Europe: travel guide by country, visas and health insurance
Europe brings together 44 countries with very different entry rules: some share the same open-border area (Schengen), others require a separate visa, and others, like the United Kingdom, have their own travel authorization system. Before booking anything, it's worth checking three things based on your passport: whether you need a visa, whether your travel insurance meets the required minimum, and which emergency number applies in the country you're visiting.
This guide covers Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom in detail, with practical data on currency, language, health and insurance for each. The visa and insurance requirements depend exclusively on the nationality of the passport you're traveling with, not on the country you're leaving from or the language you speak, so always confirm your specific case at the relevant consulate or embassy.
What the Schengen Area is and why it matters
The Schengen Area brings together 29 European countries that removed border controls between each other: once inside, you can move from one member country to another without a new passport check. Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Germany are members; the United Kingdom is not and keeps its own immigration control.
Depending on your nationality, entering the Schengen Area may require a short-stay visa (type C), an exemption under a bilateral agreement, or, once fully in force, an additional electronic travel authorization (ETIAS). The exact requirement can only be confirmed by checking the official European Commission list for your specific passport.
Travel insurance: the requirement almost no one checks in time
If your nationality requires a Schengen visa, travel medical insurance is mandatory and must cover a minimum of EUR 30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation, valid throughout the Schengen territory for the entire stay. Even if you don't need a visa, European public healthcare isn't free for non-residents, so an emergency without insurance can cost thousands of euros out of pocket.
Assist-365 offers travel insurance certificates commonly accepted for the Schengen visa application, with 24-hour medical assistance, COVID-19 coverage and a provider network in more than 200 countries. When you get a quote, the code MEDALLOADV2023 applies an immediate discount on the plan you choose.
Countries covered in this guide
These are the six European countries with a detailed guide on Viaje365, along with their Schengen status, currency and single emergency number.
How to choose when to visit each country
Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy) has its high season from May to September due to the heat and school holidays; central Europe (France, Germany) is best visited in spring and autumn to avoid crowds; the United Kingdom doesn't have a distinct rainy season, so weather changes little between months and it's worth always packing a waterproof layer.
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Quick facts for the European countries covered
| Country | Schengen Area | Currency | Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Yes | Euro (EUR) | 112 |
| Portugal | Yes | Euro (EUR) | 112 |
| France | Yes | Euro (EUR) | 112 |
| Italy | Yes | Euro (EUR) | 112 |
| Germany | Yes | Euro (EUR) | 112 |
| United Kingdom | No | Pound sterling (GBP) | 999 (or 112) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the same visa for every Schengen country?
If your passport requires a Schengen visa, a single short-stay visa lets you enter and move around all 29 member countries during its validity period.
Does the United Kingdom require a Schengen visa?
No. The United Kingdom isn't part of the Schengen Area and has its own visa and electronic travel authorization system, independent from the rest of Europe.
Which emergency number works across Europe?
112 works in every European Union country, including the five Schengen countries in this guide, for police, ambulance and fire services.
Does European travel insurance cover any nationality?
Yes. International travel insurance like Assist-365's doesn't depend on the traveler's nationality, but on the destination and plan chosen; make sure the certificate meets the minimum required if your visa demands it.