Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?
The specific visa policies can vary based on your nationality. Always check with the official embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you are a US citizen, check out the US government’s visa wizard to gain more information. Visa requirements can change, and the categories provided below are generalizations:
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- No Visa Needed for Short-Term Stay: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
- E-Visa or Visa Upon Arrival Available: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia.
- Advance Visa Required: Kosovo, Moldova, Turkey, Ukraine.
Is it customary to tip in Europe?
Tipping 5-10% is customary in most Western European countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.)
In countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland, tipping around 10-15% for good service in restaurants is typical. Some countries like Italy and Portugal may include service charges in the bill. Rounding up is common in some Nordic and Eastern European countries, such as Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Tipping is generally expected in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Greece, and Turkey. For restaurants, a common practice is to leave around 5-10% of the bill. In Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, rounding up is often considered sufficient in some places.
What is the legal drinking age in Europe?
In all but one country the legal drinking age is 18 years old. In Iceland, you must be 20 years old to consume alcohol.
Do I need to rent a car to get around Europe?
In many European countries, especially in Western Europe, there is often efficient and well-connected public transportation, including trains, buses, trams, and metros. Cities are often designed to be walkable, and many tourist destinations are accessible by public transport, so renting a car is not necessary. Plus, renting a car can be more expensive than using public transportation, especially if you’re primarily staying in urban areas where parking fees can add up.
If your itinerary includes rural or remote areas where public transportation options may be limited, renting a car could be beneficial. This is common in countries like Iceland, Norway, or parts of Eastern Europe.
What side of the road do people drive on in Europe?
The majority of the countries drive on the right side of the road, with a few exceptions where people drive on the left side (Ireland, United Kingdom). Always adhere to local traffic laws and guidelines when driving in a foreign country.
What is the legal age to rent a car in Europe?
In many European countries, the standard minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old. Some rental companies may allow drivers as young as 18, but they often charge additional fees for drivers under 25 (known as a ‘young driver fee’). This additional fee is intended to cover the higher insurance risk associated with younger drivers. Some car rental companies may also require that the driver has held a valid driver’s license for a certain period, often at least one to three years. Certain vehicle categories, such as luxury or specialty cars, may have higher age requirements for rental.
Are there specific travel restrictions or regulations I should be aware of for Europe?
Travel regulations can change, especially during public health emergencies or political conflicts. Check the latest travel advisories, entry requirements, and health and safety guidelines for your destination on the U.S. Department of State website’s travel advisories section here.
What is the general etiquette when greeting someone in Europe?
Greeting customs in European countries generally involve a handshake, often firm, which is a common and accepted form of greeting in both formal and informal settings. In addition to handshakes, cheek kissing is prevalent in many Southern and Western European cultures, with the number of kisses varying between one to three on each cheek. Verbal greetings like “hello” or “good morning” are standard and using polite and formal language is appreciated, especially in initial meetings.
Addressing individuals by their titles and last names is customary in formal settings, with titles such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” commonly used until given permission to switch to a more familiar form of address. Europeans generally appreciate personal space but may stand closer during conversations than in some other cultures. Making eye contact during greetings is generally considered polite and respectful, conveying confidence and attentiveness, except in places like Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden. Punctuality is often valued in European cultures, and being on time demonstrates respect for others’ time.
