: Schengen area.

Step 2: Use official calculators for day-counting

Even if you are visa-exempt, you still must comply with the 90/180 rule.

Official tool: EU Short-stay calculator.

Step 3: Cross-check with your government's travel guidance

Governments often publish nationality-specific summaries and updates.

Example (UK): UK: Travelling to the EU and Schengen area.

Step 4: Verify on the official EU "Travel to Europe" portals for upcoming border changes

New border systems can affect processing time and procedures even if your visa status does not change.

• EU: Entry/Exit System (EES)
• EU: ETIAS (travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers)

Not legal advice. Official sources win over everything else.