One Schengen Visa - 15 European Countries

So you want to go to Europe, but don't have a US Passport. Or maybe you are from a country that is on the list of countries that requires a Visa to visit Europe? "What am I to do?" you may be wondering, "There are so many countries I want to visit in Europe, but do I have to apply for a visa to see each one?" The answer, my intrepid explorer, is no!

As of August 1st, 1998, travelers to Europe who require a Visa are able to apply for what is called a Schengen Visa. The Schengen Visa will allow you to travel to the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. That's 15 countries with just one Visa!

Please note, however, that there are some rules regarding how you obtain the Schengen Visa. In order to obtain a Schengen Visa, you need to apply for one at the consulate of the country that will be your first entry point into Europe that is part of the Schengen agreement.

"Wait, the country that I will be going to first is going to be the UK!" you say, and you bring up a good point. Since UK is not part of the Schengen Visa agreement, you will need to get a separate UK Visa in order to go there. However, whichever country that is a member of the Schengen agreement you intend to go to after the UK, that is the country who's consulate you need to go to to obtain a Schengen Visa.

For example, if you arrive in the UK and your next destination country is France, you should apply for a Schengen Visa at the French consulate.

For more details and an example of the Schengen Visa requirements, here is a link to the information on the French Consulate website in Los Angeles.

Have a good trip!