If you’re planning your first trip to Europe, it’s normal to have many questions before you officially head abroad. From coordinating travel plans to making sure everything runs smoothly and much more, there’s a lot that needs to be done. One question many travellers ask is, “Do I need a visa for Europe from Australia?”
In this Europe travel guide, we’ll answer that question and explain other important considerations when heading to Europe*.
Within Europe there are Schengen and non-Schengen countries. The visa requirements will differ between these 2 zones, so it is important to first of all know which type of visa you will need.
These are governed on a country-by-country level. The best advice for visiting non-Schengen visa areas is to refer to Smartraveller and check the most current visa information for that country.
This is a unified system across all 29 Schengen area countries.
To determine whether you need a visa before visiting Europe, it’s important to first understand the Schengen Area.
The Schengen Area consists of 29 European countries that share border travel conditions. Within the Schengen Area, travellers are permitted to move between other member countries without having to go through border controls or obtain a visa for each country.
The countries that make up the Schengen Area include:
Travellers are permitted to visit these countries without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, your travel purposes must be for the following:
This means that if you are planning to visit any of the above-mentioned countries for more than 90 days within the 180-day period, you will need to obtain a visa. You will also be required to apply for a visa if your travel purposes change and you do not meet the above visa-free conditions. To do this, you must apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will stay the longest. If you’re staying at every destination for the same length, apply at the embassy or consulate of the place you are visiting first.
How to calculate your 90/180 visa-free travel days
If you are travelling to multiple destinations within the Schengen Area, it’s important to tally your travel days to ensure you meet the 90/180-day requirement. As this can be tricky for even the most seasoned traveller, the European Commission offers a free Short-Stay Visa Calculator to help you.
Additional things to keep in mind about the 90/180 days rule are:
Some non-Schengen area countries have visa waiver agreements with Australia, which allow Australian citizens to spend between 60 and 90 days in the country for tourism purposes. Please note, each country has different procedures for using these waivers; many require that the waiver be used at the end of your travel within the Schengen Area. Visa waiver agreement countries include:
Some non-Schengen area countries allow Australian citizens to enter visa-free for tourism purposes usually for up to 90 days. Each country may have different border rules, so be sure to check the latest advice for your particular destination.
The EES is slated to launch on 12th October 2025 for all non-European visitors travelling in or out of the Schengen Area. This is a digital border system which will require fingerprints and photos of the traveller to be taken upon entry to the Schengen Area.
This information will be stored and registered as a digital record, so if you return to the Schengen Area within 3 years of your first visit you will only need to provide either your fingerprint or photo at the border on entry and exit.
Due to begin in the last quarter of 2026^, Australians will have to obtain a European Travel Information and Authorisastion System (ETIAS) to enter the following European countries:
This is an electronic security system. It will do a security check before you can enter participating European countries. Read more information about the ETIAS here.
^Please note: expected launch dates for the ETIAS are not final, please be aware of latest advice before you travel.
Visa requirements have changed in 2025 for Australians visiting the United Kingdom. Australian's must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK for tourism. Australian's transiting through the United Kingdom must also obtain an ETA.
In order to apply for an ETA you will need a valid passport and may be asked to prove that:
Since we’ve already touched on Schengen rules, let’s look more closely at how they apply specifically to Spain. This is one of the most visited countries in Europe, and a destination high on the list for Australian citizens.
Aussies travelling to Spain for a holiday or a quick business visit don’t need to worry about applying for a visa. Thanks to Spain’s participation in the Schengen Area, you can stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without the hassle of paperwork. This makes city breaks to Barcelona or cultural escapes to Madrid simple and stress-free.
If you’re visiting Spain short term, here are the basics you’ll need:
If you’re considering a stay that goes beyond 90 days — for study, work or relocation — you’ll need to apply for the correct visa before you leave Australia. These applications are generally made through the Spanish consulate and may take time, so planning ahead is crucial.
Each visa type has its own specific requirements, and processing times can vary from weeks to months. Always check the latest guidelines directly with the Spanish consulate before you begin your application.
Now that you have an answer to “Do I need a visa for Spain from Australia?”, the fun part is deciding where to spend your time. Spain is full of diverse destinations, and planning ahead helps you make the most of your visit. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Barcelona: Famous for Gaudí’s architecture, buzzing food markets and a lively beach scene.
Madrid: Home to prestigious museums like the Prado, elegant plazas and vibrant nightlife.
Seville: Known for flamenco, Moorish palaces and warm Andalusian charm.
Valencia: A mix of futuristic architecture, sandy beaches and the birthplace of paella.
Granada: Set against the Sierra Nevada mountains, with the stunning Alhambra palace as its centrepiece.
With all the excitement of an upcoming Europe trip, it’s easy for the small things to become forgotten during the packing process. To help you travel smart and stress-free, we’ve rounded up our top must-haves:
Toiletries and medication — Carry travel-size toiletries and any necessary medications in your hand luggage. European pharmacies are great, but it's best to have your essentials handy.
Compact power bank — With all the photos, navigation and bookings on your phone, a power bank is a lifesaver to keep your devices charged on the go.
Comprehensive travel insurance — Unexpected events can happen while travelling. Travel insurance ensures you're covered for unforeseen mishaps, giving you peace of mind on your European adventure.
So, do Australians need a visa for Europe? Only if planned trips exceed 90 days. Once you get your visa requirements out of the way, your next step is taking out travel insurance.
With different levels of coverage available, 1Cover has a Europe travel insurance policy for every kind of traveller. Compare our coverage options and get a quick quote today.
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This insurance is underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SE – Australia.
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