Travelling in Europe 2011-12.
Date: 2011-02-21
Institutions: Directorate-General for Communication
Subjects: Europe, statistics, tourism, travel

Travelling 
Travelling 
Travelling 
in Europe 
in Europe 
in Europe 
2011–12
2011–12
2011–12

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

European Union

By road

Driving licence

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

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By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Travelling in Europe 
2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 
Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 
coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 
from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 
plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 
languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 
heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 
antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 
palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 
traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 
summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 
baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 
EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 
comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 
changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 
million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 
prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 
to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

By road

Driving licence

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

European Union

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

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By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

By road

Driving licence

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

European Union

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

Travelling in Europe  

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

2011–12

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

doi:10.2775/66129

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Money
Documents you will need
The euro
For EU citizens
The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 
Passport or identity card
countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 
There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 
Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 
EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 
Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 
law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 
Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 
eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 
Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 
a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 
the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 
except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 
entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 
Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 
they are ready. 
not in the EU. 
The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 
You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 
countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 
travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 
side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 
leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 
notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 
in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 
euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 
purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 
the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 
national authorities.
Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 
Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 
passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 
national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 
all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.
number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 
countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 
Visa
Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 
You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.
In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 
restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 
For non-EU citizens
as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.
Passport
Cash and cards
You will need a valid passport.
Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 
Visa
the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 
There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 
cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 
EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 
for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 
Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 
as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 
nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 
diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 
consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 
automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 
well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 
Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 
visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

Shopping

Coming from outside

Within the EU

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

do not apply.

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Alcoholic drinks

Tobacco and alcohol

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

4 litres of still wine

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

16 litres of beer

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

400 cigarillos

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

200 cigars

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

110 litres of beer

or 

or

or

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

By road

Driving licence

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

Help for consumers

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

you are in the EU.

Motor insurance

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

extends to travelling in other countries. 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

Driving safely

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

protection’. 

(cid:116) 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

other vehicles as well. 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

(cid:116) 

countries.

property schemes.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

the blood while driving.

 Respecting  

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom and that in some countries, such as Belgium, 

the environment

France, the Netherlands and Portugal, you normally have to give way 

to traﬃc coming from your right.

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Staying healthy

Languages

Access to healthcare

requirements is given. 

By air

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

By water 

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

Air passenger rights

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

and surcharges.

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

the relevant authority.

Pets

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

By rail

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

microchip is already required.  

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

ones.

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

failing that, when you get home.

people. Start with a thank you:

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Italian Grazie

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

Latvian Paldies

Czech Děkuji

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

Lithuanian Ačiū

Danish Tak

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Dutch Bedankt

Maltese Grazzi

English Thank you

Travel insurance

Estonian Aitäh

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

Romanian Mulţumesc

Finnish Kiitos

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

Slovak Ďakujem

French Merci

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

Hungarian Köszönöm

Medicines

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Telephone

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Immunisation

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

The country codes are:

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

A Austria

43

you go.

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

Bathing water

CY Cyprus

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

CZ Czech Republic

420

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

LV Latvia

D Germany

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

M Malta

DK Denmark

Spain

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

EST

Estonia

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

P Portugal

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

PL Poland

48

France

NL Netherlands

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

RO Romania

GB United Kingdom 44

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

40

FIN Finland

E

F

32

359

357

49

45

34

372

33

358

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

46

421

386

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

Mobile phones

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

l

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doi:10.2775/66129

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money
The euro
The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 
countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 
Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 
Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 
Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 
Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 
the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 
entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 
they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 
countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 
side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 
notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 
euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 
the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 
Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 
national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 
number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 
countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 
Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 
restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 
as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards
Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 
the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 
cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 
for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 
as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

By road

Driving licence

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

European Union

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

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By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

European Union

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

Travelling in Europe  

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

2011–12

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

doi:10.2775/66129

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Documents you will need

Money

The euro

For EU citizens

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

Passport or identity card

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

they are ready. 

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

not in the EU. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

national authorities.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

Visa

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

For non-EU citizens

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Cash and cards

Visa

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

European Union

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

By road

Driving licence

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

Shopping
Coming from outside
Within the EU
If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 
VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 
There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 
The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 
travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 
Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 
resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 
do not apply.
and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Alcoholic drinks
Tobacco and alcohol
1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine
To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 
country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 
4 litres of still wine
goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 
16 litres of beer
use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes
Tobacco products
There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 
400 cigarillos
visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 
200 cigars
countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 
travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.
1 kg of tobacco

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

By road

Driving licence

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

Help for consumers

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

you are in the EU.

Motor insurance

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

extends to travelling in other countries. 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

Driving safely

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

protection’. 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

other vehicles as well. 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

the blood while driving.

 Respecting  

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom and that in some countries, such as Belgium, 

the environment

France, the Netherlands and Portugal, you normally have to give way 

to traﬃc coming from your right.

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Staying healthy

Languages

Access to healthcare

requirements is given. 

By air

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

By water 

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

Air passenger rights

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

and surcharges.

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

the relevant authority.

Pets

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

By rail

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

microchip is already required.  

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

ones.

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

failing that, when you get home.

people. Start with a thank you:

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

Bulgarian Blagodarya

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

Italian Grazie

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

Latvian Paldies

Czech Děkuji

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

Lithuanian Ačiū

Danish Tak

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Dutch Bedankt

Maltese Grazzi

English Thank you

Travel insurance

Estonian Aitäh

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

Romanian Mulţumesc

Finnish Kiitos

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

Slovak Ďakujem

French Merci

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

Hungarian Köszönöm

Medicines

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

Telephone

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Immunisation

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

The country codes are:

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

A Austria

43

you go.

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

Bathing water

CY Cyprus

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

CZ Czech Republic

420

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

D Germany

49

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

LV Latvia

DK Denmark

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

M Malta

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

Spain

E

F

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

Estonia

372

EST

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

PL Poland

France

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

RO Romania

40

GB United Kingdom 44

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

S

Sweden

FIN Finland

32

359

357

45

34

33

358

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

46

421

386

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

Mobile phones

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

Higher limit
10 litres of spirits
200 cigarettes 
or 
20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)
100 cigarillos
or
90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)
50 cigars 
or
250 g tobacco 
110 litres of beer

Lower limit
40 cigarettes 
20 cigarillos
10 cigars
50 g tobacco

or
or
or

Other goods including perfume
Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 
is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 
under 15.

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

l

e

v

a

r

t

/

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e

.

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p

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e

doi:10.2775/66129

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside
If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 
VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 
The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 
Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 
do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks
1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products
There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 
visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 
countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 
travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit
200 cigarettes 
100 cigarillos
50 cigars 
250 g tobacco 

or 
or
or

Lower limit
40 cigarettes 
20 cigarillos
10 cigars
50 g tobacco

or
or
or

Other goods including perfume
Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 
is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 
under 15.

Motor insurance

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

By road

Driving licence

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

European Union

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

l

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doi:10.2775/66129

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

By road

Driving licence

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Staying healthy

Languages

Access to healthcare

requirements is given. 

By air

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

By water 

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

Air passenger rights

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

and surcharges.

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

the relevant authority.

Pets

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

By rail

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

microchip is already required.  

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

ones.

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

failing that, when you get home.

people. Start with a thank you:

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

Bulgarian Blagodarya

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

Italian Grazie

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

Latvian Paldies

Czech Děkuji

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

Lithuanian Ačiū

Danish Tak

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Dutch Bedankt

Maltese Grazzi

English Thank you

Travel insurance

Estonian Aitäh

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

Romanian Mulţumesc

Finnish Kiitos

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

Slovak Ďakujem

French Merci

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

Hungarian Köszönöm

Medicines

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

Telephone

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Immunisation

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

The country codes are:

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

A Austria

43

you go.

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

Bathing water

CY Cyprus

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

CZ Czech Republic

420

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

D Germany

49

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

LV Latvia

DK Denmark

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

M Malta

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

Spain

E

F

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

Estonia

372

EST

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

PL Poland

France

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

RO Romania

40

GB United Kingdom 44

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

S

Sweden

FIN Finland

32

359

357

45

34

33

358

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

46

421

386

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Mobile phones

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

European Union

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

Travelling in Europe  

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

2011–12

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

doi:10.2775/66129

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European Union

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

Documents you will need

Money

The euro

For EU citizens

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

Passport or identity card

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

they are ready. 

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

not in the EU. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

national authorities.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

Visa

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

For non-EU citizens

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Cash and cards

Visa

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

Shopping

Coming from outside

Within the EU

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

do not apply.

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Alcoholic drinks

Tobacco and alcohol

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

4 litres of still wine

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

16 litres of beer

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

400 cigarillos

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

200 cigars

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

1 kg of tobacco

Higher limit

10 litres of spirits

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

110 litres of beer

or 

or

or

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

(cid:116) 

By road
Driving licence
A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 
EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 
Help for consumers
you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.
As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  
Motor insurance
you are in the EU.
Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 
 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 
automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 
about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 
required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 
for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 
If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 
new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 
extends to travelling in other countries. 
produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 
organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 
nutrition and health claims on foods. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 
internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 
settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 
with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 
must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 
prices.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 
standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 
 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 
spot if you have an accident in another country.
after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 
products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 
indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 
levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 
protection’. 

Driving safely
In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 
including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 
 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 
appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 
mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 
other vehicles as well. 
health and environmental protection requirements. However, 
Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 
not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 
accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 
countries.

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 
property schemes.

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/
ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 
the blood while driving.

 Respecting  
the environment

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 
and the United Kingdom 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.
You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 
change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 
on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 
and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 
environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 
shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 
use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 
breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 
tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-
sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

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By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

requirements is given. 

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

By road
Driving licence
A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 
EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 
you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

Motor insurance
Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 
automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 
required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 
If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 
extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 
internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 
settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 
with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 
standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 
spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely
In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 
including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 
appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 
other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 
accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 
countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/
ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 
the blood while driving.

Pets

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 
and the United Kingdom 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.

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

European Union

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

l

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doi:10.2775/66129

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

By road

Driving licence

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 
information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 
and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 
assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 
requirements is given. 

By air

By water 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 
fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 
measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 
safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 
There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 
and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 
high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 
air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 
Air passenger rights
of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 
maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 
As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 
protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 
information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 
ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.
delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 
of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 
to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 
from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 
operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 
banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 
elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 
airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 
however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 
requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 
EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 
and surcharges.

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 
package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 
complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 
Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 
the relevant authority.

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

Mobile phones

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Communicating

Staying healthy

Languages

Access to healthcare

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

ones.

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

failing that, when you get home.

people. Start with a thank you:

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

Bulgarian Blagodarya

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

Italian Grazie

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

Latvian Paldies

Czech Děkuji

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

Lithuanian Ačiū

Danish Tak

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Dutch Bedankt

Maltese Grazzi

English Thank you

Travel insurance

Estonian Aitäh

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

Romanian Mulţumesc

Finnish Kiitos

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

Slovak Ďakujem

French Merci

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

Hungarian Köszönöm

Medicines

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

Telephone

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Immunisation

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

The country codes are:

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

A Austria

43

you go.

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

Bathing water

CY Cyprus

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

CZ Czech Republic

420

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

D Germany

49

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

LV Latvia

DK Denmark

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

M Malta

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

Spain

E

F

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

Estonia

372

EST

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

PL Poland

France

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

RO Romania

40

GB United Kingdom 44

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

S

Sweden

FIN Finland

32

359

357

45

34

33

358

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

46

421

386

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

European Union

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

Travelling in Europe  

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

2011–12

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

doi:10.2775/66129

l

e

v

a

r

t

/

u

e

.

a

p

o

r

u

e

Documents you will need

Money

The euro

For EU citizens

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

Passport or identity card

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

they are ready. 

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

not in the EU. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

national authorities.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

Visa

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

For non-EU citizens

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Cash and cards

Visa

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

Shopping

Coming from outside

Within the EU

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

do not apply.

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Alcoholic drinks

Tobacco and alcohol

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

4 litres of still wine

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

16 litres of beer

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

400 cigarillos

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

200 cigars

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

1 kg of tobacco

Higher limit

10 litres of spirits

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

110 litres of beer

or 

or

or

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

By road

Driving licence

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

Help for consumers

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

you are in the EU.

Motor insurance

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

extends to travelling in other countries. 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

Driving safely

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

protection’. 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

other vehicles as well. 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

property schemes.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

the blood while driving.

 Respecting  

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom and that in some countries, such as Belgium, 

the environment

France, the Netherlands and Portugal, you normally have to give way 

to traﬃc coming from your right.

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

Pets
Security
In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 
Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 
rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 
passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 
of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 
containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 
There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 
Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 
ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 
the vaccination has been eﬀective. 
hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 
In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 
tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 
Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 
readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 
The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 
taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 
passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 
microchip is already required.  
several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 
the network is being extended.

By rail

European Union

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 
Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 
established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 
the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 
international route.

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

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doi:10.2775/66129

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

By road

Driving licence

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 
information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 
and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 
assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 
requirements is given. 

Communicating

Languages

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 
high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 
air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 
of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 
maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 
protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 
ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 
passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 
containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 
Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 
the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 
tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 
Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 
readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 
taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 
microchip is already required.  

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

European Union

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

l

e

v

a

r

t

/

u

e

.

a

p

o

r

u

e

doi:10.2775/66129

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

By road

Driving licence

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

European Union

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

Travelling in Europe  

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

2011–12

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

doi:10.2775/66129

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European Union

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

Documents you will need

Money

The euro

For EU citizens

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

Passport or identity card

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

they are ready. 

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

not in the EU. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

national authorities.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

Visa

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

For non-EU citizens

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Cash and cards

Visa

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

Shopping

Coming from outside

Within the EU

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

do not apply.

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Alcoholic drinks

Tobacco and alcohol

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

4 litres of still wine

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

16 litres of beer

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

400 cigarillos

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

200 cigars

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

1 kg of tobacco

Higher limit

10 litres of spirits

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

110 litres of beer

or 

or

or

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

By road

Driving licence

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

Help for consumers

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

you are in the EU.

Motor insurance

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

extends to travelling in other countries. 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

requirements is given. 

By air

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

By water 

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

Air passenger rights

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

Driving safely

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

protection’. 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

other vehicles as well. 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

the blood while driving.

 Respecting  

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom and that in some countries, such as Belgium, 

the environment

France, the Netherlands and Portugal, you normally have to give way 

to traﬃc coming from your right.

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

and surcharges.

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

the relevant authority.

Pets

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

By rail

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

microchip is already required.  

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

Maltese Grazzi

Greek Efkaristo

Lithuanian Ačiū

Polish Dziękujemy

Communicating
Staying healthy
Languages
Access to healthcare
Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 
As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 
include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 
during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 
have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 
Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 
ones.
services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 
has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 
Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 
free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 
mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 
cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 
least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 
receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 
try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 
failing that, when you get home.
people. Start with a thank you:
A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 
and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 
have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 
oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 
side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Bulgarian Blagodarya
Czech Děkuji
Danish Tak
Dutch Bedankt
English Thank you
Travel insurance
Estonian Aitäh
Portuguese Obrigado
The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 
Finnish Kiitos
Romanian Mulţumesc
insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 
French Merci
Slovak Ďakujem
repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 
German Danke
Slovene Hvala
separate travel insurance to cover those risks.
Spanish Gracias
Swedish Tack 

Italian Grazie
Latvian Paldies

Medicines
Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 
medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 
Telephone
during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.
There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 
Immunisation
anywhere in the EU. It is 00.
There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 
The country codes are:
in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 
certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 
you go.

30
43
A Austria
36
32
B Belgium
39
359
BG Bulgaria
353
Bathing water
357
CY Cyprus
352
Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 
CZ Czech Republic
420
370
overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 
49
D Germany
371
report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 
45
DK Denmark
356
both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 
34
Spain
31
If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 
372
Estonia
351
that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 
33
France
48
environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 
358
FIN Finland
40
marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 
GB United Kingdom 44
scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
46
421
386

H Hungary
Italy
I
Ireland
IRL
Luxembourg
L
LT
Lithuania
LV Latvia
M Malta
NL Netherlands
P Portugal
PL Poland
RO Romania
Sweden
SK Slovakia
SLO Slovenia

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Hungarian Köszönöm

E
EST
F

GR Greece

S

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

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By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

Mobile phones

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

By road

Driving licence

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Communicating
Languages
Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 
include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 
have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 
ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 
mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 
least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 
try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 
people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya
Czech Děkuji
Danish Tak
Dutch Bedankt
English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh
Finnish Kiitos
French Merci
German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie
Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado
Romanian Mulţumesc
Slovak Ďakujem
Slovene Hvala
Spanish Gracias
Swedish Tack 

Telephone
There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 
anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

43
A Austria
32
B Belgium
359
BG Bulgaria
357
CY Cyprus
420
CZ Czech Republic
49
D Germany
45
DK Denmark
34
Spain
372
Estonia
33
France
358
FIN Finland
GB United Kingdom 44

E
EST
F

GR Greece

H Hungary
Italy
I
Ireland
IRL
Luxembourg
L
LT
Lithuania
LV Latvia
M Malta
NL Netherlands
P Portugal
PL Poland
RO Romania
Sweden
SK Slovakia
SLO Slovenia

S

30
36
39
353
352
370
371
356
31
351
48
40
46
421
386

European Union

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

l

e

v

a

r

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.

a

p

o

r

u

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doi:10.2775/66129

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

By road

Driving licence

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

European Union

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

Travelling in Europe  

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

2011–12

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

doi:10.2775/66129

l

e

v

a

r

t

/

u

e

.

a

p

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European Union

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

Documents you will need

Money

The euro

For EU citizens

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

Passport or identity card

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

they are ready. 

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

not in the EU. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

national authorities.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

Visa

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

For non-EU citizens

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Cash and cards

Visa

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

Shopping

Coming from outside

Within the EU

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

do not apply.

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Alcoholic drinks

Tobacco and alcohol

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

4 litres of still wine

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

16 litres of beer

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

400 cigarillos

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

200 cigars

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

1 kg of tobacco

Higher limit

10 litres of spirits

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

110 litres of beer

or 

or

or

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

By road

Driving licence

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

Help for consumers

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

you are in the EU.

Motor insurance

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

extends to travelling in other countries. 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

Driving safely

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

protection’. 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

other vehicles as well. 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

the blood while driving.

 Respecting  

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom and that in some countries, such as Belgium, 

the environment

France, the Netherlands and Portugal, you normally have to give way 

to traﬃc coming from your right.

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Staying healthy

Languages

Access to healthcare

requirements is given. 

By air

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

By water 

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

Air passenger rights

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

and surcharges.

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

the relevant authority.

Pets

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

By rail

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

microchip is already required.  

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

ones.

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

failing that, when you get home.

people. Start with a thank you:

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

Bulgarian Blagodarya

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

Italian Grazie

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

Latvian Paldies

Czech Děkuji

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

Lithuanian Ačiū

Danish Tak

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Dutch Bedankt

Maltese Grazzi

English Thank you

Travel insurance

Estonian Aitäh

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

Romanian Mulţumesc

Finnish Kiitos

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

Slovak Ďakujem

French Merci

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

Hungarian Köszönöm

Medicines

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

Telephone

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Immunisation

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

The country codes are:

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

A Austria

43

you go.

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

Bathing water

CY Cyprus

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

CZ Czech Republic

420

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

D Germany

49

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

LV Latvia

DK Denmark

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

M Malta

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

Spain

E

F

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

Estonia

372

EST

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

PL Poland

France

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

RO Romania

40

GB United Kingdom 44

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

S

Sweden

FIN Finland

32

359

357

45

34

33

358

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

46

421

386

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

Mobile phones
You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 
parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 
phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 
thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 
international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 
from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 
more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  
in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad
Mobile calls received abroad

Average charge 
summer 2006
€1.10
€0.58

1 July 
2010
€0.39
€0.15

1 July 
2011
€0.35
€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 
Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 
apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 
or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 
‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 
that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 
Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 
the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 
month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 
by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 
Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 
compared.

Postage 
Postage stamps can only be used in the country in which you buy 
them, even when priced in euro.

Electricity
All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 
Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 
but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 
vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 
and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 
tourist resorts.

Travelling in Europe  

2011–12

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 

the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 

not in the EU. 

access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

thanks to the European Union (EU).

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

Shopping

Within the EU

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 

Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 

detailed information on the subjects covered:   

europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 

the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication 

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010

© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised

Photos: Patrick Bombaert

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doi:10.2775/66129

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Things to do

There is a dazzling choice of things to do and see in Europe. For ideas 
and information on all countries, 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.

A
B

BG
CY
CZ
D
DK
E
EST
F
FIN
GB
GR
H
I
IRL
L
LT
LV
M
NL
P
PL
RO
S
SK
SLO

Austria
Belgium

Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Germany
Denmark
Spain
Estonia
France
Finland
United Kingdom
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Ireland
Luxembourg
Lithuania
Latvia
Malta
Netherlands
Portugal
Poland
Romania
Sweden
Slovakia
Slovenia

www.austria.info
www.visitﬂanders.com 
www.opt.be
www.bulgariatravel.org
www.visitcyprus.com
www.czechtourism.com
www.germany-tourism.de
www.visitdenmark.com
www.spain.info
www.visitestonia.com
www.franceguide.com
www.visitﬁnland.com
www.visitbritain.com
www.visitgreece.gr
www.hungary.com
www.enit.it
www.discoverireland.com
www.visitluxembourg.lu
www.lithuaniantravel.com 
www.latviatourism.lv
www.visitmalta.com
www.holland.com
www.visitportugal.com
www.poland.travel
www.romaniatourism.com
www.visitsweden.com
www.slovakia.travel
www.slovenia.info 

The abbreviations for countries are those used on nationality  
plates on cars.

The EU supports and contributes to many cultural projects and events 

across Europe every year. One of these is to designate a cultural 

capital of Europe: Turku in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia share the 

title in 2011, to be followed by Guimaraes in Portugal and Maribor in 

Slovenia in 2012. Turku, in the south of Finland, is hosting thousands of 

events during the year including underwater concerts, a circus, aerial 

acrobatics, sauna culture, spectacular exhibitions and contemporary 

opera and theatre. Most of the events are free and about two million 

visitors are expected. The main venue for major performances and 

exhibitions is Logomo, a renovated engineering workshop of the 

Finnish railway company. Further round the Baltic Sea coast, Tallinn, 

the capital of Estonia, has a packed programme including a choir 

festival, puppet theatre, circus artists, a winter swimming festival, 

rooftop cinema, urban installations and experimental art, the ﬁrst 

ﬁre sculpture world championships and music ranging from the 

Afro-reggae rhythms of the young drum orchestra Trumm-It to the 

premiere of the foremost contemporary Estonian composer’s piece 

for chamber choir and orchestra, Erkki-Sven Tüür. A theatre built 

entirely out of straw is staging contemporary Estonian and European 

productions throughout the year.

GMT

GMT +1

GMT +2

GMT +3

GMT +4

If things go wrong

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.

Loss or theft

Report any theft to the local police. You will need to enclose the 

police report when making your insurance or compensation claim. 

Cancel any lost or stolen credit cards immediately. If your passport 

has been stolen, report it to your country’s consulate or embassy as 

well as to the police. Remember that if you are outside the EU you 

can get help from the consulate or embassy of any other EU country 

if yours is not represented.

 Getting in touch 

with the EU

Information in all the oﬃcial languages of the 

European Union is available on the Europa website:

ONLINE

europa.eu

IN PERSON 

All over Europe there are hundreds of local EU 

information centres.

You can ﬁnd the address of the centre nearest you at: 

europedirect.europa.eu

ON THE PHONE OR BY MAIL 

Europe Direct is a service which answers your 

questions about the European Union. You can contact 

this service by freephone: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (certain 

mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 

00800 numbers or may charge for these calls), or by 

payphone from outside the EU: +32 2 2999696, or by 

electronic mail via europedirect.europa.eu

READ ABOUT EUROPE

Publications about the EU are only a click away on the 

EU Bookshop website: bookshop.europa.eu

You can also obtain information and booklets in English about the 

European Union from:

EUROPEAN 

COMMISSION  

EUROPEAN 

PARLIAMENT  

REPRESENTATIONS

OFFICES

Representation in Ireland

18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Oﬃce in Ireland

European Union House

IRELAND

Tel. +353 16341111

43 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

IRELAND

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/

Tel. +353 16057900 

ireland/

E-mail: eu-ie-info-request@

ec.europa.eu

Internet: www.europarl.ie

E-mail: epdublin@europarl.

europa.eu

United Kingdom Oﬃce

2 Queen Anne’s Gate, 

London SW1H 9AA

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2072274300

Internet: www.europarl.org.uk

E-mail: eplondon@europarl.

Representation in  

the United Kingdom

Europe House

32 Smith Square, 

London SW1P 3EU

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2079731992

Cardiﬀ CF10 4QQ

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2920895020

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

europa.eu

Representation in Wales

Oﬃce in Scotland

2 Caspian Point, Caspian Way 

The Tun, 4 Jackson’s Entry

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Internet: www.europarl.org.uk

Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 1315577866

E-mail: epedinburgh@europarl.

Representation in Scotland

9 Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH

europa.eu

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 1312252058

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation  

in Northern Ireland

74 – 76 Dublin Road, 

Belfast BT2 7HP

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2890240708

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Delegations in  

the United States

2175 K Street, NW

Washington DC 20037

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Tel. +2028629500

Internet: www.eurunion.org

222 East 41st Street, 20th ﬂoor

New York, NY 10017

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Tel. +2123713804

Internet: www.eurunion.org

Time zones

Summer time

Daylight saving time begins across the EU on 27 March 2011 when 

clocks are moved forward an hour and it ends on 30 October 2011 

when clocks are put back an hour. The dates for 2012 are 25 March and 

28 October.

There are European Commission and Parliament representations and 

oﬃces in all the countries of the European Union. The European Union 

also has delegations in other parts of the world.

Published December 2010 by

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

bookshop.europa.eu 

Map originally created by Lovell Johns,

www.lovelljohns.com

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

bookshop.europa.eu 

If things go wrong

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.

Loss or theft

Report any theft to the local police. You will need to enclose the 

police report when making your insurance or compensation claim. 

Cancel any lost or stolen credit cards immediately. If your passport 

has been stolen, report it to your country’s consulate or embassy as 

well as to the police. Remember that if you are outside the EU you 

can get help from the consulate or embassy of any other EU country 

if yours is not represented.

 Getting in touch 

with the EU

Information in all the oﬃcial languages of the 

European Union is available on the Europa website:

ONLINE

europa.eu

IN PERSON 

All over Europe there are hundreds of local EU 

information centres.

You can ﬁnd the address of the centre nearest you at: 

europedirect.europa.eu

ON THE PHONE OR BY MAIL 

Europe Direct is a service which answers your 

questions about the European Union. You can contact 

this service by freephone: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (certain 

mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 

00800 numbers or may charge for these calls), or by 

payphone from outside the EU: +32 2 2999696, or by 

electronic mail via europedirect.europa.eu

READ ABOUT EUROPE

Publications about the EU are only a click away on the 

EU Bookshop website: bookshop.europa.eu

You can also obtain information and booklets in English about the 

European Union from:

EUROPEAN 

COMMISSION  

EUROPEAN 

PARLIAMENT  

REPRESENTATIONS

OFFICES

Representation in Ireland

18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Oﬃce in Ireland

European Union House

IRELAND

Tel. +353 16341111

43 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

IRELAND

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/

Tel. +353 16057900 

ireland/

E-mail: eu-ie-info-request@

ec.europa.eu

Internet: www.europarl.ie

E-mail: epdublin@europarl.

europa.eu

United Kingdom Oﬃce

2 Queen Anne’s Gate, 

London SW1H 9AA

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2072274300

Internet: www.europarl.org.uk

E-mail: eplondon@europarl.

Representation in  

the United Kingdom

Europe House

32 Smith Square, 

London SW1P 3EU

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2079731992

Cardiﬀ CF10 4QQ

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2920895020

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

europa.eu

Representation in Wales

Oﬃce in Scotland

2 Caspian Point, Caspian Way 

The Tun, 4 Jackson’s Entry

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Internet: www.europarl.org.uk

Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 1315577866

E-mail: epedinburgh@europarl.

Representation in Scotland

9 Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH

europa.eu

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 1312252058

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation  

in Northern Ireland

74 – 76 Dublin Road, 

Belfast BT2 7HP

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2890240708

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Delegations in  

the United States

2175 K Street, NW

Washington DC 20037

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Tel. +2028629500

Internet: www.eurunion.org

222 East 41st Street, 20th ﬂoor

New York, NY 10017

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Tel. +2123713804

Internet: www.eurunion.org

There are European Commission and Parliament representations and 

oﬃces in all the countries of the European Union. The European Union 

also has delegations in other parts of the world.

Published December 2010 by

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

bookshop.europa.eu 

Map originally created by Lovell Johns,

www.lovelljohns.com

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

bookshop.europa.eu 

Published December 2010 by

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

bookshop.europa.eu 

Map originally created by Lovell Johns,

www.lovelljohns.com

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

bookshop.europa.eu 

Things to do

There is a dazzling choice of things to do and see in Europe. For ideas 

and information on all countries, 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.

Czech Republic

www.czechtourism.com

A

B

BG

CY

CZ

D

DK

E

F

EST

FIN

GB

GR

H

I

L

LT

LV

M

NL

P

PL

RO

S

SK

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Cyprus

Germany

Denmark

Spain

Estonia

France

Finland

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Latvia

Malta

Portugal

Poland

Romania

Sweden

Slovakia

www.austria.info

www.visitﬂanders.com 

www.opt.be

www.bulgariatravel.org

www.visitcyprus.com

www.germany-tourism.de

www.visitdenmark.com

www.spain.info

www.visitestonia.com

www.franceguide.com

www.visitﬁnland.com

www.visitgreece.gr

www.hungary.com

www.enit.it

www.latviatourism.lv

www.visitmalta.com

www.visitportugal.com

www.poland.travel

www.romaniatourism.com

www.visitsweden.com

www.slovakia.travel

www.slovenia.info 

United Kingdom

www.visitbritain.com

IRL

Ireland

www.discoverireland.com

Luxembourg

www.visitluxembourg.lu

Lithuania

www.lithuaniantravel.com 

Netherlands

www.holland.com

SLO

Slovenia

plates on cars.

The abbreviations for countries are those used on nationality  

The EU supports and contributes to many cultural projects and events 
across Europe every year. One of these is to designate a cultural 
capital of Europe: Turku in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia share the 
If things go wrong
title in 2011, to be followed by Guimaraes in Portugal and Maribor in 
Slovenia in 2012. Turku, in the south of Finland, is hosting thousands of 
Single European emergency number: 112 
events during the year including underwater concerts, a circus, aerial 
acrobatics, sauna culture, spectacular exhibitions and contemporary 
To contact the emergency services in any EU country from any phone, 
opera and theatre. Most of the events are free and about two million 
ﬁxed or mobile, dial 112, free of charge.
visitors are expected. The main venue for major performances and 
exhibitions is Logomo, a renovated engineering workshop of the 
Loss or theft
Finnish railway company. Further round the Baltic Sea coast, Tallinn, 
the capital of Estonia, has a packed programme including a choir 
Report any theft to the local police. You will need to enclose the 
festival, puppet theatre, circus artists, a winter swimming festival, 
police report when making your insurance or compensation claim. 
rooftop cinema, urban installations and experimental art, the ﬁrst 
Cancel any lost or stolen credit cards immediately. If your passport 
ﬁre sculpture world championships and music ranging from the 
has been stolen, report it to your country’s consulate or embassy as 
Afro-reggae rhythms of the young drum orchestra Trumm-It to the 
well as to the police. Remember that if you are outside the EU you 
premiere of the foremost contemporary Estonian composer’s piece 
can get help from the consulate or embassy of any other EU country 
for chamber choir and orchestra, Erkki-Sven Tüür. A theatre built 
if yours is not represented.
entirely out of straw is staging contemporary Estonian and European 
productions throughout the year.

GMT

GMT +1

GMT +2

GMT +3

GMT +4

 Getting in touch 
with the EU

Things to do

There is a dazzling choice of things to do and see in Europe. For ideas 

and information on all countries, 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.

Czech Republic

www.czechtourism.com

A

B

BG

CY

CZ

D

DK

E

F

EST

FIN

GB

GR

H

I

L

LT

LV

M

NL

P

PL

RO

S

SK

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Cyprus

Germany

Denmark

Spain

Estonia

France

Finland

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Latvia

Malta

Portugal

Poland

Romania

Sweden

Slovakia

www.austria.info

www.visitﬂanders.com 

www.opt.be

www.bulgariatravel.org

www.visitcyprus.com

www.germany-tourism.de

www.visitdenmark.com

www.spain.info

www.visitestonia.com

www.franceguide.com

www.visitﬁnland.com

www.visitgreece.gr

www.hungary.com

www.enit.it

www.latviatourism.lv

www.visitmalta.com

www.visitportugal.com

www.poland.travel

www.romaniatourism.com

www.visitsweden.com

www.slovakia.travel

www.slovenia.info 

United Kingdom

www.visitbritain.com

IRL

Ireland

www.discoverireland.com

Luxembourg

www.visitluxembourg.lu

Lithuania

www.lithuaniantravel.com 

Netherlands

www.holland.com

SLO

Slovenia

plates on cars.

The abbreviations for countries are those used on nationality  

The EU supports and contributes to many cultural projects and events 

across Europe every year. One of these is to designate a cultural 

capital of Europe: Turku in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia share the 

title in 2011, to be followed by Guimaraes in Portugal and Maribor in 

Slovenia in 2012. Turku, in the south of Finland, is hosting thousands of 

events during the year including underwater concerts, a circus, aerial 

acrobatics, sauna culture, spectacular exhibitions and contemporary 

opera and theatre. Most of the events are free and about two million 

visitors are expected. The main venue for major performances and 

exhibitions is Logomo, a renovated engineering workshop of the 

Finnish railway company. Further round the Baltic Sea coast, Tallinn, 

the capital of Estonia, has a packed programme including a choir 

festival, puppet theatre, circus artists, a winter swimming festival, 

rooftop cinema, urban installations and experimental art, the ﬁrst 

ﬁre sculpture world championships and music ranging from the 

Afro-reggae rhythms of the young drum orchestra Trumm-It to the 

premiere of the foremost contemporary Estonian composer’s piece 

for chamber choir and orchestra, Erkki-Sven Tüür. A theatre built 

entirely out of straw is staging contemporary Estonian and European 

productions throughout the year.

GMT

GMT +1

GMT +2

GMT +3

GMT +4

ONLINE
Information in all the oﬃcial languages of the 
European Union is available on the Europa website:
europa.eu

IN PERSON 
All over Europe there are hundreds of local EU 
information centres.
You can ﬁnd the address of the centre nearest you at: 
europedirect.europa.eu

ON THE PHONE OR BY MAIL 
Europe Direct is a service which answers your 
questions about the European Union. You can contact 
this service by freephone: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (certain 
mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 
00800 numbers or may charge for these calls), or by 
payphone from outside the EU: +32 2 2999696, or by 
electronic mail via europedirect.europa.eu

READ ABOUT EUROPE
Publications about the EU are only a click away on the 
EU Bookshop website: bookshop.europa.eu

Time zones

You can also obtain information and booklets in English about the 
Summer time
European Union from:
Daylight saving time begins across the EU on 27 March 2011 when 
clocks are moved forward an hour and it ends on 30 October 2011 
EUROPEAN 
when clocks are put back an hour. The dates for 2012 are 25 March and 
COMMISSION  
28 October.
REPRESENTATIONS
Representation in Ireland
18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
IRELAND
Tel. +353 16341111
Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/

EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT  
OFFICES
Oﬃce in Ireland
European Union House
43 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2
IRELAND
Tel. +353 16057900 

ireland/

E-mail: eu-ie-info-request@

ec.europa.eu

Internet: www.europarl.ie

E-mail: epdublin@europarl.

europa.eu

United Kingdom Oﬃce

2 Queen Anne’s Gate, 

London SW1H 9AA

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2072274300

Internet: www.europarl.org.uk

E-mail: eplondon@europarl.

Representation in  

the United Kingdom

Europe House

32 Smith Square, 

London SW1P 3EU

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2079731992

Cardiﬀ CF10 4QQ

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2920895020

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

europa.eu

Representation in Wales

Oﬃce in Scotland

2 Caspian Point, Caspian Way 

The Tun, 4 Jackson’s Entry

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Internet: www.europarl.org.uk

Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 1315577866

E-mail: epedinburgh@europarl.

Representation in Scotland

9 Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH

europa.eu

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 1312252058

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation  

in Northern Ireland

74 – 76 Dublin Road, 

Belfast BT2 7HP

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2890240708

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Delegations in  

the United States

2175 K Street, NW

Washington DC 20037

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Tel. +2028629500

Internet: www.eurunion.org

222 East 41st Street, 20th ﬂoor

New York, NY 10017

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Tel. +2123713804

Internet: www.eurunion.org

Time zones

Summer time

Daylight saving time begins across the EU on 27 March 2011 when 

clocks are moved forward an hour and it ends on 30 October 2011 

when clocks are put back an hour. The dates for 2012 are 25 March and 

28 October.

There are European Commission and Parliament representations and 

oﬃces in all the countries of the European Union. The European Union 

also has delegations in other parts of the world.

Things to do

There is a dazzling choice of things to do and see in Europe. For ideas 

and information on all countries, 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.

Czech Republic

www.czechtourism.com

A

B

BG

CY

CZ

D

DK

E

F

EST

FIN

GB

GR

H

I

L

LT

LV

M

NL

P

PL

RO

S

SK

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Cyprus

Germany

Denmark

Spain

Estonia

France

Finland

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Latvia

Malta

Portugal

Poland

Romania

Sweden

Slovakia

www.austria.info

www.visitﬂanders.com 

www.opt.be

www.bulgariatravel.org

www.visitcyprus.com

www.germany-tourism.de

www.visitdenmark.com

www.spain.info

www.visitestonia.com

www.franceguide.com

www.visitﬁnland.com

www.visitgreece.gr

www.hungary.com

www.enit.it

www.latviatourism.lv

www.visitmalta.com

www.visitportugal.com

www.poland.travel

www.romaniatourism.com

www.visitsweden.com

www.slovakia.travel

www.slovenia.info 

United Kingdom

www.visitbritain.com

IRL

Ireland

www.discoverireland.com

Luxembourg

www.visitluxembourg.lu

Lithuania

www.lithuaniantravel.com 

Netherlands

www.holland.com

SLO

Slovenia

plates on cars.

The abbreviations for countries are those used on nationality  

If things go wrong
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.

Loss or theft
Report any theft to the local police. You will need to enclose the 
police report when making your insurance or compensation claim. 
Cancel any lost or stolen credit cards immediately. If your passport 
has been stolen, report it to your country’s consulate or embassy as 
well as to the police. Remember that if you are outside the EU you 
can get help from the consulate or embassy of any other EU country 
if yours is not represented.

 Getting in touch 
with the EU

ONLINE
Information in all the oﬃcial languages of the 
European Union is available on the Europa website:
europa.eu

IN PERSON 
All over Europe there are hundreds of local EU 
information centres.
You can ﬁnd the address of the centre nearest you at: 
europedirect.europa.eu

ON THE PHONE OR BY MAIL 
Europe Direct is a service which answers your 
questions about the European Union. You can contact 
this service by freephone: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (certain 
mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 
00800 numbers or may charge for these calls), or by 
payphone from outside the EU: +32 2 2999696, or by 
electronic mail via europedirect.europa.eu

READ ABOUT EUROPE
Publications about the EU are only a click away on the 
EU Bookshop website: bookshop.europa.eu

You can also obtain information and booklets in English about the 
European Union from:

The EU supports and contributes to many cultural projects and events 

across Europe every year. One of these is to designate a cultural 

capital of Europe: Turku in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia share the 

title in 2011, to be followed by Guimaraes in Portugal and Maribor in 

Slovenia in 2012. Turku, in the south of Finland, is hosting thousands of 

events during the year including underwater concerts, a circus, aerial 

acrobatics, sauna culture, spectacular exhibitions and contemporary 

opera and theatre. Most of the events are free and about two million 

visitors are expected. The main venue for major performances and 

exhibitions is Logomo, a renovated engineering workshop of the 

Finnish railway company. Further round the Baltic Sea coast, Tallinn, 

the capital of Estonia, has a packed programme including a choir 

festival, puppet theatre, circus artists, a winter swimming festival, 

rooftop cinema, urban installations and experimental art, the ﬁrst 

ﬁre sculpture world championships and music ranging from the 

Afro-reggae rhythms of the young drum orchestra Trumm-It to the 

premiere of the foremost contemporary Estonian composer’s piece 

for chamber choir and orchestra, Erkki-Sven Tüür. A theatre built 

entirely out of straw is staging contemporary Estonian and European 

productions throughout the year.

GMT

GMT +1

GMT +2

GMT +3

GMT +4

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

europa.eu

Representation in Wales

Oﬃce in Scotland

2 Caspian Point, Caspian Way 

The Tun, 4 Jackson’s Entry

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Internet: www.europarl.org.uk

Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 1315577866

E-mail: epedinburgh@europarl.

Representation in Scotland

9 Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH

europa.eu

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 1312252058

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT  
OFFICES
Oﬃce in Ireland
European Union House
43 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2
IRELAND
Tel. +353 16057900 

Internet: www.europarl.ie

E-mail: epdublin@europarl.

europa.eu

United Kingdom Oﬃce

2 Queen Anne’s Gate, 

London SW1H 9AA

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2072274300

Internet: www.europarl.org.uk

E-mail: eplondon@europarl.

EUROPEAN 
COMMISSION  
REPRESENTATIONS
Representation in Ireland
18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
IRELAND
Tel. +353 16341111
Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/

ireland/

E-mail: eu-ie-info-request@

ec.europa.eu

Representation in  

the United Kingdom

Europe House

32 Smith Square, 

London SW1P 3EU

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2079731992

Cardiﬀ CF10 4QQ

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2920895020

Representation  

in Northern Ireland

74 – 76 Dublin Road, 

Belfast BT2 7HP

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +44 2890240708

Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Delegations in  

the United States

2175 K Street, NW

Washington DC 20037

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Tel. +2028629500

Internet: www.eurunion.org

222 East 41st Street, 20th ﬂoor

New York, NY 10017

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Tel. +2123713804

Internet: www.eurunion.org

Time zones

Summer time

Daylight saving time begins across the EU on 27 March 2011 when 

clocks are moved forward an hour and it ends on 30 October 2011 

when clocks are put back an hour. The dates for 2012 are 25 March and 

28 October.

There are European Commission and Parliament representations and 

oﬃces in all the countries of the European Union. The European Union 

also has delegations in other parts of the world.

Published December 2010 by

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

bookshop.europa.eu 

Map originally created by Lovell Johns,

www.lovelljohns.com

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

bookshop.europa.eu 

Things to do

There is a dazzling choice of things to do and see in Europe. For ideas 

and information on all countries, 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.

Czech Republic

www.czechtourism.com

A

B

BG

CY

CZ

D

DK

E

F

EST

FIN

GB

GR

H

I

L

LT

LV

M

NL

P

PL

RO

S

SK

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Cyprus

Germany

Denmark

Spain

Estonia

France

Finland

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Latvia

Malta

Portugal

Poland

Romania

Sweden

Slovakia

www.austria.info

www.visitﬂanders.com 

www.opt.be

www.bulgariatravel.org

www.visitcyprus.com

www.germany-tourism.de

www.visitdenmark.com

www.spain.info

www.visitestonia.com

www.franceguide.com

www.visitﬁnland.com

www.visitgreece.gr

www.hungary.com

www.enit.it

www.latviatourism.lv

www.visitmalta.com

www.visitportugal.com

www.poland.travel

www.romaniatourism.com

www.visitsweden.com

www.slovakia.travel

www.slovenia.info 

United Kingdom

www.visitbritain.com

IRL

Ireland

www.discoverireland.com

Luxembourg

www.visitluxembourg.lu

Lithuania

www.lithuaniantravel.com 

Netherlands

www.holland.com

SLO

Slovenia

plates on cars.

The abbreviations for countries are those used on nationality  

The EU supports and contributes to many cultural projects and events 

across Europe every year. One of these is to designate a cultural 

capital of Europe: Turku in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia share the 

title in 2011, to be followed by Guimaraes in Portugal and Maribor in 

Slovenia in 2012. Turku, in the south of Finland, is hosting thousands of 

events during the year including underwater concerts, a circus, aerial 

acrobatics, sauna culture, spectacular exhibitions and contemporary 

opera and theatre. Most of the events are free and about two million 

visitors are expected. The main venue for major performances and 

exhibitions is Logomo, a renovated engineering workshop of the 

Finnish railway company. Further round the Baltic Sea coast, Tallinn, 

the capital of Estonia, has a packed programme including a choir 

festival, puppet theatre, circus artists, a winter swimming festival, 

rooftop cinema, urban installations and experimental art, the ﬁrst 

ﬁre sculpture world championships and music ranging from the 

Afro-reggae rhythms of the young drum orchestra Trumm-It to the 

premiere of the foremost contemporary Estonian composer’s piece 

for chamber choir and orchestra, Erkki-Sven Tüür. A theatre built 

entirely out of straw is staging contemporary Estonian and European 

productions throughout the year.

GMT

GMT +1

GMT +2

GMT +3

GMT +4

If things go wrong

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.

Loss or theft

Report any theft to the local police. You will need to enclose the 

police report when making your insurance or compensation claim. 

Cancel any lost or stolen credit cards immediately. If your passport 

has been stolen, report it to your country’s consulate or embassy as 

well as to the police. Remember that if you are outside the EU you 

can get help from the consulate or embassy of any other EU country 

if yours is not represented.

 Getting in touch 

with the EU

Information in all the oﬃcial languages of the 

European Union is available on the Europa website:

ONLINE

europa.eu

IN PERSON 

All over Europe there are hundreds of local EU 

information centres.

You can ﬁnd the address of the centre nearest you at: 

europedirect.europa.eu

ON THE PHONE OR BY MAIL 

Europe Direct is a service which answers your 

questions about the European Union. You can contact 

this service by freephone: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (certain 

mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 

00800 numbers or may charge for these calls), or by 

payphone from outside the EU: +32 2 2999696, or by 

electronic mail via europedirect.europa.eu

READ ABOUT EUROPE

Publications about the EU are only a click away on the 

EU Bookshop website: bookshop.europa.eu

You can also obtain information and booklets in English about the 
European Union from:

EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT  
OFFICES
Oﬃce in Ireland
European Union House
43 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2
IRELAND
Tel. +353 16057900 
Internet: www.europarl.ie
E-mail: epdublin@europarl.
europa.eu

United Kingdom Oﬃce
2 Queen Anne’s Gate, 
London SW1H 9AA
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 2072274300
Internet: www.europarl.org.uk
E-mail: eplondon@europarl.
europa.eu

Oﬃce in Scotland
The Tun, 4 Jackson’s Entry
Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 1315577866
Internet: www.europarl.org.uk
E-mail: epedinburgh@europarl.
europa.eu

EUROPEAN 
COMMISSION  
REPRESENTATIONS
Representation in Ireland
18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
IRELAND
Tel. +353 16341111
Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/
ireland/
E-mail: eu-ie-info-request@
ec.europa.eu

Representation in  
the United Kingdom
Europe House
32 Smith Square, 
London SW1P 3EU
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 2079731992
Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation in Wales
2 Caspian Point, Caspian Way 
Cardiﬀ CF10 4QQ
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 2920895020
Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation in Scotland
9 Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 1312252058
Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation  
in Northern Ireland
74 – 76 Dublin Road, 
Belfast BT2 7HP
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 2890240708
Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Delegations in  
the United States
2175 K Street, NW
Washington DC 20037
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Tel. +2028629500
Internet: www.eurunion.org

222 East 41st Street, 20th ﬂoor
New York, NY 10017
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Tel. +2123713804
Internet: www.eurunion.org

Time zones

Summer time

Daylight saving time begins across the EU on 27 March 2011 when 

clocks are moved forward an hour and it ends on 30 October 2011 

when clocks are put back an hour. The dates for 2012 are 25 March and 

28 October.

There are European Commission and Parliament representations and 
oﬃces in all the countries of the European Union. The European Union 
also has delegations in other parts of the world.

Published December 2010 by

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

bookshop.europa.eu 

Map originally created by Lovell Johns,

www.lovelljohns.com

European Commission

Directorate-General for Communication

Publications

1049 Brussels

BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

bookshop.europa.eu 

Published December 2010 by
European Commission
Directorate-General for Communication
Publications
1049 Brussels
BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg
LUXEMBOURG
bookshop.europa.eu 

Map originally created by Lovell Johns,
www.lovelljohns.com

European Commission
Directorate-General for Communication
Publications
1049 Brussels
BELGIUM

2985 Luxembourg
LUXEMBOURG
bookshop.europa.eu 

Travelling in Europe 

2011–12

The European Union stretches over the continent of Europe from 

Lapland in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west 

coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a rich tapestry of landscapes 

from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid 

plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.

The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions, cultures and 

languages make up over 7 % of the world’s population. Their historic 

heritage is charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman 

antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval fortresses, Renaissance 

palaces and baroque churches. The modern Europe too attracts the 

traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural festivities, winter and 

summer sports, and varied cuisine.

Europeans love to travel and the removal of most passport and 

baggage formalities has made travelling much easier. Seventeen 

EU countries share the same currency, the euro, which makes price 

comparisons easy and removes the cost and inconvenience of 

changing money. The creation of a single market of more than 500 

million people from 27 countries has brought wider choice and lower 

prices. In fact most Europeans ﬁnd it as easy to travel within the EU as 

to travel within their home country.

Money

The euro

The euro is the legal tender for around 330 million people in 17 EU 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, 

Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. EU countries not using the euro are 

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 

Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Estonia adopted 

the euro in January 2011 and the seven other countries that have 

entered the EU since 2004 are committed to adopting the euro when 

they are ready. 

The symbol for the euro is €. The euro notes are identical in all 

countries but each country issues its own coins with one common 

side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. All the 

notes and coins can be used in all EU countries that have adopted the 

euro, including many of their overseas entities, such as the Azores, 

the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, 

Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City have adopted the euro as their 

national currency, which also gives them the right to issue a certain 

number of euro coins with their own national sides. A number of 

Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

In European countries outside the euro area, many hotels, shops and 

restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, accept payment in euro as well 

as the national currency, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Cash and cards

Thanks to EU rules, withdrawing euro from a cash machine costs you 

the same anywhere in the EU as it does in your own country from a 

cash machine that does not belong to your bank. The transaction fee 

for making a debit or credit card payment in the EU in euro is the same 

as in your own country. Charges may of course diﬀer between banks. 

Coming from outside

Motor insurance

If you enter the EU from outside, you can bring with you goods free of 

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will 

VAT and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. 

automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) 

The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel 

required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 

Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise 

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover 

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or 2 litres of fortiﬁed or sparkling wine

do not apply.

Alcoholic drinks

4 litres of still wine

16 litres of beer

Tobacco products

There is a higher or lower limit depending on the country you are 

countries have chosen to apply the lower limits to land and sea 

travellers: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Higher limit

200 cigarettes 

100 cigarillos

50 cigars 

250 g tobacco 

or 

or

or

Lower limit

40 cigarettes 

20 cigarillos

10 cigars

50 g tobacco

or

or

or

Other goods including perfume

Up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea 

is allowed. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers 

under 15.

extends to travelling in other countries. 

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as 

internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to 

settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card 

with you, you should carry your certiﬁcate of insurance.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a 

standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the 

spot if you have an accident in another country.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, seat belts must now be worn in all vehicles, 

including tourist coaches and minibuses. Children must also have 

appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries and, where possible, in 

other vehicles as well. 

Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an 

accident and it is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU 

countries.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/

ml and 0.8 mg/ml, although some countries do not allow any alcohol in 

Pets

the blood while driving.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta 

and the United Kingdom 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.

countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as 

visiting (Romania uses the lower limit for all travellers). The following 

By road

Driving licence

Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved with better 

information and rights in the event of delay, missed connections 

and cancellations. The disabled and elderly are now entitled to free 

assistance at stations and on trains provided advance notice of special 

Communicating

Languages

A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the 

requirements is given. 

EU. In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, 

you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you.

By water 

There are many key sea routes between EU countries oﬀering regular, 

high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, 

air or rail. There are also 41 000 km of navigable inland waterways in 20 

of the 27 EU countries. The EU has been at the forefront of improving 

maritime safety and promoting high-quality standards with rules to 

protect passengers and crew sailing on ferries to and from European 

ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Travelling with a cat or dog is now much easier with the new EU pet 

passport available from any vet. All cats and dogs must have a passport 

containing details of a valid rabies vaccination. Until the end of 2011, 

Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom also require proof that 

the vaccination has been eﬀective. 

In addition, and also until the end of 2011, treatment for ticks and 

tapeworm is required for entry into Ireland, Malta and the United 

Kingdom. Finland and Sweden require a tapeworm treatment.

An animal has to be identiﬁed by an electronic microchip. A clearly 

readable tattoo is also acceptable until 3 July 2011, except if you are 

taking your animal to Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom where a 

microchip is already required.  

Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the EU 

include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The EU institutions 

have 23 oﬃcial languages but there are many other lesser-spoken 

ones.

Many Europeans speak at least one other language as well as their 

mother tongue and over a quarter of the adult population speak at 

least two foreign languages. However, during your travels in Europe, 

try using a few phrases of the local language when talking to local 

people. Start with a thank you:

Bulgarian Blagodarya

Czech Děkuji

Danish Tak

Dutch Bedankt

English Thank you

Estonian Aitäh

Finnish Kiitos

French Merci

German Danke

Greek Efkaristo

Hungarian Köszönöm

Irish Go raibh maith agat

Italian Grazie

Latvian Paldies

Lithuanian Ačiū

Maltese Grazzi

Polish Dziękujemy

Portuguese Obrigado

Romanian Mulţumesc

Slovak Ďakujem

Slovene Hvala

Spanish Gracias

Swedish Tack 

There is just one preﬁx for making international telephone calls 

Telephone

anywhere in the EU. It is 00.

The country codes are:

CZ Czech Republic

A Austria

B Belgium

BG Bulgaria

CY Cyprus

D Germany

DK Denmark

E

F

Spain

EST

Estonia

France

FIN Finland

43

32

359

357

420

49

45

34

372

33

358

GB United Kingdom 44

GR Greece

H Hungary

I

Italy

IRL

Ireland

L

LT

Luxembourg

Lithuania

LV Latvia

M Malta

NL Netherlands

P Portugal

PL Poland

RO Romania

S

Sweden

SK Slovakia

SLO Slovenia

30

36

39

353

352

370

371

356

31

351

48

40

46

421

386

European Union

Travelling in Europe  
2011–12

Europe: a continent with thousands of years of history, a rich cultural 
heritage and some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. So much 
for the traveller to discover and explore and all made much easier 
thanks to the European Union (EU).

You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and 
the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. You have easy 
access to healthcare should you need it and your dog or cat can travel 
with you. If you drive, your driving licence and motor insurance policy 
issued in one EU country are valid in all the others. And using your 
mobile phone abroad is getting much cheaper. 

For more information, helpful tips and a map of Europe, see inside. 

national authorities.

This Travelling in Europe 2011–12 leaﬂet is also published on the 
Internet in an extended version, which provides links to more 
detailed information on the subjects covered:   
europa.eu/travel

You can ﬁnd this leaﬂet and other short, clear explanations about 
the EU online at ec.europa.eu/publications 

European Commission
Directorate-General for Communication 
Publications
1049 Brussels
BELGIUM  

Manuscript completed in November 2010
© European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised
Photos: Patrick Bombaert

doi:10.2775/66129

NA-32-10-520-EN-C

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Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card

There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 

EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU 

law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place 

eﬀective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce 

a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members 

Shopping

Within the EU

except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. 

There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you 

By air

Staying healthy

Access to healthcare

As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident 

during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, 

Help for consumers

you are in the EU.

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where  

fares and a wider choice of carriers and services for passengers. EU 

services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country 

Creating a single European market in air transport has meant lower 

Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare 

measures agreed in 2009 are now improving the performance and 

has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is 

safety of the European aviation system and will mean safer, greener 

free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full 

Mobile phones

travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for 

resale. Taxes (VAT and excise duties) are included in the price you pay 

and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country.

Tobacco and alcohol

To determine whether tobacco and alcohol are for personal use, each 

country can set guide levels. If you carry a larger quantity of these 

goods, you may be asked to prove that they are for your own personal 

use only. The guide levels may not be lower than:

800 cigarettes

400 cigarillos

200 cigars

1 kg of tobacco

10 litres of spirits

110 litres of beer

20 litres of fortiﬁed wine (such as port or sherry)

90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

(cid:116) 

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are 

not in the EU. 

You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when 

travelling to the ﬁve non-Schengen countries and when entering or 

leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling 

in the EU because they may be required for identiﬁcation or security 

purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from 

Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own 

passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 

all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.

You will not need a visa for travelling within the EU.

For non-EU citizens

Passport

You will need a valid passport.

Visa

Visa

There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the 

EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, 

Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose 

nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland 

diﬀers slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the 

consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. 

If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it 

automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as 

well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those 

Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national 

visa to visit non-Schengen countries. 

 EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 

about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients 

for any that are associated with allergies or intolerance. The 

new EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuﬀs 

produced in the EU indicates that the goods comply with EU 

organic farming regulations. There are also rules on the use of 

nutrition and health claims on foods. 

 The unit price of products — the price per kilo or per litre — 

must be given by supermarkets to make it easier to compare 

prices.

and more cost-eﬃcient ﬂights. 

Air passenger rights

As an air passenger, you have certain rights when it comes to 

information about ﬂights and reservations, damage to baggage, 

delays and cancellations, denied boarding, compensation in the case 

of accident or diﬃculties with package holidays. These rights apply 

to scheduled and chartered ﬂights, both domestic and international, 

from an EU airport or to an EU airport from one outside the EU, when 

operated by an EU airline. The EU also maintains a list of airlines 

 Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be used 

banned from operating in the EU and using EU airports. Disabled or 

after opening. Look out for the open jar symbol. Sunscreen 

elderly passengers are now entitled to free help on aircraft and in EU 

products now have clearer labelling, including a standardised 

airports so that they can travel as easily as anyone else. You should, 

indication of UVA protection, standardised terms for describing 

however, give the airline at least 48 hours advance notice of your 

levels of protection and no misleading terms such as ‘total 

protection’. 

requirements. Travellers can compare prices of air travel as a result of 

EU rules to ensure that the price given includes the fare, all taxes, fees 

 CE marking on products such as toys, electrical products and 

mobile phones indicates that they meet all relevant EU safety, 

health and environmental protection requirements. However, 

not all products sold in the EU need to bear the CE marking. 

 EU law oﬀers protection on package holidays and timeshare 

property schemes.

 Respecting  

the environment

You can make your contribution to tackling the problem of climate 

change by tracking your carbon footprint on your mobile phone while 

on your travels. Download mobGAS (mobgas.jrc.ec.europa.eu) free 

and calculate how much impact your daily activities are having on the 

environment and get practical tips on how to reduce that impact. 

Look for the EU Ecolabel on everyday consumer goods from soaps and 

shampoos to shoes to help you ﬁnd greener products. You can also 

use it to help you identify an environmentally friendly hotel, bed and 

breakfast, youth hostel or campsite. The EU Ecolabel tells you that the 

tourist accommodation or campsite limits its energy and water con-

the relevant authority.

Security

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the EU, common 

rules and standards have been laid down on such things as screening 

of passengers, cabin and hold baggage and aircraft security checks. 

There is an agreed EU list of items that are not allowed in the cabin on 

ﬂights from EU airports and a list of articles banned from the baggage 

hold. Check also the latest restrictions on carrying liquids. 

By rail

The EU has over 212 000 km of railways with extensive international 

passenger services. There are over 6 000 km of high-speed lines in 

several countries with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and 

the network is being extended.

Since the beginning of 2010 any licensed, certiﬁed rail company 

established in the EU is now able to oﬀer international services with 

the right to pick up and set down passengers at any station along the 

international route.

sumption, reduces waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

International rail passenger services are becoming more competitive. 

cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and 

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in Europe and in many other 

receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, 

parts of the world thanks to the EU’s GSM technical standard. Mobile 

failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simpliﬁes procedures, cuts red tape 

and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet 

have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance 

oﬃce. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse 

phone users abroad have enjoyed signiﬁcant savings of around 60 % 

thanks to the EU roaming regulation which sets limits or ‘Eurotariﬀs’ on 

international roaming rates for voice calls. The cost of sending a text 

from abroad has also been substantially reduced and now costs no 

more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). 

side of a national card and others issue separate cards. 

Eurotariﬀ maximum per minute roaming charge  

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel 

insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers 

repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out 

separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling 

in the EU. However, there are requirements or recommendations for 

certain of the EU’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before 

Immunisation

you go.

Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and the 

overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission 

report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on 

both coastal and inland waters across the EU. 

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured 

that it has reached speciﬁc standards on water quality, safety, services, 

environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and 

marinas in the EU were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary 

scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

in euro (excl. VAT)

Mobile calls made abroad

Mobile calls received abroad

€1.10

€0.58

Average charge 

1 July 

1 July 

summer 2006

2010

€0.39

€0.15

2011

€0.35

€0.11

Operators are free to oﬀer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. 

Customers now receive an automated message of the charges that 

apply for calls, texts and data-roaming services such as surﬁng the web 

or downloading movies. A mechanism for protecting consumers from 

‘bill shock’ in data-roaming services has been introduced which means 

that, following a warning, the consumer’s mobile connection to the 

Internet while abroad is cut when their bill reaches a speciﬁed limit. If 

the customer does not specify a limit, a default cut-oﬀ limit of €50 per 

month is applied. 

An EU website (ec.europa.eu/roaming) lists the Eurotariﬀ oﬀered 

by operators in all 27 EU countries and has links to their websites. 

Tariﬀs for sending text messages or using data services can also be 

compared.

Postage 

Electricity

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

them, even when priced in euro.

All Europe has 220–240 volt, 50 cycle alternating current. Cyprus, 

Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs 

but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may 

vary but you should be able to use your appliances, such as hairdryers 

and shavers, anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and 

tourist resorts.

and surcharges.

Medicines

If you have a complaint, ﬁrst contact the airline or organiser of the 

package holiday. If they fail to fulﬁl their obligations then you should 

complain to the competent national enforcement body. Call the 

Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 to get details of 

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed 

medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use 

during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.