If you are a citizen of one of the 42 member nations of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and traveling to the US, you should apply for a visa waiver at least 72 hours before traveling. Non-Schengen residents entering the Schengen Area will go through border controls only at the first airport they land in. After that, there will be no border controls in any of the 29 Schengen Area member nations. But inform yourself if you need a Schengen visa.
The Differences Explained
Domestic Travel
Geographic Scope
Travel occurs exclusively within the borders of a single country.
Border Controls
No immigration or customs checks are required.
Documentation
You don’t need a passport; a valid photo ID is usually sufficient for flights and check-in.
International Travel
Geographic Scope
Travel between two or more countries.
Border Controls
Involves full immigration and customs procedures (passport control) upon entry and exit from each country.
Documentation
A valid passport is required, and depending on the destination and your nationality, a visa may also be necessary.
Logistics
Involves a longer airport check-in time (e.g., 3 hours before departure) and potentially dealing with different currencies and languages.
Schengen Travel
What it is
The Schengen Area is not the same as the European Union (EU); some non-EU countries are members (e.g., Norway, Switzerland), while a few EU countries are not (e.g., Ireland).
Geographic scope
Travel between the 29 countries that are members of the Schengen Area and have abolished internal border controls.
Border controls
Internal Schengen flights are treated similarly to domestic flights, with no immigration queues, making travel much faster and more efficient than traditional international travel. Airports have separate “Schengen” and “non-Schengen” zones to facilitate this. Entry and exit checks are only conducted at the external borders of the Schengen Area.
Documentation
While systematic border checks are gone, travelers are still required to carry a valid ID card or passport to prove their identity if requested by police or for airline check-in.
Schengen Visa
Citizens of most countries outside the EU/EEA and Schengen Area need a Schengen visa (a single visa valid for the entire area) to travel to or through the Schengen Area. However, there are over 60 visa-exempt countries whose nationals can enter for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) without a visa. To see if you need one, look HERE.
EU nationals vs. non-EU nationals
There are different requirements for EU nationals who are Schengen residents and non-EU nationals living in the Schengen Area, i.e., citizens of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Comparative Travel Document Requirements for Schengen Travel
| Requirement | EU Nationals (Schengen Residents) | Non-EU Nationals (Schengen Residents) | All Others (Non-Schengen Visitors) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Schengen Travel | National ID card or passport | Passport + residence permit | Passport + visa (if required) |
| External Schengen Entry/Exit | Passport or national ID card | Passport + residence permit or long-stay visa | Passport + Schengen visa (if required) |
| Visa Requirement | No visa needed | No visa needed for Schengen country of residence | Visa required for many nationalities |
| Residence Permit Requirement | Not required | Required for long-term stay | Not applicable |
| Passport Validity Rules | Must be valid on day of travel | Issued within last 10 years + valid 3 months post-departure | Same as non-EU Schengen residents |
| Entry/Exit System (EES) | Not applicable | Mandatory registration at external borders | Mandatory registration at external borders |
| Border Checks (Internal) | No routine checks | No routine checks, but carry documents | No routine checks, but carry documents |
| Border Checks (External) | Light checks | Full checks with biometric data | Full checks with biometric data |
| Additional Documents | Rarely required | May be asked for proof of funds, accommodation | Often required: travel insurance, return ticket, etc. |
What Will Change in the Schengen Area
Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EES is a new automated IT system that modernizes external border controls by replacing manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals. The system began a gradual rollout on October 12, 2025, and is expected to be fully operational at all external border crossing points by April 10, 2026.
What’s New
- Biometric Data Collection: Non-EU travelers (both visa-required and visa-exempt) entering the Schengen area for a short stay (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) must register their biometric data, including a facial image and four fingerprints, on their first entry.
- Digital Tracking: The system digitally records entry and exit times, automatically tracking the traveler’s duration of stay and flagging overstayers, rather than relying on manual stamps.
- Efficiency: The goal is to make border checks quicker and more efficient in the long run through the use of e-gates and self-service kiosks, although initial delays may occur during the transition period.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently visa-exempt (e.g., US, UK, Canada, Australia).
Implementation
ETIAS is expected to become operational in the last quarter of 2026, approximately six months after the EES is fully implemented.
What’s New
- Pre-Travel Authorization: Visa-exempt travelers will need to apply for authorization online before their trip, similar to the U.S. ESTA system.
- Security Screening: The online application will screen travelers against EU security databases to identify potential security or health risks before they arrive at the border.
- Fee and Validity: The authorization will cost €20 (with exemptions for those under 18 or over 70) and will be valid for three years or until the linked passport expires. An approved ETIAS does not guarantee entry, as border guards still make the final decision.
International travelers arriving in the U.S. must go through a two-part process managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Immigration Inspection and Customs Declaration and Baggage Claim.
ESTA
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). As of November 2025, there are 42 countries that are part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). For details, see HERE.
Purpose
ESTA is mandatory for citizens of VWP-participating countries who are traveling to the U.S. for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less. It allows travelers to board a U.S.-bound plane or ship, but it is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the U.S.; a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer makes the final admission decision.
Application
Applications must be submitted online through the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/) or the official mobile app. It is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before travel, or as soon as travel plans are made.
Validity
An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years from the date of approval or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows for multiple trips to the U.S. within this period, each lasting up to 90 days.
Requirements
Travelers must have a valid electronic passport with a digital chip and meet all VWP eligibility requirements. Even infants and children require their own separate ESTA approval.
If Denied
If an ESTA application is denied, the individual is not eligible to travel under the VWP and must apply for a non-immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Documents and Preparation
Required Documents
Keep your travel documents in your carry-on for easy access, not in your checked luggage. You will need:
- A passport generally valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay.
- A valid U.S. visa (if required for your citizenship/purpose of travel), or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program.
- Supporting documents relevant to your trip, such as your travel itinerary, the address where you will be staying, and proof of funds or a return ticket (though these may not always be requested, it’s wise to have them ready).
Customs Declaration Form
You may be asked to complete a paper CBP Form 6059B (Customs Declaration) during your flight, though many airports use electronic kiosks or mobile apps for this purpose now.
Airport Arrival Process
Immigration Inspection (Primary Inspection)
- You will be directed to an area with separate lanes for U.S. citizens/permanent residents and non-citizens (or potentially Automated Passport Control kiosks/Global Entry if you are eligible).
- A CBP officer will review your documents, take digital fingerprints and a photograph (for most non-citizens), and ask you questions about your visit. The officer makes the final decision on your admission to the U.S..
- If there are additional questions or issues with your documentation, you may be directed to a “secondary inspection” area, which is a more detailed screening process.
Customs Checkpoint
You will proceed to the customs checkpoint with your luggage and completed declaration form (if you used a paper one). A CBP officer will review your declaration, and your bags may be subject to inspection to ensure you are not bringing any restricted or prohibited items into the country. Once you clear customs, you can exit the airport or proceed to connect to a domestic flight (which may require re-checking your luggage after customs). You should access and print or save your electronic I-94 record to ensure all information (especially your admission status and period of stay) is correct.
When Flying Into the Schengen Area
When flying into the Schengen Area, you will go through border control at the first point of entry, where your travel documents and possibly biometric data (like fingerprints and a photo) will be checked. After this, there are no regular border checks between Schengen member countries, so you can travel freely without showing your passport again, though you should carry it or a valid ID. Be prepared for new biometric checks from the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is gradually replacing passport stamping, and may take extra time at the border.
During Your Flight and Upon Arrival
Document requirements
You must always have a valid travel document, such as a passport or national ID card, which is sufficient for travel within the Schengen Area.
New biometric checks (EES)
The automatic Entry/Exit System (EES) is gradually being implemented, replacing manual passport stamps with biometric data collection. Depending on where you land, you may need to provide fingerprints and a facial photo. This is done at self-service kiosks and automated border control gates (e-gates) at the border. Full implementation is expected by April 10, 2026. Eventually, EES will replace the manual stamping of passports upon entry and exit.
After Border Control
No internal border checks
Once you have passed through the initial border control, you can travel between other Schengen countries without going through passport control. But you should still carry a valid travel document, as you may be asked to show it for other reasons, such as at a police check.
Keep in Mind
Visa requirements
If your nationality requires a visa, ensure you have a valid Schengen visa. Travel carriers are required to verify that you have the correct visa before boarding and that you are authorized to enter the Schengen Area.
Stay limits
For non-EU citizens, the standard rule is a maximum stay of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Note
If you have a long-stay visa or residence permit, you should proceed directly to a border control counter, not the self-service systems.
Urgent and Practical Travel FAQs
What travel documents am I required to carry on a domestic flight or when I am traveling internationally?
When flying domestically, you will need only the documents you carry every day. However, when traveling across an international border, you will need a passport that is valid for at least the length of your stay in the country, though often longer, and sometimes a visa. The best way to find out what travel documents you need when flying to a foreign country is to consult official government sources or use a reliable, industry-standard tool like the IATA Travel Centre.
What documents will I need to travel to and through the Schengen Area?
You will need a valid passport and, depending on your point of entry, you may need to provide fingerprints and a facial photo. This is done at self-service kiosks and automated border control gates (e-gates) at the border. Citizens of many countries outside the EU/EEA and Schengen Area need a Schengen visa to travel to or through the Schengen Area. However, there are over 60 visa-exempt countries whose nationals can enter for short stays without a visa. Check HERE to see if you need one.
What changes are coming to Schengen Area border controls?
As of April 10, 2026, the Schengen Area’s automatic Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to be fully deployed. All non-EU residents entering the Schengen Area for a short stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period must register their biometric data, including a facial image and four fingerprints, on their first entry. That biometric data will then be used for subsequent entries, replacing the passport. But travelers will still be required to carry a valid ID card or passport to prove their identity if requested by police or for airline check-in.
What documents will I need to enter the US?
If you are a citizen of one of the 42 countries that are part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you should apply for a visa waiver at least 72 hours before you travel. Apply via the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/) or the official mobile app. This applies to children and infants as well. You will need a passport generally valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay. You may be asked to show supporting documents relevant to your trip, such as your travel itinerary, the address where you will be staying, and proof of funds or a return ticket.
My country is not part of the VWP. Will I need a visa to enter the US?
If your country is not part of the VWP, you will probably need a visa. To find out what visa you will need, check HERE.