## Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Europe in 2018?
Planning a trip to Europe in 2018? Before you book your flights and accommodation, it’s important to check if you need a visa to enter the country or countries you’ll be visiting.
### Who Needs a Visa to Travel to Europe?
Citizens of certain countries do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries. These countries are:
* **EU Member States:** Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
* **EFTA Member States:** Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
* **Other European Microstates:** Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
Citizens of all other countries will need to apply for a visa to enter the Schengen Area.
### Types of Schengen Visas
There are different types of Schengen visas, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. The most common types are:
* **Schengen Visitor Visa (Type C):** This visa is valid for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is suitable for tourism, business, and visiting family or friends.
* **Schengen Transit Visa (Type A):** This visa is required if you are transiting through the Schengen Area to a non-Schengen destination. It is valid for up to 48 hours.
* **Schengen Long-Stay Visa (Type D):** This visa is valid for stays of more than 90 days. It is typically required for students, workers, and researchers who plan to stay in the Schengen Area for an extended period.
### How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
To apply for a Schengen visa, you will need to submit the following documents:
* **A completed Schengen visa application form**
* **A valid passport**
* **Two recent passport-sized photographs**
* **Proof of travel insurance**
* **Proof of financial means**
* **An invitation letter (if applicable)**
* **A letter of employment (if applicable)**
You can submit your visa application at the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting. The processing time for a visa application can take up to 15 days.
### Fees
The fee for a Schengen visa varies depending on the type of visa and the country you apply from. For a Schengen Visitor Visa, the fee is typically around €80.
### Validity
The validity of a Schengen visa depends on the type of visa and the country that issued it. Most Schengen Visitor Visas are valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
### Overstaying Your Visa
If you overstay your Schengen visa, you may be fined or deported. You may also be banned from entering the Schengen Area for a period of time.
### Conclusion
If you are not a citizen of one of the countries listed above, you will need to apply for a visa to travel to Europe in 2018. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay. You can apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting. The processing time for a visa application can take up to 15 days.
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