Planning a trip to Europe? You may need a Schengen visa, so read on to find out more and how World Nomads travel insurance can help.
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In 1995 a treaty was signed & implemented that created a common border between most countries in Europe. Back then, 26 countries signed on this. As of 2024, 29 countries are a part of it. This treaty is known as the Schengen Agreement and essentially it means that when you cross the border into one of these 29 countries, you’re in them all (that is, you're free to travel between these countries with no border controls and no passport checks). The only countries in Europe that are not part of this agreement are Cyprus and Ireland.
These 29 countries in the 'Schengen Area' also agreed on a common visa application form for visitors from outside the area. So if your travels are taking you to Europe you might need to apply for this 'Schengen visa'. We say 'might' because not everyone needs one...it all depends on where you're from and what countries you'll be visiting in Europe.
Here's the list of the 29 countries that are part of this Schengen Agreement (and all have the same visa):
A Austria B Belgium, Bulgaria C Croatia, Czech Republic D Denmark E Estonia F Finland, France G Germany, Greece H Hungary I Iceland, Italy L Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein M Malta N Netherlands, Norway P Poland, Portugal R Romania S Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Whether you need a Schengen visa or not all depends on your nationality.
If you are a Canadian citizen with a Canadian passport traveling to Schengen countries for business or tourism, you will not need a visa as long as your stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. Keep in mind:
If you plan to stay in the Schengen area longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you plan to visit and obtain the appropriate visa before you travel.
It’s important to get your passport stamped when you enter your first Schengen country, especially if you’re departing from a different one, because they’ll have no record of how you got in, or when, and you’ll have all sorts of questions to answer about being an illegal arrival.
While Canadians aren’t required to have a Schengen visa, it is still a good idea to consider travel insurance whether your trip is for a short stay or for a longer visit over ninety (90) days. Because—as many of our nomads have found—anything can happen while you’re on the road, such as:
If you become sick or injured and are unable to travel, or you unexpectedly need to cancel your trip for another covered reason, the last thing you want is the worry of being out of pocket. Our travel insurance policies may offer reimbursement for some of your non-refundable, pre-paid transport and accommodation expenses, so you've got one less thing to worry about.
Had your gear swiped while snapping photos of the Colosseum in Rome? Our baggage protection may be able to help with replacing the belongings that were taken. Keep in mind you’ll need a police report, written confirmation of the loss from the hotel manager, tour guide, or transportation authorities, where relevant and proof of ownership to claim for any stolen articles.
Exploring the Alps can be a revitalizing experience, but not if it ends with an injury. Emergency medical coverage will come in handy if you are injured or become ill.
Planning to explore far-flung pockets of Europe like Albania’s New Vjosa Wild River National Park? With our cover, you can get transported to the nearest qualified medical facility for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. Just note there is no cover for search and rescue expenses.
Whether you plan to ski the slopes of Switzerland or scuba dive in The Azores, World Nomads travel insurance policies cover more than 250 adventure activities for Canadian residents, so you can experience Europe with a hit of that adrenaline buzz you love.
Get a quote and be sure to read the policy documents. This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, of if you have questions, just ask us.
Yes…it does!
If you are from one of the countries that requires a Schengen visa, you need to prove that you have adequate travel insurance that is valid for the entire period of your stay (or transit) in the Schengen area.
World Nomads travel insurance policies do provide this cover (in fact, they cover much more than the required EUR €30,000) and therefore it should be accepted as part of your Schengen visa application.
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
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Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
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We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
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Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
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Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Contact the teamBefore your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.