Visas - Travelling to Europe
Last Updated: 15th May 2013
More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe
Depending on the nationality of the passport you are traveling on you may require visas to enter countries included on your tour. Every country in Europe has different entry requirements.
You are responsible for obtaining all the necessary visas prior to the departure of your tour. You can consult your travel agent but the only truly reliable source of visa and entry requirements are the consulates of the countries themselves.
Travel agents often offer visa services and you should obtain multiple entry visa whenever possible.
Importantly, you should check the date of your travel with the validity of your visa/s.
Contiki is prohibited by law from knowingly carrying clients without correct visas.
If you are traveling on a non-European Union passport and are a resident of the United Kingdom (UK) you may be able to obtain visas in the UK otherwise it is advisable to obtain them from consulates in your home country.
Important Information
- Visas can take up to six weeks to obtain
- Failure to obtain all the necessary visa could cause you to miss part of your tour and could result in considerable expense and inconvenience to you.
- Visas are your responsibility. Check to ensure the dates are correct.
Multiple Entry Visas
On many occasions during our tours you will enter the same country twice. If you require a visa for such a country, you need to stipulate this when you are applying for the visa to ensure that the visa is valid for more than one entry. Check tours with multiple entries into countries to see which countries on your tour are visited more than once.
Generally it is always advisable to gain multi entry visas as you never know when or if you may like or need to go back into a country.
Schengen Visas
While the Schengen Visa covers most European countries, not all countries in Europe are part of the Schengen Agreement. If you require a Schengen Visa to travel in Europe Multiple entry visas are a must. For more information on Schengen Visas please look at www.eurovisa.info.
Russian Visas
All clients need visas for Russia – ensure you have yours before you leave as well as others you may need (Poland for example). Contact Contiki or your travel agent for more information.
United Kingdom Visa for South African Passport Holders
The British High Commission has informed us that as of 3 March 2009, South African passport holders wishing to visit OR transit the United Kingdom will need to obtain a visa before travelling. There will be a temporary exemption to this requirement for those who have previously travelled to the UK while using their current and valid passport.
If you have previously travelled to the United Kingdom using your current passport, you will qualify for the exemption and will not need to apply for a visa at this time. This is however a temporary exemption until mid 2009 and we urge you to keep updated with any changed
See the following link for more information – ukinsouthafrica.fco.gov.uk/en/visas-for-the-uk/.
Other European Countries
Please Note: It is your responsibility to obtain the correct visas for your tour. This chart should be used as a rough guide only as visa requirements often change.
This information is correct as of 1 August 2007 and should be used as a guide only. If you are unsure or your passport issuing country is not listed, please check the consulate web sites of the countries you will be visiting. If visas are required you should obtain multi entry visas when possible.
| Passport/ Country |
Australia | Canada | EU/UK | Japan | South Korea |
Mexico | New Zealand |
South Africa |
USA |
| Albania | N*** | N*** | N*** | N*** | N*** | Y*** | N*** | Y*** | N*** |
| Austria | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Belgium | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Bulgaria | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y | N |
| Croatia | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y | N |
| Czech | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Denmark | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Finland | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| France | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Germany | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Greece | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Hungary | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Italy | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Latvia | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Montenegro | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y | N |
| Netherlands | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Norway | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Poland | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Russia | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Slovakia | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Spain | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Sweden | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | Y** | N |
| Switzerland | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Turkey | Y* | Y* | Y | N | N | N | N | Y | Y* |
| Egypt | Y* | Y* | Y* | Y* | Y* | Y* | N | Y | Y* |
Y = Yes – Visa required,
Y* = Yes – Visa can be obtained on entry at the border,
Y** = Yes – Schengen Visa required – Multiple Entry,
Y*** = Yes – Visa required plus border tax upon entry,
N = No Visa required – please note however some restrictions on length of stay may apply,
N*** = No Visa required – border tax payable upon entry
Add a Comment Comments (32)
-
J Gateway will be accessible via Jurong East MRT. Commuting to the Bukit Timah Area as well as the city area is therefore very convenient. It is also right beside J Cube, Westgate and Jem. IMM Jurong as well as Jurong Country Club are also within a short walk.
Jurong Gateway
u0301466
posted 5 days ago
Flag as Inappropriate
-
Ecopolitan EC has full and unique facilities, which includes a guard house, clubhouse, Function Room & Indoor Gym Tennis Court, 50m Freeform Pool Pool Deck, Wading Pool, Splash Pool & Family Pool Jacuzzi & Hydro Spa, BBQ Area Dining and Play Fountain, Fitness Alcove & Children’s Playground and Garden Trail. The condo’s facilities provide full family entertainment needs for your family and loved ones. Indulge in a serene and tranquil lifestyle right in the heart of Punggol.
Ecopolitanecopolitanpunggol
posted 25 days ago
Flag as Inappropriate
-
Once upon a time travelling Europe was considerably more difficult for non-Europeans, unless various countries had agreements between specific countries, such as they commonly did with the United States (US).That time i really want to a house one thing is most important is I’m sure you’ve all heard that saying in reference to real estate that goes: location ,location, location – well you will often find that if you stay in a hotel in a vacation spot you will be ‘conveniently located’ right beside a major road or intersection for the best exposure for the home read more
imrannali
posted on 2nd Apr 2013
Flag as Inappropriate
-
A wonderful and unique lifestyle awaits you. Please see Belgravia Villas project details and floor plans for more information.
Ang Mo Kio Cluster Houseu0301466
posted on 28th Mar 2013
Flag as Inappropriate
-
Apart from the stretch of eateries and restaurants which are available at North Point Shopping Centre, The Estuary is also well furnished with amenities such as a BBQ pit and clubhouse that is great for social gatherings, a fitness corner and gym that caters to the health conscious, and a playground and tennis court that serves as the perfect spot for family bonding during the weekends.
Estuaryu0301466
posted on 5th Feb 2013
Flag as Inappropriate
-
Several buses are available near Potong Pasir along with shopping centers and restaurants. Sant Ritz is also near to Volkswagen Golf Centre and Kallang Side Riverpark. Entertainment for your loved ones and friends is therefore at your fingertips with the full condo facilities as well as the amenities near Potong Pasir.
Sant Ritzu0301466
posted on 25th Jan 2013
Flag as Inappropriate
-
One country missing from the list is Belarus which is included on the Scandinavia/Russia tour. I’m not too sure about other countries but I’m from Australia and by having a look on the DFAT website, Australian’s do need a visa for this country also, not too sure if coming from Russia or having the Russian Visa changes this though?!?!?
Jen_au
posted on 6th Nov 2011
Flag as Inappropriate
-
Thank you for sharing some great information on this. Sometimes it can be a little bit hard remembering everything with visa so it’s always good to find a place where you can get some advice and help. It constantly depends on which country you come from and is going to visit.
Daniel
Stockholm ApartmentsExplorer1271434
posted on 5th Aug 2011
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I have a New Zealand Passport and it says I dont need any visas, what if I’m re-entering multiple times, does that count?
AlishaDavies
posted on 28th Jan 2011
Flag as Inappropriate
-
i got my sights set on going to russia…
how was the visa process?
did anyone experience difficulties in acquiring your visas?hope you can help me on this
thanks
paul360
posted on 21st Nov 2010
Flag as Inappropriate
-
Hi, I am looking to obtain my visas once I am in the country. Can anyone tell me if it is better obtaining them before leaving as opposed to once there? Just trying to save on money…
Chante'
posted on 15th Nov 2010
Flag as Inappropriate
-
one for the aussies, ya dont need any visas for western europe, only need one for egypt and turkey if thats on your tour, pretty sure you get it on arrival, but everyone check the wikipedia page on worldwide visas and itll tell ya
mick82
posted on 8th Jun 2010
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I am taking the European Magic Tour in July. We will be going through a few places. From the looks of the chart above, i don’t think i need Visas for any of the countries. Can someone confirm with me?
justJenn
posted on 30th Apr 2010
Flag as Inappropriate
-
i need to a agent for tuors work in uropa
Explorer1169658
posted on 17th Feb 2010
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I’m travelling to europe soon – the “Winter Wanderer” – and as I am an Australian citizen, wont’ be needing a visa for a short stay. However, I’m not sure whether multiple entries to the same country changes the situation.
I will be entering France, Austria & Germany more than once, but will be staying within the Schnegen region throughout the trip. Will I need a multiple entry visa?
Explorer1158626
posted on 1st Dec 2009
Flag as Inappropriate
-
How much will my visa cost? I’m from the US. I will need a visa for Turkey and Egypt. How can I find out the cost?? If it easier to get it at the airport…how can I find out how much I will have to pay?
Thanks
Nancy
posted on 23rd Nov 2009
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I’m going on a European contrasts tour on an Australian passport, do I need a Schengen visa?
Explorer1154318
posted on 19th Oct 2009
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I just had a look at the table on the top deck website- that one says that uk/ire etc DONT need a visa for france and italy
Explorer1152045
posted on 26th Sep 2009
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I will be travelling on an irish passport, but according to the table- I need a visa for france and italy- thats not right is it???
Explorer1152045
posted on 26th Sep 2009
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I am confused! I have a british passport and as far as I understood it this should allow me entry into all EU countries. Why do I need a visa for France and Italy when they are part of the EU?
aeiou
posted on 18th Aug 2009
Flag as Inappropriate
Recent Tips
The trolley tour of Boston, offered as an optional, is the best way to see the entire city. Take it at your own pace, but I would suggest stopping off at the USS Constitution and Fenway.
If you visit the massive outdoor club Rio, also go next door to the 'Green Pardon' which is much cheaper, and has about 5 bars and three separate dance floors - all outside. Party till the sun rises!
I dont think anyone has ever said they didnt enjoy George's boat! Its by far the best optional on tour! The water is amazing and George is quite the entertainer ;)
