Can Americans Volunteer in Europe?

Choosing where to lend a helping hand is one of the most exciting and daunting tasks of your volunteering journey. With all of the recent uncertainty surrounding travel to and from America, you may wonder whether you can still volunteer in other parts of the world. 

The good news is that Americans can volunteer in Europe, and the process remains relatively simple. There are plenty of benefits to volunteering your time in a European country like Portugal or Ireland, so this is great news if you want to make an impactful difference in the world. 

Today, we’ll be exploring how you can volunteer in Europe as an American, including the visa you’ll need, considerations to think about, and how a reputable volunteer organization can make a world of difference. 

Do I Need a Visa to Volunteer in Europe?

The current guidelines state that American volunteers don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen Area of Europe for short stays (under 90 days). This is great news for many volunteers who are planning on visiting for placements shorter than three months, as they don’t have to worry about applying for extra travel documents. 

However, if you’re planning to stay for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a temporary work or tourist visa. The process of applying for one of these is relatively straightforward, and Volunteering Solutions is happy to help work through your application to ensure the smoothest ride possible. 

What About an ETIAS? 

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is another form of travel document for countries where visas aren’t required. This includes the United States, but don’t worry - the ETIAS isn’t planned to come into effect until 2026. 

You’ll need an ETIAS for all stays in Europe, regardless of their length. Unlike a visa, the application process is much quicker and all online, so you can complete it within minutes. 

Step-by-Step Process of Applying For an ETIAS

The idea of having to apply for another travel document before volunteering may sound like a chore, but the process is actually fairly straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:

Gather What You Need

To complete the ETIAS process, you’ll need:

• A valid US passport with at least six months before its expiration date
• Your personal information
• Travel itinerary, such as where you’re going and your arrival date

Fill Out the Application Form

The application form takes only a few minutes to complete, and will ask for:

• Personal information: You’ll need to input your full name, address, birthdate, and passport details.
• Travel itinerary: This includes when and where you plan to visit in Europe, and when you plan on returning to America. 
• Health and security details: You’ll need to complete a yes/no questionnaire about your medical history, prior travel complications, and criminal record. 

Be mindful of how you answer questions, as any small mistake can delay the approval of your ETIAS. 

Pay and Submit Your Application

Once you’ve completed the form, it’s time to pay and submit the application. The time it takes for you to get approved usually takes a matter of minutes, but in some cases, it could take up to four days. 

What to Do After Approval

Now that you’re approved to travel to Europe for your volunteering journey, here are some practical ideas on what to do before jetting off:

• Double-check the details, as any discrepancies can jeopardize your travel plans.
• Keep a copy handy in case there’s a technical issue with passport control or you’re asked for confirmation while traveling. 
• Reconfirm how long it’s valid for to make sure you’re not caught traveling without a valid ETIAS, as this could leave you with heavy fines and penalties.

Types of volunteer opportunities in Europe

There are so many worthy organizations to choose from; it’s time to decide where you’re most passionate about volunteering. Here are some of the most popular projects to consider: 

Childcare and Teaching

Working with children is one of the most rewarding volunteering opportunities. Whether you choose to help children with multiple disabilities or a youth support program, you’ll be shaping the minds of tomorrow and boosting their confidence, enjoyment, and passion for learning. 

Education projects are particularly enjoyable and challenging, as no two days are the same. You could be helping out with after-school projects for teens one day, then in a kindergarten setting the next. 

Environmental and Wildlife Conservation

Conservation volunteering opportunities are incredibly popular all over the world, including Europe. Plenty of animals need your TLC, and the environment could use some attention, too. Scuba dive in Barcelona to see what can be done to protect underwater environments and make a lasting impact.

If you’re passionate about helping animals, choose to rehabilitate and protect hedgehogs or manage the population of stray cats in Portugal. These incredibly worthwhile opportunities let you meet new animals on a daily basis and give them a meaningful second chance at a happy life. 

Community Development

Being able to say you left a community a little better than you found it is an amazing flex, so consider community development for your volunteering project. For broader opportunities, which focus on everything from workshops, food banks, local events, and more, choose a community development project based on location. Volunteering Solutions currently offers Ireland and Barcelona.

However, you can also arrange to focus your efforts on a particular area of development. Fan-favourite options in Europe include charity shop work or food waste management. If you’re passionate about art, the art projects program in Ireland is a wonderful way to get others excited about their hobbies and artistic ability, too. 

Medical Internships

If you already have a background in medicine or want to kickstart your journey into this rewarding field, then a medical internship in Europe might be the one for you. Not only will you garner amazing experience and the opportunity to learn from some of the best, you’ll also meet like-minded people with similar interests and passions to you. 

Whether you want to focus on a dental internship or a medical internship in Greece, Volunteering Solutions makes it easier than ever to make a lasting impact that you can be proud of.

Benefits of Volunteering in Europe

If you’re considering where to volunteer, there are plenty of benefits to choosing Europe:

• Make a real difference: Europe’s volunteering opportunities always need new hands to pitch in and make a difference. By volunteering in Europe, you’ll always be able to say you left your chosen country better than you found it. 
• Boost employability: The ability to put ‘volunteer’ on your resume is a huge plus in the eyes of employers. It could be the difference that makes you stand out from the rest of the applicants, increasing your chances of getting your dream job. 
• Home away from home: Compared to other countries and continents, Europe has a few similarities to America. Some people, who are nervous about solo travelling and meeting people from different walks of life, find Europe to be a more comfortable option while still making a difference. 
• Learn something new: Volunteering gives you an amazing opportunity to learn something new. When else would you be able to learn to scuba dive and protect underwater environments, or how to help Portugal’s hedgehogs and stray cats? 
• Meet like-minded people: Volunteering gives you the chance to meet new people from around the world. Europe is a popular volunteering destination, so you’ll be able to make connections for a lifetime and learn even more from them during your downtime. 
• See another corner of the world: Europe is made up of 44 countries, so there’s plenty to explore! Choosing a placement in Ireland means you’re only a short flight or ferry away from the UK. Other European countries mostly border each other, so you can use your ETIAS to stay a while longer and make the most of your European excursion!

Ready to Start Planning Your European Volunteering Journey? 

Americans can volunteer in Europe as long as they don’t exceed the 90-day short-stay period or have the correct visa. Be mindful that you’ll need an ETIAS when it comes into play in 2026, but for now, no visa is required. 

If you’re worried about travelling without a visa, Volunteering Solutions can help calm your nerves and ensure there are no extenuating circumstances that would require you to have one. We’ll be with you from start to finish, offering assistance with packing, accommodation, and more, keeping you confident and comfortable throughout your trip. 

Explore our European volunteering opportunities to find something you’re truly passionate about.