free travel pass europe

#DiscoverEU

Last updated on Friday, 19/04/2024

Thousands of 18 year olds will have the chance to travel through Europe for free with #DiscoverEU. Be prepared for the next round of applications!

Have you ever wanted to travel through Europe? Thanks to the European Union’s #DiscoverEU initiative you could have the chance. With so much to do and see throughout the EU, it is sure to be a life-changing experience.

What is #DiscoverEU and how does it work?

The European Union is offering travel passes for you to explore its cultural diversity, to connect with other Europeans, and for you to enjoy the advantages of the freedom of movement! If you are 18 years old, you are eligible to travel for minimum 1 day and up to 30 days. The next application round will be open on the European Youth Portal, keep an eye here .

DiscoverEU will give participants passes to travel by rail, but please remember that accommodation and living expenses are not included should you win! Read on to see how you can plan an amazing experience!  

 Learn how to apply to DiscoverEU

Plan Your Trip

For your trip to run as smoothly as possible, planning in advance is the way to go! To help budget, be sure to know the cost of living , and price of travelling to your chosen destinations. Note that certain trains may require reservation . In these cases, you have to make the train reservations yourself. When travelling by night, check the possibility of booking a bed on that particular train. See the overview of reservation cost per country to avoid unwanted surprises!

Apps can also be very helpful, with this trip planner ,   Lonely Planet’s guide app and Citymapper , you can plan the perfect trip. Do you need to know more? On  Lonely Planet Country Forums  you can ask questions about a specific country or city. You can also find great information on  VisitEurope . Reducing accommodation costs can also lead to big savings! For details on hostels, camping and flat renting, you can find information  here . Be aware that you are advised not to book until you know if you are selected, and on what dates you will be travelling!

Events and ideas

European cities are a hotbed of great events, so no matter what your interest area, there’s something for you! In many European cities, it is possible to do a free guided tour through the centre. This is a nice and cheap way to learn about the history of the city; and the guide usually also gives you some useful “insider” information. For ideas on where to visit, European Best Destinations covers an array of categories, mainly dealing with cultural sites throughout Europe. Street festivals also offer a chance to get involved with a destination country’s culture, enjoying festivities alongside locals. Expatexplore will also recommend events that you can enjoy throughout your travels, with sporting and art events covered thoroughly. For music enthusiasts, festivals around Europe offer a huge variety of performers. From a family atmosphere at Electric Picnic in Ireland, to dancing non-stop at Tomorrowland in Belgium, every genre and demographic is covered!

You can still ring 112 in the event of an emergency . Remember that roaming charges no longer apply in the EU, and that you can search through reviews of hostels or Google areas in which you’re travelling.

In case of loss or theft, you need to report back to the local police. You will need to enclose the police report when making your insurance or compensation claim. Cancel any lost or stolen debit or credit cards immediately. If your passport has been stolen, report it to your country’s consulate or embassy as well as to the police. Always keep a scan of your ID or Passport (for example, in your email), this can help in an emergency.

Written by Eurodesk Brussels Link

Related links

Want to give your feedback about this page, contact the eu.

• Call us 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11
• Use other telephone options
• Write to us via our contact form
• Meet us at one of the EU centres

Social media

• Search for EU social media channels
• Languages on our websites
• Privacy policy
• Legal notice
• Accessibility

EU institutions

• European Parliament
• European Council
• Council of the European Union
• European Commission
• Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)
• European Central Bank (ECB)
• European Court of Auditors (ECA)
• European External Action Service (EEAS)
• European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
• European Committee of the Regions (CoR)
• European Investment Bank (EIB)
• European Ombudsman
• European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS)
• European Data Protection Board
• European Personnel Selection Office
• Publications Office of the European Union

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favorite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Eurail travellers, or ask your own!

Passes guide

• Order overview
• Reservations overview
• My Trips & Travelers
• {{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
• Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
• {{translatedPassType}}
• {{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
• {{translatedClass}}
• Remove Pass(es)
• {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
• {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
• Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass

Which Eurail Pass should you choose?

Travel in 2 or more countries

Eurail Global Pass

Travel by train to over 30,000 destinations in  33 European countries  with our classic rail Pass. Choose this for multi-country trips or if you haven't decided on your destination.

Travel in 1 country

Eurail One Country Pass

Only got one country on your mind? Explore as much of it as you like with a Eurail One Country Pass. You'll feel like a local in no time!

Meet our bestsellers

Global Pass

7 travel days

• Travel on any 7 days within 1 month
• Perfect for visiting 6-8 destinations
• 85% refundable if you change your mind

10 travel days

• Travel on any 10 days within 2 months
• Perfect for visiting 9–11 destinations

What's included in the Pass?

Hop on and off most trains in 33 European countries  just by showing your Pass.

Free and instant delivery to your device if you choose mobile Pass.

Download the free  Rail Planner app  to plan your trip, store your Pass and show your ticket as you go.

Get extra benefits and discounts as you travel  with our 100+ partners across Europe.

Eurail has flexible  exchange and return policies  that let you book with confidence.

Seat reservations.  You'll need to pay an extra fee to reserve a seat or sleeper on  high-speed trains, night trains and popular routes . Find out more about reservations  here .

Other public transport.  Eurail only covers trains. Trams, buses, rental bikes and metros are not covered by your Pass. Though you can get a  discount in some cities .

Accommodation.  You'll need to book and pay for this separately, though you can get a  discount with our accommodation partners .

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

• Volunteering
• Y4E Series of Talks
• What is the ESC?

DiscoverEU: Travel Across Europe for Free

• youth opportunities

DiscoverEU is a community of young 18-years-old travelers that focuses on preparing their travel journeys, sharing their stories while or after traveling or providing tips and suggestions to other young travelers. As such, it works primarily through their official Facebook group . It was born under the initiative of the European Commission, and it is now available to get through on the European Youth Portal .

DiscoverEU: Expand Your Comfort Zone

DiscoverEU is an initiative of the European Union based on a proposal from the European Parliament, which aims at offering young people aged 18 years old a travel experience that will enable them to take advantage of the freedom of movement in the European Union , discover the diversity of Europe while traveling, learn about European cultural heritage and history, connect with people from all over the continent and ultimately discover themselves.

Eligibility criteria

• be 18 years old on 31 December 2021 , i.e. those young people born between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2003 included;
• exceptionally for this round, those young people, who were eligible under the two rounds in 2020, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, can apply too. This implies those born between 1 July 2001 (included) and 31 December 2002 (included);
• have the nationality of one of the Member States of the European Union at the time of the award decision;
• fill in the correct ID or passport number on the online application form.

How To Participate

Under this initiative, the European Commission is going to select at least 60 000 young people meeting the eligibility criteria described below.  The application period will be open on Tuesday 12 October 2021 at 12:00 (CEST) until Tuesday 26 October 2021 at 12:00 (CEST) .

The European Commission will provide the awarded young people with travel passes to explore the European Union between 1 March 2022 and 28 February 2023 for a maximum period of one month.

The application round to the DiscoverEU initiative is open through a specific online application form on the  European Youth Portal .

For more information, see the official DiscoverEU page .

DiscoverEU Photo and Video Contest

As part of the initiative, October 2021 is the month for a Photo and Video Contest .

The theme for October is ‘ DiscoverEU is back ’ to celebrate the new application round that will start on 12 October. In other words, it’s time to share your greatest travel memories captured on camera!

Here are the rules:

• Share your photo or short video (max. 15 seconds) on your public Instagram;
• Add the  #DiscoverEU  and  #Competition hashtags in your post;
• Tag the European Youth Instagram account @european_youth_eu on the photo or on the social media post;
• Fill in the survey at:  https://europa.eu/youth/discovereu/competition/consent (you will need your application code for that, it can be found in the email you received right after applying to DiscoverEU);
• Ask your friends to ‘like’ your photo/video.

Ready to be part of DiscoverEU?

How to (Sustainable) Travel Over Europe 

EURES: Work Everywhere in Europe

Houssine PiiRaTag

I am interested in nature and animals and my passion is to travel and discover new regions and learn about traditions and cultural diversity

Add a comment

Leave a reply · cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Share via...

Applications are open for 36,000 young people born in 2005 to receive a free travel pass thanks to DiscoverEU

Today, the Commission is launching the DiscoverEU autumn call, thanks to which  36,000 young people will receive a free travel pass to explore Europe .

The application round starts  today at 12:00 CEST  and will  end on Wednesday 18 October at 12:00 CEST . To win a travel pass, young people are invited to apply on the  European Youth Portal , answer five quiz questions and one tiebreaker question. Successful applicants born between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2005 will be able to travel in Europe for up to 30 days during the travel period 1 March 2024 and 31 May 2025. The call is open to applicants from the European Union and the third countries associated to the  Erasmus+ Programme  i.e. Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Türkiye.

Participants will be able to discover the  New European Bauhaus route , launched in January 2023. It aims to inspire young people when choosing their destinations and raise awareness on the importance of making the European Union ‘beautiful, sustainable, together'. Participants will also continue to benefit from the initiatives launched in 2022 during the European Year of Youth, such as the  DiscoverEU Culture Route . The latter combines various destinations and cultural branches, including architecture, music, fine art, theatre, fashion, design and more. DiscoverEU travellers can visit the  European Capitals of Culture , destinations added on the prestigious  UNESCO World Heritage List , or holders of the  European Heritage Label . Since 2018, 248,000 travel passes were made available to young people.

More information in the  press release .

(For more information: Johanna Bernsel – Tel.: +32 2 298 66 99; Flore Boutier – Tel.: +32 2 296 60 43)

Share this page

Free Interrail passes are once again up for grabs for young Europeans

Oct 13, 2021 • 2 min read

After a pandemic-induced break, the European Union's free Interrail program is back on track © Nikada / Getty Images

"When traveling in the European Union, which number do you have to dial to call the fire brigade, police or ambulance service?" That's just one of a number of questions applicants have to answer if they are to get one of the 60,000 free rail passes on offer to young European Union (EU) citizens.  

In February, the EU  announced it would be relaunching its DiscoverEU program in 2021, granting thousands of free Interrail passes to teenagers across the continent . More people than ever will have a chance to receive a free pass—and now is the time to apply. 

Normally the initiative is only open to 18-year-olds, but because the pandemic halted proceedings in 2020, eligibility requirements have been expanded. This year, applicants must provide an ID or passport number on their application, and be EU Member State nationals—a designation that includes UK citizens for the final time, due to Brexit—born between July 2001 and December 2003. They must also complete a multiple-choice quiz on EU-themed questions, including: "Natura 2000 is the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world. How much does it cover of the EU's land area?" (However, while you may not know the answers off the top of your head, the EU kindly shares some links to where you can find them ). 

Read more:  Everything you need to know about Interrail passes

Winners are selected by nationality, an allocation that’s determined by each country’s population relative to the overall population of the European Union, and at least 60,000 passes are up for grabs. (Between 2018 and 2019, more than 347,000 people applied, just to give an idea of the competition.) Solo travelers and groups are equally encouraged to try their luck, with the caveat that all trips must include at least one Member State aside from the applicants' own and be completed between March 2022 and February 2023. 

The passes are good for up to 30 days of use, with options for both fixed and flexible travel. Looking to country-hop? The flexible option works on trains in all EU countries and lets riders adjust on the fly, at any point before the start of their travel day. Going in-depth on one country, or maybe two? The fixed option is the best bet, though it does have a budget limit of €258 per itinerary. 

The application window is open until October 26, 2021, at 12:00 CEST. Visit the European Youth Portal for more information and to apply.

You may also like: Europe's top 10 scenic train journeys Sleeper trains are back on track in Europe with exciting new routes to travel  

Explore related stories

Train Travel

Mar 22, 2024 • 4 min read

Nightjet sleeper trains have a new mini cabin, perfect for solo travelers or those wanting privacy.

Oct 6, 2023 • 8 min read

May 19, 2023 • 12 min read

Apr 20, 2023 • 6 min read

Dec 27, 2022 • 8 min read

Oct 13, 2022 • 2 min read

Jan 4, 2022 • 4 min read

Feb 22, 2021 • 2 min read

Jan 25, 2021 • 6 min read

Jan 12, 2021 • 2 min read

The Ultimate Guide to European Train Travel With a Eurail Pass

Here’s how every type of traveler—not just backpackers—can benefit from this all-in-one train ticket..

• Copy Link copied

Eurail Passes can be used on scenic trains, too, like this one in Switzerland.

Photo by Shutterstock

If you’re planning a multi-city tour of the continent this summer and will rely on trains to get around, you may want to consider purchasing a Eurail Pass. Haven’t thought about buying a Eurail Pass since your backpacking days? You’re not alone. The last time I traveled with one was in 2007 as a college student. After forking over about $500 (from my part-time job as a barista) for the multi-use train ticket, I rode at least a dozen trains from Amsterdam to Paris and on to Madrid over the course of a month that summer. I saved not only money but also time waiting to buy tickets because I could walk on to most trains and have the conductor punch my pass on board.

For beginners to European train travel, the Eurail Pass is a single document that allows non-European citizens to travel by train multiple times across a network of 33 European countries. The travel must occur over a specified period of time, and the pass forgos the need to buy individual point-to-point tickets. The Eurail Pass, which is celebrating its 64th anniversary this year, can be used for riding local trains, high-speed trains, and even night trains. In addition to the flexibility and time-saving benefits it affords, traveling with one can also save you money, depending on your travel plans.

Here’s everything you need to know about Eurail Passes before you buy one.

How do Eurail Passes work?

You can choose from either a One Country Pass , which covers train travel in a single country, or a Eurail Global Pass , which offers unlimited train travel across 33 countries in Europe, using their national railroads. Within each pass type, there are even more options. There are ones for children (ages 4 to 11), youth (12 to 27), adults (28+), and seniors (60+). They come in first- and second-class options across all age categories.

The passes also cover different trip lengths for both One Country and Global Passes. The flexible, four-days-in-one-month pass is for you if you’re going on a shorter getaway and won’t be taking trains regularly. The pass with three months of unlimited travel is best used for fast-paced trips where you plan to cover a lot of ground over an extended time.

The validities for flexible passes include:

• Four travel days within one month
• Five travel days within one month
• Seven travel days within one month
• 10 travel days within two months
• 15 travel days within two months

There are also passes available for unlimited travel days during set periods of time. Those continuous train passes include durations of:

• Two travel months
• Three travel months

The pass is sold by the number of travel days you are planning on using it. Each travel day covers as many trains you’d like to take between the 24-hour time window from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the same calendar day. Keep in mind, there are exceptions to be made if you’re taking a night train. For example, if you book a train that leaves on Monday night and arrives on Tuesday morning, you will only need to use one travel day (the day of your departure) to cover that trip. However, if you choose to board another train on Tuesday, you’ll have to use another travel day on your pass.

To find the ideal pass for your particular trip, Eurail built an online tool that lets you fill in your travel plans, including which countries you plan to visit, how many days you intend to travel by train, and the length of your entire trip. At the end of the short survey, it recommends the pass that suits your needs best.

A TGV high-speed train at Gare du Nord in Paris

Photo by Hans Engbers / Shutterstock

Where can you buy a Eurail Pass?

You can buy any type of Eurail Pass online from Eurail.com , but several other sites sell them, too. RailPass and Rail Europe are both authorized vendors that sell Eurail Passes for around the same price as Eurail.com with slight variations to insurance and service fees.

Some offer free shipping and others offer special discounts and promo codes on tickets, so it’s best to check all your options before purchasing your pass to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

You can also purchase Eurail Passes at train stations in Europe, but that’s more expensive than ordering them online in advance.

How much does a Eurail Pass cost?

In 2023, the cost of a Eurail Global Pass purchased directly through Eurail starts at $276 for second-class fares and $351 for first-class seats for the four-days-in-one-month pass for adults. A 15-day unlimited pass for adults currently ranges from $498 to $631.

The most expensive pass is the three-month unlimited pass, which starts at $1,013 and goes up to $1,286 when bought directly through Eurail.

Considering that a two-month unlimited pass costs between $822 to $1,043, you’re only paying a few hundred more for an entire extra month of unlimited train travel.

One Country Passes are slightly more affordable and vary by each country. For example, adult passes for Italy bought directly from Eurail range from $142 to $270 for second class and $181 to $342 for first class.

Eurail also groups certain regions so you can get multiple countries for the price of one with its Benelux Pass (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) and Scandinavia Pass (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden). Note that Eurail does not offer One Country Passes for certain countries that are included in the Global Pass, such as Switzerland, Montenegro, and Bosnia.

In 2020, Eurail launched its first-ever mobile version of the Eurail Pass via its Rail Planner App.

Courtesy of Eurail

Are Eurail Passes worth it?

It depends. If you know you’ll have four travel days over a one-month period, a second-class pass would cost most adults $276—or $69 per day. If the train you need to take costs more than $69, or if you’ll be taking multiple trains in one day that add up to more than that, it’s worth buying that pass. If you only need a less costly regional train to get between cities like Amsterdam and Brussels, however, then it’s probably not worth it.

For those who would argue that buying $50 RyanAir or EasyJet flights to jump from city to city is faster and cheaper, keep in mind that once you add on arriving early to the airport for security and all the bag fees you’d pay to check a bag, you might end up breaking even. Plus, train travel is more sustainable and more scenic.

Do you need reservations with a Eurail Pass?

In some instances, yes. For trains in popular countries like France, Spain, and Italy—especially in the summer—you will need to make an advance seat reservation at an additional cost (generally from around 3 to 10 euros), even if the fare is included with your Eurail Pass. In addition to those popular destinations, all night trains and most international high-speed trains throughout Europe require a supplemental reservation fee.

Some scenic trains, like the Bernina Express in Switzerland, also require one. To find out if you need to make a reservation, search for your desired route on the Eurail Timetable , and the results will show whether or not one is necessary.

Reservation fees vary between different countries and train services and must be paid directly to the railway carriers; payment can be made at the train station, online through the websites of the national railway companies, by phone, or through Eurail’s Rail Planner app. Eurail recommends making train reservations two months in advance during the summer and ahead of holidays to guarantee yourself a seat.

Alternatively, you can opt to ride on regional trains, which don’t require seat reservations. Even though they are slower, if you have the time to stop along the way, you’re likely to discover a few appealing villages you never would have happened upon by taking the high-speed route. To find trains that don’t require reservations, check the “no seat reservations required” box when searching on the Eurail Timetable page.

What European countries does the Eurail Pass cover?

There are currently 33 countries in Europe with rail carriers that accept Eurail Passes. Great Britain’s train operators nearly pulled out of the agreement in August 2019 . After negotiations with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents the U.K. train industry, travelers will continue to be able to use their Eurail passes within Great Britain.

Here’s the full list of the 33 countries currently serviced by Eurail: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey. Download the train route map .

Eurail covers train routes in 33 countries.

How far in advance do you need to buy a Eurail Pass?

You can buy a Eurail Pass up to 11 months in advance of your trip, as long as it is activated at a European train station within that 11-month period. You can also preactivate your pass for a specific date when you check out at Eurail.com to avoid waiting in line at the train station to do so.

In 2020, Eurail launched its first-ever mobile version of the Eurail Pass via its Rail Planner App . Now instead of waiting for the physical document to be delivered in the mail—or constantly worrying about losing it during your trip—you can download the app and load your mobile pass onto it as soon as your order confirmation email lands in your inbox.

Enjoy views like this from the Flam Railway in Norway.

Are Eurail Passes just for college students?

You may have been under the impression that only budget backpackers in their 20s can benefit from Eurail Passes, but the passes are actually available to all age groups. And while previously those 27 and under were the only age group eligible for discounts, in 2019, Eurail also introduced a 10 percent discount for people over the age of 60 , too.

Eurail passes are also great for families. While kids age 3 or younger don’t need a pass to travel, children ages 4 to 11 are eligible for a free Child Pass. Up to two children are allowed to travel for free with one adult. Find out more about family discounts here .

Over 36,000 young Europeans to travel across Europe for free with DiscoverEU passes

36,318 18-year-old Europeans will receive a free travel pass to explore Europe's diversity, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent. This is thanks to the DiscoverEU initiative, funded under the  Erasmus+ programme . Successful applicants in the  DiscoverEU  October 2023 round are receiving the news today. They will travel mainly by rail between March 2024 and May 2025.

The total number of applicants from Luxembourg under the October 2023 application round was 73 of which 65 were awarded the DiscoverEU travel pass.

Iliana  Ivanova , Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “ DiscoverEU is a unique opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey across Europe, where each stop creates new relationships and highlights Europe's multifaceted beauty. To all the young adventurers stepping into this remarkable journey: may every location expand your perspectives, every interaction enrich  your spirit, and every encounter leave a lasting memory! ” 

This application round of DiscoverEU was open to young people born between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2005 from EU Member States as well as from  Erasmus+ associated countries . In total, 144 038 young people had applied in this round. DiscoverEU also includes a learning dimension, with pre-departure information trainings or  Meet-ups  throughout Europe. Young participants can join  #DiscoverEU Official Facebook Group  to connect with the DiscoverEU community.  

More information on DiscoverEU and figures per countries are available in a  factsheet .  

(For more information: Johanna Bernsel — Tel.: + 32 2 298 66 99; Flore Boutier - Tel.: +32 2 296 60 43) 

Share this page

New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

Related Topics

Top stories.

Judge declares mistrial in case of Arizona rancher accused of killing unarmed migrant

• Apr 22, 8:03 PM

State law takes US a step closer to popular vote deciding presidential elections

• Apr 21, 6:23 AM

Celebrity handbag designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags

• Apr 22, 11:45 AM

Supreme Court appears to favor Oregon city in dispute over homeless camping ban

• Apr 22, 3:50 PM

Congress seems poised to pass potential TikTok ban in US. How would it work?

• Apr 22, 12:17 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

TRAVEL EUROPE BY TRAIN

Easy booking & low prices 25+ year authorized seller of eurail passes, railpass promotions.

Eurail Global Pass

Starting from:, per person/day * * 2-month youth pass.

The best choice for a flexible & budget-friendly European train holiday.

Unlimited train travel within & between 33 European Countries.

Why Choose RailPass.com?

462 Different Pass Combinations

Thousands of Destinations

In Business Since 1991

Traveling Europe by Train FAQs

• Should I buy a rail pass or train tickets?
• How do I choose the right rail pass?
• How exactly do I use my rail pass?
• What do I need to know about shipping and tracking my order?
• How do I make train seat reservations?

Explore Europe

From portugal to poland and beyond, get inspired with our insider information on 33 european countries, including top festivals events, “best time to go” weather recommendations, and maps., “i had my first taste of world travel thanks to a eurail pass. there’s nothing like the ease and freedom of exploring europe by train. it’s my hope that this website—and our lowest price available guarantee—enables great rail adventures for you.”.

Mike Fuller, President and CEO, RailPass.com

Single Country Passes

Eurail Austria Pass

Eurail Benelux Pass

Eurail Bulgaria Pass

Eurail Croatia Pass

Eurail Czech Republic Pass

Eurail Denmark Pass

Eurail Finland Pass

Eurail France Pass

Eurail Greece Pass

Eurail Hungary Pass

Eurail Ireland Pass

Eurail Italy Pass

Eurail Lithuania Pass

Eurail Macedonia Pass

Eurail Norway Pass

Eurail Poland Pass

Eurail Portugal Pass

Eurail Romania Pass

Eurail Scandinavia Pass

Eurail Slovakia Pass

Eurail Slovenia Pass

Eurail Spain Pass

Eurail Sweden Pass

Welcome to the official ETIAS website

• ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications are collected at this point.

The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.

Find out which European countries require an ETIAS travel authorisation, who needs to apply and who is exempt.

Learn about when to request an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity and what implications it has for your travel.

Find out what travel documents can be used to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Learn about what information needs to be included in the application form and how much it costs to apply.

Learn how to authorise someone to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation on your behalf and what to be careful about.

Find out how to appeal against a decision related to your ETIAS travel authorisation or data protection rights.

Be aware of possible abusive and fraudulent practices by commercial intermediaries and learn how to report them.

Find answers to the most common questions about ETIAS including how to apply, how much it costs and how long it will be valid for.

Find the latest updates and facts about ETIAS.

Share this page

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Missed Germany’s €9 travel pass? Here’s where you can still travel in Europe for basically nothing

From free public transport to mega-cheap travel passes, here are the countries offering cheap travel for visitors

If you didn’t know already, this summer Germans have been living an affordable public transport dream. For the past three months, it has cost just €9 (£7.80, $9) per month  in Germany  for anyone – both locals and visitors – to ride pretty much all the country’s trains, trams, buses and metros.

Germany’s glorious €9 travel pass sadly ended yesterday, reputedly having saved 1.8 million tons of CO2 emissions. (Going by the German average, that’s the equivalent of almost 20,000 people’s annual carbon footprints.)

But if you missed out, fear not. There are still plenty of places in  Europe where you can travel either on the cheap or totally for free.

It’s worth mentioning that in certain places, if you’re a resident, you can already get free public transport. The Estonian capital Tallinn is one such place . From October 1 2022,  Malta  will be another.

If you’re a traveller, however, here’s where you can go and get around either for free or on the very, very cheap.   

From today (September 1) until December 31, 2022, intercity trains in Spain will be totally free. The policy was designed to help Spaniards out in the cost of living crisis and covers Cercanías (commuter train), Rodalies (commuter routes in Catalonia) and Media Distancia routes (mid-distance regional lines, covering journeys of less than 300km) run by the national rail operator Renfe. For cheap travel this autumn, Spain is king. Find out all the deets about free train travel in Spain .

Austria also has annual travel passes covering buses, trams and trains that average out at €3 (£2.60, $3) per day , while the country’s capital Vienna boasts €1(£0.85, $1)-per-day public transport passes. With both of these, however, there’s a catch: you only get the discount if you pay for a year-long ticket. In other words, they’re probably only worth it if you’re planning a really long Austria trip.

Sure, Luxembourg probably isn’t top of many people’s travel bucket lists. But in 2020 it became the first country in the world to make public transport free. So long as you’re not travelling in first class, both visitors and residents can get buses, trains and trams without spending a cent.

So if you missed out on the German scheme, why not jet off to Spain, Austria or Luxembourg? Time to make the most of these seriously bumper transport schemes.

Did you see:  this dreamy new night train will go from Amsterdam all the way to the Austrian Alps ?

Plus: the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger trains have launched in Germany .

• Ed Cunningham News Editor, Time Out UK and Time Out London

Share the story

An email you’ll actually love

More on green getaways

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out Worldwide

• All Time Out Locations
• North America
• South America
• South Pacific

Want to move to Europe? Here are all the countries where you can apply for a digital nomad visa

All the remote work visas currently available in Europe, including length of stay, application fees and income requirements.

Across Europe, countries are capitalising on remote work by offering digital nomad visas.

Since the pandemic, many of us have enjoyed the freedom to work from anywhere.

Recognising the potential to boost their flagging tourism industries, countries from Croatia to Spain are making it easier to gain temporary residency while working for a foreign company.

Not only does this help fill the low-season gaps in tourism-reliant destinations, it offers non-EU citizens the peace of mind and the chance to legally work remotely.

Digital nomad visas help host countries combat other problems, too, from brain drain to ageing populations.

If you’re looking to move to Europe, work remotely, and gain the right to travel in the Schengen Area, a  digital nomad visa could be just the ticket.

Here’s a comparison of the remote work visas currently - or soon to be - available in Europe, including length of stay , application fees and income requirements.

Some have been specifically designed for remote workers while others are previously existing visas that have been adapted to people who want to work while travelling.

What digital nomad visas are available in Europe?

Albania: for stunning nature and low cost of living.

Visa length: One year, with possibility to renew for up to five years 

Application fee:  Based on reciprocity

Income requirement: Estimated €9,800/year

Digital nomads can apply for an Albanian residence permit that allows them to stay and work there for up to one year. Introduced at the start of 2022, the so-called 'Unique Permit' can be renewed up to five times in a row.

Remote workers must show proof of an employment contract for a company outside of the country that allows them to work remotely, as well as relevant qualifications. They must also have a local bank account, housing contract, health insurance and clean criminal record, as well as proof of funds to support themselves.

Croatia: For sunshine undamped by tax woes

Visa length: One year, with possibility to renew

Application fee: Around €60

Income requirement: Around €2,500/month

Croatia launched its one-year residence permit for digital nomads in 2021. The scheme is open to non-EU/EEA citizens working in ‘communication technology’ - either through their own company registered abroad or as a remote employee for a company outside Croatia.

Provided they don't require a tourist visa to enter Croatia, remote workers can apply for a one-year residence permit after arrival. Close family members can also apply for temporary residence.

Remote workers are currently not subject to income tax in Croatia.

• Dubrovnik: Here’s how to escape the crowds in Europe’s most overtouristed city
• I hiked this remote mountain pass in Albania and found unspoilt landscapes and soulful hospitality

Cyprus: For Mediterranean beaches and ancient history

Visa length: One year, with possibility to renew for two years 

Application fee: €70

Income requirement:  €3,500/month 

Open to non-EU nationals, Cyprus 's remote work visa launched in 2021 with a cap of 100 nomads. In 2022, the government increased this ceiling to 500 visas.

To be eligible, you must work for an employer registered outside Cyprus.

Digital nomads are permitted to bring their families with them, though these people are not permitted to work in Cyprus. 

Czech Republic: For affordable living and fairytale castles

Visa length: Up to one year

Application fee: €200

Income requirement:  Must have €5,000 in your bank account 

Remote workers can apply for a long-term business or freelance licence in the Czech Republic. Colloquially known as the ‘zivno’ visa (short for Zivnostenske opravneni or trade authorisation), it is intended for non-EU citizens who freelance or run their own business.

It requires ties with a company in the Czech Republic, so can be used by those intending to gain local freelance work such as teaching.

Estonia: For digital-forward infrastructure on a budget

Visa length: One year, with possibility to extend by six months

Application fee: €100

Income requirement: €4,500/month

Estonia launched its digital nomad visa in summer 2020. It lets people working remotely for companies abroad - or freelancers with clients mostly abroad - stay in Estonia for up to one year at a time. You can apply for an additional six-month visa after your initial one expires.

Applicants must have earned at least €3,500 net per month in the six months preceding their application.

If you remain in Estonia for more than half a year, you will gain tax residency and be subject to local taxes.

The country also offers ‘e-residency’, which grants remote entrepreneurs digital access to Estonia’s e-services without providing residency. This can be used to run a company online, access banking, and declare taxes in Estonia without actually living there.

• Feeling right at home: The European countries where it's easiest to settle as an expat
• Germany's new immigration law is making it easier for foreign workers to move there

Finland: For untouched nature in the world’s happiest country

Visa length: Six months

Application fee: €400

Income requirement: €1,220/month

Finland’s self-employment visa is open to non-EU entrepreneurs who are self-employed or run an independent business. Applicants must meet the minimum income requirement and prove they have means.

Greece: For island-hopping and year-round sun

Visa length: One year, with possibility to extend with a residence permit

Application fee: €75

Income requirement: €3,500/month

In 2022, Greece launched a scheme to allow non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in the country. To be approved, you’ll need to show you have sufficient resources of a monthly income of at least €3,500.

Digital nomads are not permitted to work or freelance for Greek companies under the scheme.

• Expat agony: Ten embarrassing language mix-ups to watch out for 
• Solo travel doesn’t have to be lonely: Here’s how I make friends on the road

Hungary: For thermal baths and low-cost living

Visa length: One year, with possibility to extend

Application fee: €110

Income requirement: €3,000/month

Hungary's ‘White Card’ visa is open to non-EU digital nomads employed remotely outside the country. You must stay in the country for at least 90 days in a 180-day period, and will be exempt from paying tax in Hungary for the first six months.

You are not permitted to work for a Hungarian company under this scheme.

Iceland: For outdoor explorers on high incomes

Application fee: €86

Income requirement: €7,075/month

Iceland ’s remote work long-term visa is aimed at high-income individuals earning over €7,000 per month, either as employees of a foreign company or as freelancers. The visa lasts for six months and applicants will not be considered tax residents during this time.

You are not permitted to work for Icelandic employers under this visa .

• ‘We want a vision that does not have tourism at its centre’: Venice residents protest new entry fee

Italy: For laid-back living and spectacular scenery

Application fee: €116

Income requirement:  €28,000/year

A new visa for digital nomads was signed into Italian law in March 2022 and finally became available in April 2024. 

Applicants need to fulfil a range of requirements, including having health insurance and a clean criminal record. They must also be tax compliant in Italy before applying.

Latvia: For miles of forests and beautiful architecture

Visa length: One year, possibility to renew for a second year

Application free: TBC

Income requirement: At least €2,858/month

The Latvian government announced plans for a digital nomad visa in 2022. Legislation is currently undergoing modifications before it can become official.

Authorities have said, however, that after five years as a legal resident of Latvia , digital nomads can apply for citizenship.

Applicants must also be a citizen or resident of an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) country such as the US, Canada or the UK. 

Malta: For mild winters and days on the water

Visa length: One year

Application fee: €300

Income requirement: €2,700/month

Malta ’s Nomad Residence Permit is for remote workers and freelancers who work for companies outside the country. The one-year permit is open to non-EU nationals.

Originally, nomads were told they would be granted a tax exemption so long as they continued paying taxes back home. However, there have been legal complications with this promise that are currently being resolved.

Want to make Malta your more permanent home? A new Startup Residence Scheme announced in 2023 grants a three-year residence permit to third-country nationals who make an investment of at least €25,000 in the country. If the business is successful, this can be extended for a further five years and could eventually lead to long-term residency.

Montenegro: For intrepid hiking and low cost of living

Visa length: Two years, with possibility to renew for another two

Application free: €67

Income requirement:  Around €1,400/month

Montenegro announced its digital nomad visa for non EU citizens in 2021 and introduced the early stages of the scheme in 2023. However, applications aren't going to be available until sometime in 2024.

Participants can use the scheme to live in the country for up to four years. Digital nomads are eligible for tax breaks although details are still to be confirmed. 

• Spain’s digital nomad visa one year on: How are remote workers and locals getting along?
• Spain, Romania, Cyprus: These are the best and worst countries in Europe for digital nomads

Norway: For mountain-climbing and local business

Visa length: Up to two years

Application fee: €600

Eligible non-EU digital nomads can apply for a residence permit and independent contractor visa to live and work remotely in Norway. Applicants must have at least one Norwegian client and are required to pay local taxes under the scheme.

Portugal: For rugged coastlines and wine-tasting weekends

Income requirement: €3,280/month

Portugal initially launched its digital nomad visa in October 2022, officially called the ‘residence visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory’.

It is open to non-EU citizens who are employed or self-employed by a company outside of Portugal.

The new scheme is an alternative to the existing ‘D7’ visa, which is aimed at retirees and ‘passive income’ earners.

You must show proof of health insurance of the duration of your stay. If you bring a spouse or children with you, the minimum income requirement increases or you must show a set level of savings in your bank account.

Romania: For long hikes and pocket-friendly stays

Application fee: €120

Income requirement: €3,950/month (three times Romania’s average gross salary)

Romania ’s digital nomad visa is aimed at non-EU citizens. Applicants must have health insurance, a clean criminal record and proof of income from a company outside of Romania.

In 2023, Romanian president Klaus Iohannis signed a new bill to clarify tax requirements for digital nomads . Those staying for long periods are exempt from paying income tax, social security, and social health insurance contributions.

To benefit from the scheme, foreign workers cannot exceed a stay of 183 days in the country over a period of 12 consecutive months.

Digital nomads with tax residence in another country are not required to pay tax in Romania under the scheme.

• Spain has launched a digital nomad visa - Here's everything you need to know before you apply

Spain: For beach escapes and tax breaks

Visa length:  One year, with possibility to renew for up to five years

Application fee: Varies by country, usually around €80

Income requirement: Currently €2,334/month

Spain ’s long-awaited digital nomad visa came into force in February 2023. The scheme grants non-EU citizens the chance to live and work there for up to five years.

It is open to people who work remotely for non-Spanish companies, including both self-employed freelancers with multiple clients and workers employed by a single company.

They must be able to prove that they are qualified or experienced in their field.

Close relatives, like children and spouses, are allowed to join the visa holder in the country with proof of sufficient funds. 

Tax breaks will be granted to remote workers, provided they earn below €600,000 a year. They will pay 15 per cent tax during the first four years of their stay instead of the usual 24 per cent.

Türkiye: For buzzy cities and blissful coastline

Application fee: TBC

Income requirement: €2,800/month

In March 2024, Türkiye became the latest country to launch a digital nomad visa for foreign remote workers.

The Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry has created a dedicated website where those interested can complete the first application stages.

Those interested in Türkiye’s digital nomad visa need to be aged between 21 and 55. Applicants are accepted from most EU countries as well as the UK, USA and Canada.

Additional prerequisites include holding a university degree, having an employment or business contract and being able to prove the minimum monthly income.

You might also like

EU lawmakers approve visa free travel for Kosovo

These are Türkiye’s five most beautiful train journeys

From chateaux to treehouses: The best French countryside hotels