Each year, millions of tourists and business travellers are able to travel freely within a borderless zone of 26 European countries by applying for a Schengen visa. The largest free travel area in the world, the Schengen Area is made up of European countries that have officially abolished all passport and other forms of border control at their mutual borders.
Today, the Schengen zone comprises the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
A Schengen visa is a short stay visa which allows its holder to enter, freely travel within and leave the Schengen zone from any of the 26 Schengen member countries. It is valid for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Who needs travel insurance?
In short, a travel insurance policy is only a mandatory requirement for travellers who need to apply for a Schengen visa. Foreign nationals visiting Europe who enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen zone can take out a travel insurance policy if they wish, but they are not required to do so.
Currently, citizens of 61 countries can enter the Schengen zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without the need to obtain a visa. This includes nationals of all countries in North America, most of South America, Australia, and several countries of Asia. Following Brexit, UK nationals are now on the visa exempt list. All other third country nationals must obtain a Schengen visa prior to entering Europe. More information on who needs to apply for a Schengen visa can be found here.
Whether or not you are required by law to purchase travel insurance, Smith Stone Walters would highly recommend that all travellers take out an insurance policy to cover the duration of their stay within the Schengen area.
Travel insurance is a mandatory document, you will also be required to submit other supporting documents that outline reasons for travel, Flight itinerary and accommodation and means of subsistence when applying for a Schengen visa.
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