Do US citizens need a visa to visit Europe?

As of today, US citizens can visit most European countries in the Schengen Area visa-free for short tourist stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). This covers popular destinations like Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. The United Kingdom, while not part of Schengen, also allows visa-free short stays for US visitors.

Requirements do change, and the EU has discussed introducing ETIAS, a pre-travel authorization (not a visa) for visa-exempt travelers. Always check official government sources close to your travel dates rather than relying on older articles, since entry requirements can be updated with only a few months' notice.