To enter Europe for a short stay you need a valid passport, a visa if your country requires one (or ETIAS once it starts, if it doesn't), and you must be able to show the purpose of your trip, accommodation, a return ticket and enough money. At the border you're registered in the EES.
Your border checklist
- Passport valid at least 3 months after you leave and issued within the last 10 years. Details.
- Visa or ETIAS, depending on your nationality. Check here.
- Accommodation: hotel booking or invitation letter.
- Return or onward ticket.
- Proof of funds: each country sets an amount. See the table.
- Travel insurance: mandatory with a visa and recommended without one. More.
EES registration
On your first entry they'll take your fingerprints and a photo. There's nothing to apply for beforehand. How it works.
What they usually ask
- What's the purpose of your trip?
- Where are you staying?
- When are you going back?
- How much money do you have, or how will you pay for your stay?
Answer calmly and keep your documents on your phone or printed.
Reasons you can be refused entry
- Your passport is too close to expiry or was issued more than 10 years ago.
- You can't explain the purpose of your trip or show where you'll stay.
- You don't have enough money or a way to pay for your stay.
- You have already used your 90 days in the last 180.
- There's an entry ban or alert against you in the Schengen Information System.
- Once ETIAS starts: you have no valid authorisation.
A refusal is recorded in the EES, so it's worth preparing your documents rather than improvising at the booth.
A simple folder for the border
Keep in one place, on paper or on your phone (offline): passport, return ticket, hotel or host details, proof of funds (card or recent statement), travel insurance certificate and, for children travelling without both parents, the consent letter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be refused entry even if I don't need a visa?
Yes, if you don't meet the entry conditions (for example, you can't show accommodation or funds) or if you've already used up your 90 days.
Do I need an invitation letter?
If you're staying with family or friends, some countries ask for an official invitation or hosting document (for example France's attestation d'accueil).
Do I need a return ticket to enter Europe?
You need to show you'll leave before your 90 days end: a return or onward ticket is the usual proof.
Keep reading
Sources
- Schengen Borders Code, Regulation (EU) 2016/399, Article 6
- European Commission: reference amounts by country (08/06/2026)
- European Commission: ETIAS FAQ
This guide is independent and for information only. Rules can change: before you travel, always double-check on the official ETIAS website and with the authorities of the country you're visiting.