Are visas generally required for work exchange programs in Europe?

I’ve not worked in the areas you’re inquiring about. Only here in South America. But I can tell you the reason you won’t find much to any info on the countries’ websites is because it’s a bit of a liability issue for them to go on record with such information. And I’m not trying to imply these organisations are being intentionally deceitful, either.Fact is, governments change their rules and regulations without any rhyme or reason whenever the hell they want. For example, on this present trip through SA, I’ve lucked into two border crossings where US passport holders did NOT have to pay an expected hefty reciprocity fee and have only recently learned of an upcoming crossing where they now do have to.In my direct dealing with one particular work exchange site, they very tactfully put the ball squarely in your court by explaining they are essentially the match makers and, as such, it’s you the beneficiary’s duty to do YOUR due diligence. Made sense to me.Interpret that anyway you want. You’ll find plenty of people who’ll swear on a stack of religious texts that free work exchange programs are straight up illegal for all sort of reasons (some more preposterous than others) and others, like myself, that see it as anything but.In the end, if you really think some stamp in your passport from a government employee sitting behind a desk is going to make your work exchange more legit, by all means feel free to jump online, search around or, if you’re really up for an effort in futility, try to reach someone on the phone and get the most up to date response to your question.Otherwise, like Chelsea said, don’t be a complete tool and go broadcasting at immigration you’ll be ‘working for free’ and you’ll be GOLDEN.Have fun.