Traveling to Europe is a dream for many, but Schengen visa eligibility depends entirely on your nationality. Every year, millions of travelers face delays or rejections simply because they misunderstand who needs a Schengen visa and why.
This in-depth guide by SchengenAssist.com explains — country by country — which citizens must apply for a Schengen tourist visa, how the rules work, and what travelers should prepare before starting the process.
What Is a Schengen Tourist Visa?
The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that have abolished internal borders, allowing travelers to move freely once they enter with a valid visa.
With one Schengen tourist visa, you can travel across multiple European countries without applying for separate visas.
Key points:
Valid for short stays only
Maximum stay: 90 days within any 180-day period
Issued for tourism, family visits, or business travel
Why Do Some Countries Need a Schengen Visa?
The European Union determines visa requirements based on:
Immigration risk assessment
Economic and political stability
Historical overstay data
Diplomatic relations with the EU
As a result:
~100–105 countries require a Schengen visa
~60+ countries enjoy visa-free access
Country-Wise List of Nationalities That REQUIRE a Schengen Tourist Visa
🌏 Asia (Visa Required)
Citizens of the following Asian countries must apply for a Schengen visa before travel:
India
Pakistan
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
Nepal
Bhutan
China
Philippines
Indonesia
Thailand
Vietnam
Cambodia
Laos
Myanmar
Mongolia
Afghanistan
Iran
Iraq
Yemen
Syria
Lebanon
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Turkmenistan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
North Korea
Important for Asian travelers:
Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi passport holders form the largest applicant group
Strong documentation (employment, finances, travel intent) is critical
First-time travelers are assessed more strictly
🌍 Africa (Visa Required)
Most African passport holders require a Schengen visa, including citizens of:
Nigeria
Ghana
Kenya
Uganda
Tanzania
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Egypt
Sudan
South Sudan
Ethiopia
Eritrea
Somalia
Libya
Tunisia
Algeria
Morocco
Cameroon
Ivory Coast
Senegal
Mali
Burkina Faso
Niger
Chad
Central African Republic
Democratic Republic of Congo
Republic of Congo
Angola
Mozambique
Malawi
Rwanda
Burundi
Africa-specific notes:
Financial proof and travel history play a major role
Invitation letters and employer NOCs are often scrutinized
Biometric appointments are mandatory
🌎 Middle East (Visa Required)
Citizens of the following Middle Eastern countries require a Schengen visa:
Saudi Arabia
Oman
Kuwait
Qatar (ordinary passport holders)
Bahrain (ordinary passport holders)
Iran
Iraq
Yemen
Syria
Lebanon
Jordan
Palestinian Territories
⚠️ Important distinction:
UAE passport holders → visa-free
UAE residents holding Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, etc. passports → visa required
Residency does not change nationality-based visa rules.
🌍 Europe (Non-Schengen Countries – Visa Required)
Turkey
Russia
Belarus
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Kosovo
(Some European countries like Albania, Georgia, and Ukraine are visa-free and not listed here.)
🌎 Americas (Visa Required)
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Haiti
Bolivia
Ecuador
Guyana
Suriname
🌏 Oceania (Visa Required)
Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands
Vanuatu
Fiji (visa required in most cases)
Who Does NOT Need a Schengen Visa?
Citizens of 60+ countries can travel visa-free, including:
USA
UK
Canada
Australia
Japan
Singapore
UAE (passport holders)
Visa-free travelers must still:
Respect the 90/180 rule
Carry proof of funds, return tickets, and accommodation
Why This Matters Before You Apply
Knowing whether your nationality requires a visa helps you:
Apply to the correct Schengen country
Prepare documents in advance
Avoid rejected applications
Plan realistic travel timelines
How Schengen Assist Supports Travelers
At SchengenAssist, we specialize in Schengen tourist visa preparation, including:
Nationality-specific guidance
Document checklist customization
Application & cover letter review
Appointment guidance
Support for complex or first-time cases
We do not issue or guarantee visas, but we ensure your application is accurate, complete, and professionally prepared.
📌 Planning a Trip to Europe?
Check your eligibility and get expert assistance with your Schengen tourist visa preparation.
👉 Start your Schengen Assistance with SchengenAssist.com today
