Do You Need A Visa For European Cruise?

Starting in 2024, the European Commission will introduce an electronic travel authorization system called ETIAS for all visitors from countries not part of the EU. U.S. citizens do not currently need a visa for traveling to Europe via cruise ship, but changes to travel requirements are set to occur starting mid-2025.

Guests will need a new travel authorization, which may require an entry visa to board their cruise or enter certain countries during their cruise visits. It is the guests’ responsibility to identify and obtain government-issued identification to board. Government authorities may also require a visa or meet other requirements.

US citizens do not currently need a visa for Europe cruise travel. Most American, Canadian, and British citizens do not need a visa to visit Europe as a tourist, but a visa waiver will be required after November. If traveling on a cruise in 2024 or beyond that calls one or more EU member countries, you will likely be required to have an ETIAS.

Non-European passport holders may require a Schengen Visa for entry into Continental Europe. Schengen State members include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and others. To determine if you need a Schengen visa for European cruises, check with the visa policies established by your destination country.