The most visited Schengen countries are Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.
The Schengen Area comprises 22 EU member states and four non-EU states of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway.
From 2025, travellers from over 60 countries will be able to apply for ETIAS to visit the Schengen zone.
ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors. ETIAS is not a visa. Instead, it is a new method of pre-screening passengers travelling to Europe.
Visiting Germany
The Brandenburg Gate - Photo by Dennis Jarvis @Flickr
Germany is the fifth most popular Schengen state.
Bavaria is the German state with the highest number of visitors. In addition, the popular Oktoberfest takes place annually in Munich.
However, the most visited city in Germany is Berlin. A vibrant city, it's home to music and film festivals, edgy nightlife, and great food.
Culture is an essential part of its identity, as it includes 138 museums and more than 400 art galleries.
Tourists may also want to know its history and visit the Berlin Wall remains and Checkpoint Charlie.
To enter this Schengen country, eligible travellers will soon need to apply for ETIAS for Germany.
Tourism in Italy
Colosseum in Rome - Photo by Rosino @Flickr
Italy is the fourth most visited Schengen country.
Milan, Naples, and Venice are top destinations, while the most popular city in Italy is Rome.
While in Rome, tourists may want to visit the Colosseum, Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica, and the ancient Pantheon, Roman Temple.
ETIAS is valid for the entire Schengen Area. Those travelling with the ETIAS Italy can also visit UNESCO heritage sites such as Verona, Siena and the ruins of Pompeii.
Visitors to Spain
La Sagrada Família in Barcelona - Photo by Graham C99 @Flickr
Spain is the second-most popular country for tourism in Schengen.
Holders of ETIAS for Spain can visit Catalonia, the most popular region, which features long stretches of golden beaches.
The most visited city in Spain is Barcelona. Famous for Antoni Gaudi's architecture masterpieces which include Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
Spain's capital, Madrid, is the second-most visited city and the cultural centre of the country.
It boasts museums and art galleries, including Paseo del Prado, which houses works by Goya and Picasso.
Travel to France
París Skyline at sunset - Photo by Falcon® Photography @Flickr
France is the most popular destination in the Schengen Area and the world.
The most visited city in France is Paris, the capital. Portrayed in films as the city of love, it's home to remarkable landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Notredame Cathedral.
Destinations in France include French Alps ski slopes, the French Riviera, and the Palace of Versailles.
When ETIAS for France becomes available in 2025, foreign nationals must apply online to enter the country.
Travel to Schengen countries with ETIAS
By 2025 citizens from over 60 visa-free countries can pre-register for an ETIAS for Schengen countries
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a shared visa waiver system for the Schengen Area to pre-screen foreign travellers to Europe.
Eligible passport holders who wish to travel to one of the most visited Schengen countries will need to complete an ETIAS application online before their trip.
The simple online form takes minutes to complete.
Applicants have to provide a range of personal, passport, and travel information and answer security questions.
The data provided is screened against European information databases before the visa waiver is approved.
The ETIAS requirements include a valid passport from an eligible country. In addition, a credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee and an email address.
