Travelling in Europe 2023 (2024)

With thousands of years of history, a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery, Europe is home to some of the world’s most popular destinations.

As well as attracting millions of visitors from overseas, those who call Europe home love to explore the multitude of cities and countries on their doorstep.

Today, it is as easy for Europeans to travel around the EU as it is to travel within their home country. The removal of most passport checks and the use of the same currency – the euro – in 20 EU countries have made travelling much easier. The creation of a single market where people, goods, services and money can move freely has brought wider choice and lower prices.

More and more young Europeans are also getting to know their continent better thanks to the DiscoverEU travel pass.

Documents you will need

EU citizens

Passport or identity card

Thanks to the Schengen Agreement, most EU countries have removed controls at their borders.

Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are also in the Schengen area, although they are not in the EU. This means, for example, that you can go skiing in Switzerland without having to show your passport when crossing the border from the EU.

Border controls within the Schengen area can exceptionally be introduced for a limited period if there is a serious threat to public safety or security.

When travelling to or returning from EU countries that are not part of the Schengen area, you will need to present a valid passport or ID card. Everyone crossing the EU’s external borders, including EU citizens, is subject to systematic checks against relevant databases.

Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, you will need to carry a valid travel document (your passport or ID card) when travelling in the EU because it may be required for identification or security purposes. Children must have their own passport or ID card. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from your national authority.

Before travelling outside the EU, check what documents are required by the non-EU country you are planning to visit.

Visa

You will not need a visa when travelling within the EU.
https://europa.eu/!uC67MV

non-EU citizens

Note: citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are treated as EU citizens for the purposes of travel and entry into EU countries, since these four countries are part of the Schengen area.

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Citizens from more than 100 countries require a visa to visit the EU. The list of countries whose citizens require visas to travel to Ireland differs slightly from other EU countries.

You can apply for a visa at the consulate or embassy of the EU country you plan to visit (or the one that is your main destination). If you hold a Schengen visa you can travel to all the Schengen countries. If you have a valid long-stay visa or residence permit issued by one of the Schengen countries, you can stay for up to 90 days in other Schengen countries. You may need a national visa to visit the non-Schengen EU countries.
https://europa.eu/!7wTtqr
https://europa.eu/!Um73Ug

There are more than 60 countries and territories whose citizens do not need a visa to visit the EU for up to 90 days. In 2024, visitors from these countries will be required to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. It will be required for people travelling to any of the Schengen or non-Schengen countries listed in the earlier table, except Ireland. The new system will increase security and avoid delays at the border for travellers.
https://europa.eu/etias

Money

The euro

The euro (€) is currently used every day by more than three quarters of EU citizens, or around 347 million people in 20 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican City use the euro as their national currency, in agreement with the EU. A number of countries and territories, such as Kosovo (*) and Montenegro, also use the euro as their de facto currency.

(*) This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

Cards and cash

Today, cross-border euro payments, including cash machine withdrawals and card payments, cost the same as they do at home for EU citizens, although you may still be charged a currency conversion fee if you live outside the euro area. You can now also easily check and compare conversion charges when paying with your card or withdrawing cash abroad.

Block any lost or stolen bank cards immediately by calling the issuer. Make a note of the number to ring before you travel.

If you enter or leave the EU with €10,000 or more in cash (*) (or its equivalent in other currencies) you must declare it to the customs authorities.

(*) Cash means banknotes, coins, bearer negotiable instruments and certain types of gold.

Shopping

Within the EU

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you travel between EU countries, as long as it is for your own personal use and not for resale. Taxes (value added tax and excise duties) are included in the price you pay and no further payment is due in any other EU country.

However, special rules apply in the case of goods subject to excise duty, such as alcohol and tobacco products. To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for your own use, each country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these goods, you may be questioned to check that you have no commercial intent. However, countries may not set their guide levels lower than the amounts in the table below.

Coming into the EU

If you enter the EU from a non-EU country, you can bring with you goods free of value added tax (VAT) and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. The same applies if you come from territories where EU rules on VAT and excise duty do not apply.

There is a higher or lower limit on the amount of tobacco you can bring into the EU depending on the country, so check the customs rules of the EU country you are visiting.

(*) Each amount represents 100 % of the total allowance for tobacco products. You may combine any of these, but you must not exceed the total limit. For example: 100 cigarettes (50 % of allowance) + 50 cigarillos (50 % of allowance) = 100 % of total allowance.

(**) For spirits and fortified or sparkling wine, each of these amounts represents 100 % of the total of the allowance, which you can split. For example, you can bring half a litre of spirits and 1 litre of fortified wine – both represent half of this allowance.

Travellers under the age of 17 cannot make use of these tobacco and alcohol allowances.

If you are travelling from one EU country to another via a non-EU country (e.g. Switzerland) you will need to check the customs rules of that country.

Other goods, including perfume

• Up to a value of €430 for air and sea travellers
• Up to a value of €300 for other travellers.

Some EU countries apply a lower limit for travellers under the age of 15, but it may not be lower than €150.
https://europa.eu/!Rn93gu

Food

There are no general restrictions on carrying meat or dairy products when travelling within the EU. However, make sure that you don’t bring foodstuffs containing meat, milk or their products into the EU from non-EU countries as they could carry dangerous pathogens that cause sickness in EU livestock, such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever. The only exceptions are for those travelling with small quantities for personal consumption from Andorra, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino or Switzerland.
https://europa.eu/!Qp39PK

Don’t forget to take a reusable bag with you when you go shopping. EU rules are helping to reduce the use of plastic bags that litter and damage the environment. Most countries charge for each bag you get when shopping.

Help for consumers

As a consumer, you are guaranteed fair treatment, products that meet acceptable standards and a right of redress if something goes wrong, wherever you are in the EU.

Know what you are eating

You can be assured of the highest food safety standards because of strict laws on the production, processing and selling of food. Food labelling rules mean clear, comprehensive and accurate information on food content.

Know what you are buying

You are protected from a wide range of unfair commercial practices, both online and in shops. Pre-ticked boxes on websites are banned so that you do not unintentionally pay for travel insurance when buying a plane ticket online, for example.

Compare prices

The full price, including VAT and the unit price – the price per kilo or per litre – of all goods for sale must be clearly displayed. When booking accommodation or a flight online, the total price, including charges and taxes, must be visible from the start of the booking process.

Resolve any problems

The European Consumer Centres Network gives practical information on EU consumer rights, as well as free advice and assistance with cross-border complaints or disputes. For practical help and information while travelling, download the app (available in 25 languages):
https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/en/publications/ecc-net-travel-app/

Look out for the label

Getting there

By road

Driving licence

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is recognised throughout the EU and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Every new licence issued is printed on a plastic card with a standard European format. In most countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence you will need to have your vehicle’s registration certificate with you.

Non-EU drivers should check whether they need an international driving permit to drive in the EU countries they are visiting, in particular if they plan to visit Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and Spain.

Motor insurance

Wherever you are travelling in the EU, your compulsory car insurance policy will automatically provide cover for damage caused to third parties through a car accident (third-party liability). If you have comprehensive car insurance at home, it may extend to travelling to other countries, but you should check which countries this applies to and the period of validity before setting out.

A European accident statement form, obtained from your insurer or online, is a standard document available in several languages that makes it easier to make a declaration on the spot if you have an accident in another country.

When you travel within the EU with a third-party liability insurance policy issued in a non-EU country you may need a green card, or you may need to take up frontier insurance. Rules may differ depending on the country where the policy is issued, so check in advance.

Tolls and vignettes

Many countries charge for the use of their roads with either tolls (distance based) or ‘vignettes’ (time based). The EU monitors these charging schemes to make sure that they are proportionate and do not discriminate against non-residents or occasional users.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seatbelts must be worn in all vehicles fitted with them. Children must have appropriate child restraints.

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an accident and is forbidden in all EU countries and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, unless using a hands-free set.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol content level varies between 0 mg/ml and 0.8 mg/ml, depending on the country. Drivers who speed or drink-drive can be tracked down through improved cross-border exchange of information.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland and Malta and that in some countries, such as Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Portugal, you normally have to give way to traffic coming from your right.

What are the speed limits in Spain? Do I need to wear a helmet when I cycle in Sweden? For all the important road safety rules, download the free Going Abroad app:
https://europa.eu/!tu98pU

Electric cars

Standardised plugs across the continent mean drivers of electric vehicles can charge their car anywhere in the EU just like they do in their home countries.

Check out the alternative fuel station map:
https://europa.eu/!QrGqGg

Buses and coaches

The EU is continually improving safety standards for bus and coach passengers, for example recently introducing stricter rules on the use of fire-resistant materials in vehicles. If seatbelts are fitted in buses and coaches, it is mandatory to wear them throughout the EU.

Cycling

Why not explore Europe by bicycle? EuroVelo, the European cycle route network, connects the entire continent and some of its main attractions with 17 long-distance cycle routes covering over 90,000 km. You can enjoy Europe’s towns and cities on your own bike or by using one of the many self-service bike rental schemes, some of which have been co-financed by the EU.
https://en.eurovelo.com

By air

The creation of a single European market in air transport 30 years ago has led to cheaper fares and a greater choice of carriers, routes and services for passengers.

Europe has one of the best aviation safety records in the world. To improve safety further, airlines originating from outside the EU must hold an authorisation confirming their compliance with international safety standards. In addition, their aircraft may be inspected in Europe and they will be banned from operating inside European airspace if they are found to be unsafe or not sufficiently overseen by their authorities.

Common EU rules on security checks for passengers and cabin and hold luggage apply for all flights departing from EU airports. There are restrictions on liquids that can be taken into the cabin and a common list of items that are not allowed in either cabin or hold luggage.

By rail

Rail remains one of the safest and most popular forms of transport in Europe and plays an important role in the EU’s ambitions to be climate neutral by 2050. The EU has more than 200,000 km of railways. There are around 9,000 km of high-speed lines on important routes like Paris–Brussels–Amsterdam–Cologne, Milan–Rome and Barcelona–Madrid, and more are under construction. The EU is working to boost long-distance and cross-border passenger rail services, including night trains. It aims to double high-speed rail traffic by 2030 and triple it by 2050.
https://europa.eu/!Jf9BJ4

By water

There are many key sea routes between EU ports offering regular, high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, air or rail. There are also some 42,000 km of navigable rivers, canals and lakes.

Map

Time zones

Your rights

The EU is the only area in the world where citizens are protected by a full set of passenger rights, whether they travel by plane, train, bus, coach or ship. Passengers in the EU have the right to accurate, timely and accessible information, assistance in the event of transport disruption and, in certain circ*mstances, compensation for cancellations or long delays.

Download the app so you can check what your rights are and how to claim them:
https://europa.eu/!bg39vB

In addition, EU rules protect you when you buy package holidays or trips that combine at least two different types of travel services (such as a flight and a hotel or car rental) through the same or linked online booking site.

Before you go: You must receive clear information about your travel package (including travel destination(s), the list of services included and an emergency number). You must also be informed of your rights, for example, you have greater rights regarding cancellations or if the organiser goes bust.

When you are there: If you find yourself in difficulty during your stay you are entitled to assistance such as information on health services and consular assistance.

https://europa.eu/!pN77RY

Passengers with a disability or reduced mobility

Passengers with a disability or with reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance in airports, train stations, ports and designated coach terminals, as well as on board aircraft, trains, ships and coaches. It is advisable to notify the carrier or terminal operator of specific needs at the time of booking, when buying the ticket in advance, or at least 48 hours before travelling (36 hours when travelling by coach).
https://europa.eu/!rB99XR

Seeking redress

If you feel that your rights have not been respected while travelling and you want to seek redress, you should file a complaint with the carrier or terminal operator or the national enforcement body for your specific mode of transport. For details of the relevant enforcement body, visit:
https://europa.eu/!kNjGjM

Call the Europe Direct freephone number 0080067891011 for more information.

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU citizen, if you fall ill on a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to healthcare on the same basis as the people insured there (free in some countries).

Don’t forget to take your European health insurance card with you on your travels. The card is available for free, normally from your national health insurer, and proves you are insured in one of the countries above. If you have to pay for healthcare, you will need to keep all your bills, prescriptions and receipts so that you can apply for reimbursem*nt in the country you are visiting or when you get home.

Find out how to apply for a card: https://europa.eu/!RFD4pB

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel insurance, as it does not cover costs such as repatriation or mountain rescue in ski resorts. You may want to take out travel insurance to cover such risks.

Medicines

A prescription from your doctor is valid in all EU countries, but you should check that the prescribed medicine is authorised for sale and is available in the country you are visiting. Make sure your prescription contains all the relevant information about you, the prescribing doctor and the prescribed product.

With e-prescriptions, it is now possible for travellers to collect medicine prescribed electronically by their doctor from a pharmacy in some EU countries, while some doctors can also access important patient information in their own language.
Check to see if these services are available where you’re going: https://europa.eu/!fm96UD

Vaccination

There are, in general, no vaccination requirements when travelling in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for some of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before you go.

Bathing water

Staying connected

Mobile phones

EU subscribers can use their mobile phones while travelling in the EU just as they would at home, without paying any extra charges. In 2022, the ‘Roam-like-at-home’ rules, which also apply in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, were extended for another 10 years. If you plan to stay in another EU country for a few months, you may want to check your operator’s fair use policy.
https://europa.eu/!xb93gf

You can also enjoy your online subscriptions to films, sports events, e-books, video games and music services without any extra charges or restrictions.
https://europa.eu/!TW86Cd

Wi-Fi

Send a postcard!

Postage stamps can only be used in the country in which you buy them.

Plugs

Nearly all EU countries have two-pin plugs, apart from Cyprus, Ireland and Malta, which have three-pin plugs. Make sure to pack an adapter when visiting these countries.

Things to do

For ideas and information on what to see and do, have a look at the European tourist destinations website (www.visiteurope.com) or go to the websites of the official national tourist organisations of each EU country.

	Austria	austria.info
	Belgium	visitflanders.com visitwallonia.com
	Bulgaria	bulgariatravel.org/en
	Cyprus	visitcyprus.com
	Czechia	visitczechrepublic.com
	Germany	germany.travel
	Denmark	visitdenmark.com
	Spain	spain.info/en/
	Estonia	visitestonia.com
	France	france.fr/en
	Finland	visitfinland.com
	Greece	visitgreece.gr
	Hungary	visithungary.com
	Croatia	croatia.hr/en-gb
	Italy	italia.it/en
	Ireland	discoverireland.ie
	Luxembourg	visitluxembourg.com
	Lithuania	lithuania.travel/en
	Latvia	latvia.travel
	Malta	visitmalta.com
	Netherlands	holland.com
	Portugal	visitportugal.com
	Poland	poland.travel
	Romania	romania.travel/en
	Sweden	visitsweden.com
	Slovakia	slovakia.travel/en
	Slovenia	slovenia.info

The EU promotes many cultural projects and events across Europe every year. In particular, it supports the European Capitals of Culture, an initiative which aims to highlight Europe’s rich cultural diversity.

2023

Elefsina (Greece)
Timișoara (Romania)
Veszprém (Hungary)
https://europa.eu/!QRvqpN

Pafos (Cyprus) and Seville (Spain) are the European Capitals of Smart Tourism for 2023.
https://europa.eu/!qJFkR3

The European Commission supports EU countries in rewarding non-traditional, emerging sustainable tourism destinations in Europe through the European Destinations of Excellence award.
https://europa.eu/!qNkKKP

Young travellers

Since 2018, the EU has been giving 18-year-old Europeans the chance to travel for free across Europe for up to one month and discover the continent’s rich cultural heritage. So far, more than 200,000 young Europeans have been awarded a DiscoverEU travel pass. The initiative offers young travellers the chance to connect with each other through organised meetups and take part in an exciting programme of activities. On top of their travel pass, all DiscoverEU travellers also receive a discount card and can take advantage of over 40,000 discounts on cultural events, accommodation, education, services and products in over 30 countries across Europe.
https://youth.europa.eu/discovereu_en

Pets

Travelling with a dog, cat or ferret is easy with an EU pet passport, available from any vet. All dogs, cats and ferrets must have a passport and, for identification purposes, be fitted with an electronic microchip or have a clearly readable tattoo applied before July 2011. They must be vaccinated against rabies and the details entered into their pet passport. The vaccination must be carried out after the microchipping or tattooing.

Dogs must be given specific tapeworm treatment by a vet before travelling to Finland, Ireland, and Malta. Details of the treatment must appear in the pet passport and the dog can then travel between 1 and 5 days after treatment.
https://europa.eu/!Dt98JB

In case of emergency

Single European emergency number: 112

To contact the emergency services in any EU country from any phone, fixed or mobile, dial 112, free of charge.

Report any theft to the local police. You will need to enclose the police report when making your insurance or compensation claim. If your passport or ID card has been stolen, report it to your country’s consulate or embassy and to the police.

If you are outside the EU and need assistance, you can seek help from the embassy or consulate of any other EU country if yours is not represented.
https://europa.eu/!YWh7M8

Getting in touch with the EU

IN PERSON

All over the European Union there are hundreds of Europe Direct centres. You can find the address of the centre nearest you online:
https://europa.eu/european-union/contact_en

ON THE PHONE OR IN WRITING

Europe Direct is a service that answers your questions about the European Union. You can contact this service:

• by freephone: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (certain operators may charge for these calls),
• at the following standard number: +32 22999696 or
• via the following form:
  european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu/write-us_en

Finding information about the EU

ONLINE

Information about the European Union in all the official languages of the EU is available on the Europa website:
european-union.europa.eu

EU publications

You can view or order EU publications at op.europa.eu/en/publications. Multiple copies of free publications can be obtained by contacting Europe Direct or your local documentation centre: european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu/meet-us_en

EU law and related documents

For access to legal information from the EU, including all EU law since 1951 in all the official language versions, go to EUR-Lex:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu

Open data from the EU

The portal data.europa.eu provides access to open datasets from the EU institutions, bodies and agencies. These can be downloaded and reused for free, for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. The portal also provides access to a wealth of datasets from European countries.

About

European Commission
Directorate-General for Communication
Editorial Service & Targeted Outreach
1049 Bruxelles/Brussel BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Contact: COMM-A2@ec.europa.eu

Manuscrit completed in April 2023.

This document should not be considered as representative of the European Commission’s official position.

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2023

© European Union, 2023

The reuse policy of European Commission documents is implemented based on Commission Decision 2011/833/EU of 12 December 2011 on the reuse of Commission documents (OJ L 330, 14.12.2011, p. 39).

Unless otherwise noted, the reuse of this document is authorised under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC-BY 4.0) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This means that reuse is allowed provided appropriate credit is given and any changes are indicated.

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The website ‘Your Europe’ gives more advice on your rights when you live, work and travel in the EU: ec.europa.eu/youreurope

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