European visas
The Schengen area
The map below shows which countries are part of the Schengen area and which are part of the European Union (EU). UK citizens do not require European a visa to enter the Schengen area.
As the UK has now left the EU, UK citizen are only allowed to stay 90 days in any 180 day period within the Schengen area. When entering or leaving the Schengen area, you should ensure that your passport is stamped in and out of each area to provide evidence of your length of stay within the Schengen area.
Several countries that are not part of the Schengen area also have restrictions on the length of time UK citizens can stay within the respective country. Again, ensuring that your passport is stamped in and out of such countries is advisable to provide evidence of your length of stay within the country.
How do I obtain a European visa? Do I need to register with authorities?
The information in the table below is relevant for UK citizens. The table shows whether European visas are required for short term visits, via vehicle (not via airport), to European countries that are not in the Schengen area.
The table also shows whether you should ensure that your passport is stamped on entry and when leaving the country. This will help you to ensure that you can stay the maximum time in the Schengen area, or within non-Schengen areas.
The table also indicates whether you need to register your presence with authorities if staying overnight. When staying in a hotel, they will normally register for you with the relevant authorities. If you’re staying at a private residence, or camping etc, you will need to register.
You may also find it useful to refer to our other information on driving abroad.
| Country | Visa Required | Time to obtain Visa | Schengen area |
| Albania | No | ||
| Armenia | No | ||
| Azerbaijan | Yes, online eVisa Also register with authorities (police) if staying longer than 15 days | 3 days | No |
| Belarus | Yes. Visa-free to Brest and Grodno regions Visas can be obtained from any Belarus embassy Also register with authorities. | 5 days | No |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | No, but register with authorities (police) | No | |
| Bulgaria | Stamp passport | No | |
| Czechia | No, but register with authorities (police) if staying for longer than a few days | Yes | |
| Georgia | No | ||
| Hungary | No, but register with authorities (police) if staying for longer than a few days | Yes | |
| Kosovo | No, but register with authorities (police) if staying for longer than a few days | No | |
| Moldova | No | ||
| Montenegro | No, but register with authorities (tourist information / police) | No | |
| North Macedonia | No, but register with authorities (police) | No | |
| Romania | Stamp passport | No | |
| Russia | Yes, apply in person only | 2 – 12 days | No |
| Serbia | No, but register with authorities (police) | No | |
| Slovakia | No, but register with authorities | Yes | |
| Turkey | Stamp passport | No |