Neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation suggests that area V2 is necessary for visual awareness

► We applied TMS over V2 while participants were carrying out a visual discrimination task. ► Modelling of the TMS-induced E-field ensured that the V2 was the target of stimulation. ► Awareness of stimulus presence was suppressed when the TMS was applied 44-84 ms post stimulus. ► Awareness of stimulus features was impaired when the TMS was applied 44-104 ms post stimulus. ► The results suggest that visual awareness cannot be generated without an intact V2.