Do You Need a Visa to Volunteer in Europe?

Choosing and planning to volunteer is an incredibly exciting time, one that’ll help shape your future and the way you experience life moving forward. You’ve found the perfect European location, found and got in contact with your ideal host, and now you’re ready to embark on your biggest journey yet. But wait, have you considered a visa? 

Before packing your bags and arranging flights, you need to fully understand the rules of travel in Europe. Today, we’re looking at whether you need a visa to volunteer around Europe, and how to navigate the process of getting one to keep the run-up to your adventure as positive as possible. 

Do I need a visa to volunteer in Europe?

The good thing about volunteering in Europe is that most visitors can stay in their chosen country for up to 90 days without a visa. This means that you can complete up to 12 weeks of unpaid volunteer work in a European country without needing the unnecessary stress of applying for a travel document. 

However, if you’re planning a longer term arrangement, you’ll need to apply for a temporary work or charity work visa. At Volunteering Solutions, we’ll support you every step of the way to make sure you have everything you need before safely travelling abroad - including your visa. We’ll help you determine whether you need one and the best way to go about obtaining it. 

Do you offer short-term volunteering in Europe? 

Yes, absolutely. Volunteering Solution’s European programs last a minimum of one week, giving you the freedom to decide how long you want to work with us for. Whether you want to volunteer during a quick break from university or organise a longer arrangement for a gap year, we’ll work with you to find the right duration of your experience. 

The majority of our European programs, like Portugal, Athens and Ireland, have a maximum duration of 12 weeks, meaning that you can travel to your chosen country as a tourist. 

Applying for a volunteer visa 

Once you know whether you need a visa or not, the next step is to apply. Processing times can vary from person to person, so it’s important to apply quickly to avoid delays. The process might change slightly depending on the visa you need and your nationality, but for the most part, volunteer visa applications follow a similar structure. 

Here’s how to get started: 

Choosing the correct visa type

If you’re travelling for fewer than 90 days, it’s likely you won’t need a visa at all. However, always check the specific requirements for each country. If you’re planning on staying for longer than 90 days, make sure you know which type of visa you’re applying for. 

Ask your volunteer organisation for details on your visa requirements if you’re unsure or have any concerns about travelling to Europe without a visa. 

Gathering the necessary documentation

To apply for a visa, you’ll often need to provide: 

• A certificate of sponsorship from your host organisation
• A valid passport
• Evidence of enough personal savings to cover your trip
• Travel itinerary and proof of transportation

Depending on your circumstances, you might need to provide extra documents to support your application. For example, if you’re travelling with a partner or children, you’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship. 

Submitting your application

Most visas can be applied for online, making it easier for you to submit your application quickly. However, in certain cases, you may be asked to book an appointment at the local embassy or consulate for the country you’re applying to. 

The time it takes to get your visa approved depends on several factors, ranging from a few days to several weeks. We highly recommend applying for your visa as early as possible to avoid any stress about delays as your departure date approaches. 

Keeping your visa safe

Print your visa out and keep it in a safe place, on your person at all times while travelling. We also recommend downloading the eVisa app, which allows you to carry your visa on your phone as well. Having two copies of your visa ensures you always have it, even if you lose the paper copy or your phone’s battery dies. 

What happens if you volunteer without the right visa?

Volunteering without the correct documentation is a recipe for trouble. Even though volunteering is an objectively good service, local authorities may not be so forgiving of your intentions. 

Volunteering without the right visa might land you with: 

• Criminal charges: Working without permission in a European country for an extended period of time is a criminal offence.
• Severe penalties: You may have to pay a heavy fine if you’re found to be volunteering without the correct documentation. 
• Refusal for future entry: Some countries won’t allow you back in for a specific amount of time after being caught. 
• Deportation: You may have to leave the country immediately to return to the UK, and travel expenses might fall on your shoulders. 

Other things to consider when volunteering in Europe

Travelling around Europe is more difficult than it used to be. Here are some other things to consider before jetting off to your volunteering experience: 

• Passport validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months before your planned travel date. Most European countries won’t let you in or out without this much validity, so check the expiry date well in advance so you can apply for another if need be. 
• Travel insurance: Some countries require you to have travel insurance before visiting. Check local immigration laws and travel guidance to make sure you have everything required before you travel to your chosen destination. 
• European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) authorisation: A new requirement for non-EU resident short-term stays in Europe’s Schengen Area. This pre-travel check is due to come into effect in 2025/26, so make sure you know if you need to apply for this or not. 

Ready to get started volunteering in Europe? 

Securing your visa or ensuring you don’t need one is one of the first (and most important!) steps to ensuring a fun, exciting and stress-free experience volunteering abroad. At Volunteering Solutions, we’ll guide you through every stage of the process and offer advice on everything you need to know - from choosing the best program to advising on travel documentation and visas. 

So, what are you waiting for? Plan with confidence and find your next adventure with Volunteer Programs in Europe.