Travelling in Europe 2014-15.
Date: 2014-04-25
Institutions: Directorate-General for Communication
Subjects: European Union, European integration, consumer information, tourism, travel, traveller

TRAVELLING IN
EUROPE

2014–15

European Union

TRAVELLING IN
EUROPE

2014–15

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 health care 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.

European Commission 
Directorate-General for Communication 
Publications 
1049 Brussels 
BELGIUM

Manuscript completed in November 2013 
© European Union

Reproduction is authorised.  
Illustrations © iStock/ma_rish and 
European Union

ISBN 978-92-79-33710-9
doi:10.2775/43592

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TRAVELLING IN
EUROPE

The European Union of 28 countries 
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. Eighteen 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 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. 

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card
There are no longer any 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 except for Bulgaria, Ireland, 
Croatia, Cyprus, Romania and the United Kingdom. Iceland, 
Liechtenstein, 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 or returning from the six 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. Before 
travelling outside the EU, check what documents are required by 
the non-EU country you plan to visit. Be aware that the only valid 
ID is the one obtained from national authorities.

Children must have their own passport or ID card.

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

For non-EU citizens

Passport
You will need a valid passport.

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Visa
There are 41 countries whose nationals do not need a visa 
to visit the EU for 3 months or less. These include Australia, 
Canada, 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.

TRAVELLING IN
EUROPE

The European Union of 28 countries 
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. Eighteen 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 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. 

Documents you will need

For EU citizens

Passport or identity card
There are no longer any 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 except for Bulgaria, Ireland, 
Croatia, Cyprus, Romania and the United Kingdom. Iceland, 
Liechtenstein, 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 or returning from the six 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. Before 
travelling outside the EU, check what documents are required by 
the non-EU country you plan to visit. Be aware that the only valid 
ID is the one obtained from national authorities.

Children must have their own passport or ID card.

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

For non-EU citizens

Passport
You will need a valid passport.

N

A

-

0

1

-

1

3

-

6

7

1

-

E

N

-

C

Visa
There are 41 countries whose nationals do not need a visa 
to visit the EU for 3 months or less. These include Australia, 
Canada, 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.

Money

The euro
The euro is currently used by more than 60 % of EU citizens or 
more than 334 million people in 18 EU countries.

The symbol of the euro is €. 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 
design. All the notes and coins can be used in all EU countries 
that have adopted the euro, including many of their overseas 
territories.

Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City use the euro as 
their national currency, in agreement with the EU. A number of 
countries and territories, such as Kosovo and Montenegro, use 
the euro as their de facto currency.

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

Cash and cards
Withdrawing euros from a cash machine anywhere in the EU 
costs you the same as it does in your own country from a cash 
machine that does not belong to your bank. The same fees must 
apply to all payments by debit or credit cards in euros no matter 
whether the transaction takes place in your own country or 
within the EU. The same fees must also apply when making a 
euro credit transfer or direct debit payment whether you send 
a payment nationally or to another EU country. Charges for any 
transactions may of course differ significantly between banks.

International payments in other currencies are not subject to 
these provisions.

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

Shopping

Within the EU
There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when 
you travel between EU countries, as long as it is for 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 questioned to check that you have no 
commercial intent. The guide levels may not be lower than:

  800 cigarettes
  400 cigarillos
  200 cigars
  1 kg of tobacco
  10 litres of spirits
  20 litres of fortified wine (such as port or sherry)
  90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of 

sparkling wine)
  110 litres of beer.

Food
There are no general restrictions on carrying meat or dairy 
products when travelling within the EU.

Coming into the EU
If you enter the EU from a non-EU country, 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 duties 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

Money

The euro
The euro is currently used by more than 60 % of EU citizens or 
more than 334 million people in 18 EU countries.

The symbol of the euro is €. 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 
design. All the notes and coins can be used in all EU countries 
that have adopted the euro, including many of their overseas 
territories.

Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City use the euro as 
their national currency, in agreement with the EU. A number of 
countries and territories, such as Kosovo and Montenegro, use 
the euro as their de facto currency.

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

Cash and cards
Withdrawing euros from a cash machine anywhere in the EU 
costs you the same as it does in your own country from a cash 
machine that does not belong to your bank. The same fees must 
apply to all payments by debit or credit cards in euros no matter 
whether the transaction takes place in your own country or 
within the EU. The same fees must also apply when making a 
euro credit transfer or direct debit payment whether you send 
a payment nationally or to another EU country. Charges for any 
transactions may of course differ significantly between banks.

International payments in other currencies are not subject to 
these provisions.

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

Shopping

Within the EU
There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when 
you travel between EU countries, as long as it is for 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 questioned to check that you have no 
commercial intent. The guide levels may not be lower than:

  800 cigarettes
  400 cigarillos
  200 cigars
  1 kg of tobacco
  10 litres of spirits
  20 litres of fortified wine (such as port or sherry)
  90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of 

sparkling wine)
  110 litres of beer.

Food
There are no general restrictions on carrying meat or dairy 
products when travelling within the EU.

Coming into the EU
If you enter the EU from a non-EU country, 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 duties 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
Each EU country chooses whether to apply the higher or the 
lower limits to travellers coming from outside the EU. If it 
applies the lower limits it may apply them only to land and sea 
travellers (Bulgaria, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, 
Slovakia and Sweden) or to all travellers (Estonia and Romania).

higher limit
200 cigarettes
or 100 cigarillos
or 50 cigars
or 250 g tobacco

lower limit
40 cigarettes
or 20 cigarillos
or 10 cigars
or 50 g tobacco

Other goods including perfume
If you are travelling by air and sea you may bring in other goods 
with a value of not more than €430 and not more than €300 
if travelling by land and inland waterway. Some EU countries 
apply a lower limit for travellers under 15 but it may not be 
lower than €150.

Food
It is illegal to bring back any meat or dairy products, even in 
small quantities, when coming back home from most countries 
outside the EU. The only exceptions are Andorra, Faeroe 
Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino 
and Switzerland. This is to protect EU livestock from animal 
diseases.

Help for consumers

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where 
you are in the EU.

Know what you are eating 
You can be assured of the highest food safety standards because 
of strict laws on the production, processing and selling of food. 
EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 
about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients, 
including for those most commonly associated with 
allergies or intolerance. Look out for the EU organic 
logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuffs.

Know what you are buying

Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be 
used after opening. Check the open jar symbol.

Sunscreen products now have clearer labelling, including 
a standardised indication of UVA protection.

Marking on certain products such as toys, electrical 
products and mobile phones indicates that they meet all 
relevant EU safety, health and environmental protection 
requirements.

Compare prices 
The full price, including VAT, of all goods for sale must be clearly 
displayed as well as the unit price — the price per kilo or per 
litre.

Resolve any problems
European Consumer Centres give practical information on EU 
consumer rights as well as advice and assistance with cross-
border complaints or disputes. There are centres in all 28 EU 
countries and in Norway and Iceland.

Respecting the environment

Most Europeans want to play an active part in tackling the 
problems of climate change and protecting the environment. 
When making your travel plans, consider ways of saving energy 
and resources and reducing emissions.

To help you find greener products, look for the EU Ecolabel on 
everyday consumer goods from shampoos to shoes. You can 
also use it to help you identify environmentally friendly places to 
stay: a hotel, a bed and breakfast, a youth hostel, or a campsite. 
The EU Ecolabel tells you that the tourist accommodation or 
campsite limits its energy and water consumption, reduces 
waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

Tobacco products
Each EU country chooses whether to apply the higher or the 
lower limits to travellers coming from outside the EU. If it 
applies the lower limits it may apply them only to land and sea 
travellers (Bulgaria, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, 
Slovakia and Sweden) or to all travellers (Estonia and Romania).

higher limit
200 cigarettes
or 100 cigarillos
or 50 cigars
or 250 g tobacco

lower limit
40 cigarettes
or 20 cigarillos
or 10 cigars
or 50 g tobacco

Other goods including perfume
If you are travelling by air and sea you may bring in other goods 
with a value of not more than €430 and not more than €300 
if travelling by land and inland waterway. Some EU countries 
apply a lower limit for travellers under 15 but it may not be 
lower than €150.

Food
It is illegal to bring back any meat or dairy products, even in 
small quantities, when coming back home from most countries 
outside the EU. The only exceptions are Andorra, Faeroe 
Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino 
and Switzerland. This is to protect EU livestock from animal 
diseases.

Help for consumers

As a consumer, you are protected by basic laws no matter where 
you are in the EU.

Know what you are eating 
You can be assured of the highest food safety standards because 
of strict laws on the production, processing and selling of food. 
EU laws on food labelling enable you to make informed choices 
about what you are buying. You can check the list of ingredients, 
including for those most commonly associated with 
allergies or intolerance. Look out for the EU organic 
logo on all pre-packaged organic foodstuffs.

Know what you are buying

Cosmetic products have to indicate how long they can be 
used after opening. Check the open jar symbol.

Sunscreen products now have clearer labelling, including 
a standardised indication of UVA protection.

Marking on certain products such as toys, electrical 
products and mobile phones indicates that they meet all 
relevant EU safety, health and environmental protection 
requirements.

Compare prices 
The full price, including VAT, of all goods for sale must be clearly 
displayed as well as the unit price — the price per kilo or per 
litre.

Resolve any problems
European Consumer Centres give practical information on EU 
consumer rights as well as advice and assistance with cross-
border complaints or disputes. There are centres in all 28 EU 
countries and in Norway and Iceland.

Respecting the environment

Most Europeans want to play an active part in tackling the 
problems of climate change and protecting the environment. 
When making your travel plans, consider ways of saving energy 
and resources and reducing emissions.

To help you find greener products, look for the EU Ecolabel on 
everyday consumer goods from shampoos to shoes. You can 
also use it to help you identify environmentally friendly places to 
stay: a hotel, a bed and breakfast, a youth hostel, or a campsite. 
The EU Ecolabel tells you that the tourist accommodation or 
campsite limits its energy and water consumption, reduces 
waste and makes use of renewable energy sources.

Getting there

By road

Driving licence
A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is recognised 
throughout the EU. Every new licence now being issued is in the 
form of a plastic card with a standard European format. 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 required by law 
(third party liability). 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 and 
for how long.

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.

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.

Driving safely
The number of deaths in traffic accidents in the EU has fallen 
by 43 % since 2001. This is the result of EU and national 
improvements to vehicle safety, road designs and tunnels, and 
road safety campaigns.

In all EU countries, seat belts must be worn in all vehicles fitted 
with them. Children must 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 mg/ml and 0.8 mg/ml. Further information on road safety 
rules in each EU country including speed limits, 
mandatory use of daytime running lights and of 
winter tyres, and safety equipment for motorists 
and cyclists can be found at http://ec.europa.
eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/
index_en.htm

Tracking down drivers who commit road safety-related traffic 
offences abroad, such as speeding or drinking and driving, has 
been made easier with improved cross-border exchange of 
information.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Ireland, 
Cyprus, 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 air
Creating a single European market in air transport has meant 
lower fares and a far wider choice of carriers, routes and 
services for passengers. The EU has made it possible for any 
airline and its fleet that meets EU-wide safety standards to fly 
to and from anywhere in the EU, even taking on domestic routes 
in another country. Air travellers can easily compare prices 
because published prices must include the fare, all taxes, fees 
and surcharges.

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the 
EU, common rules and standards on security controls of 
passengers, hand luggage and checked luggage have been laid 
down for all departing flights at EU airports. EU rules lay down a 
list of items that are not allowed into the cabin of an aircraft and 
items that are not allowed in checked baggage for carriage in 
the hold of an aircraft. The restrictions on the amount of liquids 
that can be carried as hand luggage through security points 
remain for the time being. They will gradually be lifted once they 
can be replaced by screening for liquid explosives.

The EU maintains a list of airlines banned from operating in the 
EU and using EU airports.

By rail
The EU has over 213 000 km of railways with extensive 
international passenger services. There are over 6 800 km of 
high-speed lines in several countries connecting important 
axes like Paris–London, Rome–Milan and Madrid–Barcelona 
with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and the network 
continues to grow.

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 over 
42 000 km of navigable inland waterways. 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 or seagoing vessels to and from European 
ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Getting there

By road

Driving licence
A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is recognised 
throughout the EU. Every new licence now being issued is in the 
form of a plastic card with a standard European format. 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 required by law 
(third party liability). 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 and 
for how long.

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.

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.

Driving safely
The number of deaths in traffic accidents in the EU has fallen 
by 43 % since 2001. This is the result of EU and national 
improvements to vehicle safety, road designs and tunnels, and 
road safety campaigns.

In all EU countries, seat belts must be worn in all vehicles fitted 
with them. Children must 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 mg/ml and 0.8 mg/ml. Further information on road safety 
rules in each EU country including speed limits, 
mandatory use of daytime running lights and of 
winter tyres, and safety equipment for motorists 
and cyclists can be found at http://ec.europa.
eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/
index_en.htm

Tracking down drivers who commit road safety-related traffic 
offences abroad, such as speeding or drinking and driving, has 
been made easier with improved cross-border exchange of 
information.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Ireland, 
Cyprus, 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 air
Creating a single European market in air transport has meant 
lower fares and a far wider choice of carriers, routes and 
services for passengers. The EU has made it possible for any 
airline and its fleet that meets EU-wide safety standards to fly 
to and from anywhere in the EU, even taking on domestic routes 
in another country. Air travellers can easily compare prices 
because published prices must include the fare, all taxes, fees 
and surcharges.

In order to ensure a high level of security throughout the 
EU, common rules and standards on security controls of 
passengers, hand luggage and checked luggage have been laid 
down for all departing flights at EU airports. EU rules lay down a 
list of items that are not allowed into the cabin of an aircraft and 
items that are not allowed in checked baggage for carriage in 
the hold of an aircraft. The restrictions on the amount of liquids 
that can be carried as hand luggage through security points 
remain for the time being. They will gradually be lifted once they 
can be replaced by screening for liquid explosives.

The EU maintains a list of airlines banned from operating in the 
EU and using EU airports.

By rail
The EU has over 213 000 km of railways with extensive 
international passenger services. There are over 6 800 km of 
high-speed lines in several countries connecting important 
axes like Paris–London, Rome–Milan and Madrid–Barcelona 
with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h and the network 
continues to grow.

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 over 
42 000 km of navigable inland waterways. 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 or seagoing vessels to and from European 
ports as well as on passenger ships sailing within the EU.

Passenger rights

The EU is the only area in the world where passengers have a 
comprehensive set of rights for all modes of transport: road, 
air, rail and water. Passengers in the EU, including disabled 
passengers and those with reduced mobility, enjoy the right to 
accurate, timely and accessible information, assistance and, in 
certain circumstances, compensation in case of cancellation or 
long delays.

Bus and coach passengers
All bus and coach passengers now have the right to receive 
adequate information about the service and about their 
passenger rights before and during their journey. Passengers on 
international services travelling 250 km or more have additional 
rights, such as assistance, reimbursement or re-routing in case 
of delay and cancellation.

Air passengers
As an air passenger, you have the right to information, 
reimbursement, re-routing, compensation (under certain 
circumstances) and assistance if your flight is delayed, cancelled 
or if you are denied boarding. These rights apply to passengers 
on all flights departing from an EU airport and on flights arriving 
in the EU operated by EU air carriers.

Air carriers are liable in the event of accidents or for lost, 
damaged or mishandled luggage. Travellers also have certain 
rights in relation to package holidays.

Rail passengers
Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved by 
EU legislation with better information and rights in the event of 
delay, missed connections and cancellations on all international 
rail services within the EU.

Sea and inland waterway passengers
Passengers travelling by sea or inland waterway now enjoy 
rights including reimbursement, re-routing, compensation, 
and assistance if faced with cancellations or delays, as well 
as the right to adequate and easily-accessible information. 
These rights apply, with some exceptions, to those travelling on 
passenger services either departing from or arriving in a port 
within the EU and on cruises where the port of embarkation is 
in the EU.

Disabled passengers and those with reduced 
mobility
Special rights are in place for disabled passengers and those 
with reduced mobility. You are entitled to free assistance in 
airports, train stations and ports and in designated coach 
terminals, as well as on board aircraft, trains, ships and 
coaches. Notify the carrier or terminal operator of specific 
needs at the time of booking, when buying the ticket in advance, 
or at least 48 hours before travelling (36 hours when travelling 
by coach).

If you are travelling by car and are entitled to use disabled 
parking facilities in your home country, the EU standard model 
of disabled parking card is recognised in all EU countries and 
allows you to use the parking facilities available to the disabled 
in other EU countries.

Seeking redress
If you feel that your rights have not been respected while 
travelling and you want to seek redress, first contact the carrier 
or terminal operator. If they fail to fulfil their obligations then 
you can contact the national enforcement body for your specific 
mode of transport. Call the Europe Direct Freephone number 
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 for more information and details of the 
relevant enforcement body.

Staying healthy

Access to health care
As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an 
accident during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, 
Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to use the 
public health care services on the same terms and at the same 
cost as the people insured in the country you are visiting. Each 
country has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, 
treatment is free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you 
have to pay the full cost and then claim a refund. So keep all 
your bills, prescriptions and receipts. Apply for reimbursement 
in the country you are visiting or, failing that, when you get 
home.

The European Health Insurance Card proves that you are 
insured in an EU country; it simplifies the procedures and helps 
to speed up the reimbursement of costs. It is available for free 
from your national health insurer. Some countries incorporate 
the European Health Insurance Card on the reverse side of a 
national card while others issue separate cards.

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. So you may want to take out separate 
travel insurance to cover those risks.

Passenger rights

The EU is the only area in the world where passengers have a 
comprehensive set of rights for all modes of transport: road, 
air, rail and water. Passengers in the EU, including disabled 
passengers and those with reduced mobility, enjoy the right to 
accurate, timely and accessible information, assistance and, in 
certain circumstances, compensation in case of cancellation or 
long delays.

Bus and coach passengers
All bus and coach passengers now have the right to receive 
adequate information about the service and about their 
passenger rights before and during their journey. Passengers on 
international services travelling 250 km or more have additional 
rights, such as assistance, reimbursement or re-routing in case 
of delay and cancellation.

Air passengers
As an air passenger, you have the right to information, 
reimbursement, re-routing, compensation (under certain 
circumstances) and assistance if your flight is delayed, cancelled 
or if you are denied boarding. These rights apply to passengers 
on all flights departing from an EU airport and on flights arriving 
in the EU operated by EU air carriers.

Air carriers are liable in the event of accidents or for lost, 
damaged or mishandled luggage. Travellers also have certain 
rights in relation to package holidays.

Rail passengers
Rail passengers’ rights have been reinforced and improved by 
EU legislation with better information and rights in the event of 
delay, missed connections and cancellations on all international 
rail services within the EU.

Sea and inland waterway passengers
Passengers travelling by sea or inland waterway now enjoy 
rights including reimbursement, re-routing, compensation, 
and assistance if faced with cancellations or delays, as well 
as the right to adequate and easily-accessible information. 
These rights apply, with some exceptions, to those travelling on 
passenger services either departing from or arriving in a port 
within the EU and on cruises where the port of embarkation is 
in the EU.

Disabled passengers and those with reduced 
mobility
Special rights are in place for disabled passengers and those 
with reduced mobility. You are entitled to free assistance in 
airports, train stations and ports and in designated coach 
terminals, as well as on board aircraft, trains, ships and 
coaches. Notify the carrier or terminal operator of specific 
needs at the time of booking, when buying the ticket in advance, 
or at least 48 hours before travelling (36 hours when travelling 
by coach).

If you are travelling by car and are entitled to use disabled 
parking facilities in your home country, the EU standard model 
of disabled parking card is recognised in all EU countries and 
allows you to use the parking facilities available to the disabled 
in other EU countries.

Seeking redress
If you feel that your rights have not been respected while 
travelling and you want to seek redress, first contact the carrier 
or terminal operator. If they fail to fulfil their obligations then 
you can contact the national enforcement body for your specific 
mode of transport. Call the Europe Direct Freephone number 
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 for more information and details of the 
relevant enforcement body.

Staying healthy

Access to health care
As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an 
accident during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, 
Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to use the 
public health care services on the same terms and at the same 
cost as the people insured in the country you are visiting. Each 
country has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, 
treatment is free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you 
have to pay the full cost and then claim a refund. So keep all 
your bills, prescriptions and receipts. Apply for reimbursement 
in the country you are visiting or, failing that, when you get 
home.

The European Health Insurance Card proves that you are 
insured in an EU country; it simplifies the procedures and helps 
to speed up the reimbursement of costs. It is available for free 
from your national health insurer. Some countries incorporate 
the European Health Insurance Card on the reverse side of a 
national card while others issue separate cards.

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. So you may want to take out separate 
travel insurance to cover those risks.

Medicines
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. New pan-EU rules on cross-border 
prescriptions will make it easier to get your prescribed 
medicines when abroad.

Immunisation
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 you go.

Bathing water
Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and 
the overall water quality remains high. More than 94 % of the 
22 000 bathing sites at beaches, rivers and lakes in the EU now 
meet the minimum water quality standards set. Official symbols 
give information on the quality of water at these bathing sites. 
In addition, voluntary schemes such as the Blue Flag let you 
know that a beach or a marina has met specific standards on 
water quality, safety, services, environmental management and 
information.

Communicating

Languages
Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the 
EU include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The 
EU has 24 official languages but there are many other lesser-
spoken ones.

More than half of Europeans say that they are able to hold a 
conversation in at least one language other than their mother 
tongue and a quarter say that they are able to speak at least two 
additional languages. During your travels in Europe, try using a 
few phrases of the local language when talking to local people. 
Here’s how to say ‘thank you’:

Bulgarian Blagodarya
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dutch
English
Estonian
Finnish
French
German
Greek
Hungarian Köszönöm

Hvala
Děkuji
Tak
Bedankt
Thank you
Aitäh
Kiitos
Merci
Danke
Efkaristo

Go raibh maith agat
Grazie
Paldies

Irish
Italian
Latvian
Lithuanian Ačiū
Grazzi
Maltese
Dziękuję
Polish
Portuguese Obrigado
Romanian Mulţumesc
Slovak
Slovenian   Hvala
Spanish
Swedish

Gracias
Tack 

Ďakujem

Telephone
There is just one prefix for making international telephone calls 
anywhere in the EU. It is 00. The country codes are:

43 Austria 
32 Belgium
359 Bulgaria 
357 Cyprus
420 Czech Republic 
49 Germany 
45 Denmark
34 Spain
372 Estonia
33 France
358 Finland
44 United Kingdom
30 Greece
36 Hungary

385 Croatia
39
Italy
353 Ireland
352 Luxembourg
370 Lithuania
371 Latvia
356 Malta
31 Netherlands 
351 Portugal
48 Poland
40 Romania
46 Sweden
421 Slovakia
386 Slovenia

Mobile phones
EU rules have significantly reduced the cost of using mobile 
phones and smart devices abroad. You can now enjoy price 
reductions of 80 % across a range of mobile services — calls, 
text messages and data — compared with 2007 prices. Data 
roaming is now up to 91 % cheaper than in 2007.

New maximum prices, excluding VAT.

Downloading data  
when abroad (per MB)
Voice calls made  
when abroad (per minute)
Voice calls received  
when abroad (per minute)
Sending an SMS when abroad

1 July 2013
45 cents

1 July 2014
20 cents

24 cents

19 cents

7 cents

5 cents

8 cents

6 cents

These price caps are maximum charges. Operators are free 
to offer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. People 
travelling outside the EU now get a warning text message, 
e-mail or pop-up window when they are nearing €50 of data 
downloads, or their pre-agreed level. This extends the alert 
system currently in place within the EU.

From 1 July 2014, consumers will have the right to shop around 
for a separate mobile roaming provider. You can choose a 
cheaper roaming service from a company in the country you 
are visiting or from a rival company in your own country without 
changing your SIM card.

Postage
Postage stamps can only be used in the country in which you buy 
them, even when priced in euros. 

Medicines
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. New pan-EU rules on cross-border 
prescriptions will make it easier to get your prescribed 
medicines when abroad.

Immunisation
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 you go.

Bathing water
Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the EU and 
the overall water quality remains high. More than 94 % of the 
22 000 bathing sites at beaches, rivers and lakes in the EU now 
meet the minimum water quality standards set. Official symbols 
give information on the quality of water at these bathing sites. 
In addition, voluntary schemes such as the Blue Flag let you 
know that a beach or a marina has met specific standards on 
water quality, safety, services, environmental management and 
information.

Communicating

Languages
Europe is rich in languages. The main language families in the 
EU include Germanic, Romance, Slav, Baltic and Celtic. The 
EU has 24 official languages but there are many other lesser-
spoken ones.

More than half of Europeans say that they are able to hold a 
conversation in at least one language other than their mother 
tongue and a quarter say that they are able to speak at least two 
additional languages. During your travels in Europe, try using a 
few phrases of the local language when talking to local people. 
Here’s how to say ‘thank you’:

Bulgarian Blagodarya
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dutch
English
Estonian
Finnish
French
German
Greek
Hungarian Köszönöm

Hvala
Děkuji
Tak
Bedankt
Thank you
Aitäh
Kiitos
Merci
Danke
Efkaristo

Go raibh maith agat
Grazie
Paldies

Irish
Italian
Latvian
Lithuanian Ačiū
Grazzi
Maltese
Dziękuję
Polish
Portuguese Obrigado
Romanian Mulţumesc
Slovak
Slovenian   Hvala
Spanish
Swedish

Gracias
Tack 

Ďakujem

Telephone
There is just one prefix for making international telephone calls 
anywhere in the EU. It is 00. The country codes are:

43 Austria 
32 Belgium
359 Bulgaria 
357 Cyprus
420 Czech Republic 
49 Germany 
45 Denmark
34 Spain
372 Estonia
33 France
358 Finland
44 United Kingdom
30 Greece
36 Hungary

385 Croatia
39
Italy
353 Ireland
352 Luxembourg
370 Lithuania
371 Latvia
356 Malta
31 Netherlands 
351 Portugal
48 Poland
40 Romania
46 Sweden
421 Slovakia
386 Slovenia

Mobile phones
EU rules have significantly reduced the cost of using mobile 
phones and smart devices abroad. You can now enjoy price 
reductions of 80 % across a range of mobile services — calls, 
text messages and data — compared with 2007 prices. Data 
roaming is now up to 91 % cheaper than in 2007.

New maximum prices, excluding VAT.

Downloading data  
when abroad (per MB)
Voice calls made  
when abroad (per minute)
Voice calls received  
when abroad (per minute)
Sending an SMS when abroad

1 July 2013
45 cents

1 July 2014
20 cents

24 cents

19 cents

7 cents

5 cents

8 cents

6 cents

These price caps are maximum charges. Operators are free 
to offer cheaper rates so look out for the best deals. People 
travelling outside the EU now get a warning text message, 
e-mail or pop-up window when they are nearing €50 of data 
downloads, or their pre-agreed level. This extends the alert 
system currently in place within the EU.

From 1 July 2014, consumers will have the right to shop around 
for a separate mobile roaming provider. You can choose a 
cheaper roaming service from a company in the country you 
are visiting or from a rival company in your own country without 
changing your SIM card.

Postage
Postage stamps can only be used in the country in which you buy 
them, even when priced in euros. 

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

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 http://www.visiteurope.com or go to 
the websites of the official national tourist organisations of each EU 
country. 

The abbreviations for countries are those used on nationality plates 
on cars.

Austria  
http://www.austria.info

Belgium 
http://www.visitflanders.com 
http://www.opt.be 
Bulgaria  
http://bulgariatravel.org

Cyprus  
http://www.visitcyprus.com
Czech Republic  
http://www.czechtourism.com
Germany  
http://www.germany.travel
Denmark  
http://www.visitdenmark.com
Spain  
http://www.spain.info
Estonia  
http://www.visitestonia.com
France 
http://www.franceguide.com
Finland 
http://www.visitfinland.com
United Kingdom 
http://www.visitbritain.com
Greece 
http://www.visitgreece.gr
Hungary  
http://www.gotohungary.com

Croatia  
http://www.croatia.hr
Italy 
http://www.enit.it
Ireland 
http://www.discoverireland.ie
Luxembourg  
http://www.ont.lu
Lithuania  
http://www.visitlithuania.lt
Latvia  
http://www.latvia.travel
Malta 
http://www.visitmalta.com
Netherlands  
http://www.holland.com
Portugal
http://www.visitportugal.com
Poland  
http://www.poland.travel
Romania 
http://www. romaniatourism.
com
Sweden 
http://www.visitsweden.com
Slovakia 
http://www.slovakia.travel
Slovenia 
http://www.slovenia.info

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. The EU helps to fund exhibitions and 
events highlighting the cultural heritage of the chosen cities and 
brings together a vast array of artists and performers from across 
the EU.

Riga, the capital of Latvia, at the mouth of the Daugava on the 
Baltic Sea, and Umeå, the university town 400 km south of the 
Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, are European Capitals of Culture 
in 2014. 

Mons, known as the cultural capital of Wallonia in south-west 
Belgium and Plzen, at the confluence of four rivers in Western 
Bohemia in the Czech Republic, share the title in 2015.

Time zones 

Summer time
Daylight saving time begins across the EU on 30 March 2014 when 
clocks are moved forward an hour and it ends on 26 October 2014 
when clocks are put back an hour. The dates for 2015 are 29 March 
and 25 October.

GMT

GMT +1

GMT +2

GMT +3

GMT +4

GMT +5

Pets

Travelling with a dog or cat is now much easier with the 
new EU pet passport, available from any vet. All dogs 
and cats must have a passport and, for identification 
purposes, be fitted with an electronic microchip or have 
a clearly readable tattoo applied before July 2011.

All pets must be vaccinated against rabies and the 
details entered in their pet passport. The vaccination 
must be carried out after the microchipping or 
tattooing.

Dogs must be given specific tapeworm treatment by a 
vet before travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta and the 
United Kingdom. Details of the treatment must appear 
in the pet passport and the dog can then travel between 
one to five days after treatment.

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

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 http://www.visiteurope.com or go to 
the websites of the official national tourist organisations of each EU 
country. 

The abbreviations for countries are those used on nationality plates 
on cars.

Austria  
http://www.austria.info

Belgium 
http://www.visitflanders.com 
http://www.opt.be 
Bulgaria  
http://bulgariatravel.org

Cyprus  
http://www.visitcyprus.com
Czech Republic  
http://www.czechtourism.com
Germany  
http://www.germany.travel
Denmark  
http://www.visitdenmark.com
Spain  
http://www.spain.info
Estonia  
http://www.visitestonia.com
France 
http://www.franceguide.com
Finland 
http://www.visitfinland.com
United Kingdom 
http://www.visitbritain.com
Greece 
http://www.visitgreece.gr
Hungary  
http://www.gotohungary.com

Croatia  
http://www.croatia.hr
Italy 
http://www.enit.it
Ireland 
http://www.discoverireland.ie
Luxembourg  
http://www.ont.lu
Lithuania  
http://www.visitlithuania.lt
Latvia  
http://www.latvia.travel
Malta 
http://www.visitmalta.com
Netherlands  
http://www.holland.com
Portugal
http://www.visitportugal.com
Poland  
http://www.poland.travel
Romania 
http://www. romaniatourism.
com
Sweden 
http://www.visitsweden.com
Slovakia 
http://www.slovakia.travel
Slovenia 
http://www.slovenia.info

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. The EU helps to fund exhibitions and 
events highlighting the cultural heritage of the chosen cities and 
brings together a vast array of artists and performers from across 
the EU.

Riga, the capital of Latvia, at the mouth of the Daugava on the 
Baltic Sea, and Umeå, the university town 400 km south of the 
Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, are European Capitals of Culture 
in 2014. 

Mons, known as the cultural capital of Wallonia in south-west 
Belgium and Plzen, at the confluence of four rivers in Western 
Bohemia in the Czech Republic, share the title in 2015.

Time zones 

Summer time
Daylight saving time begins across the EU on 30 March 2014 when 
clocks are moved forward an hour and it ends on 26 October 2014 
when clocks are put back an hour. The dates for 2015 are 29 March 
and 25 October.

GMT

GMT +1

GMT +2

GMT +3

GMT +4

GMT +5

Pets

Travelling with a dog or cat is now much easier with the 
new EU pet passport, available from any vet. All dogs 
and cats must have a passport and, for identification 
purposes, be fitted with an electronic microchip or have 
a clearly readable tattoo applied before July 2011.

All pets must be vaccinated against rabies and the 
details entered in their pet passport. The vaccination 
must be carried out after the microchipping or 
tattooing.

Dogs must be given specific tapeworm treatment by a 
vet before travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta and the 
United Kingdom. Details of the treatment must appear 
in the pet passport and the dog can then travel between 
one to five days after treatment.

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: http://europa.eu 

In person
All over Europe there are hundreds of local EU information centres.
You can find the address of the centre nearest to you at:  
http://europedirect.europa.eu

On the phone or by email
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 22999696, or by e-mail via  
http://europedirect.europa.eu

Read about Europe
Publications about the EU are only a click away on the EU Bookshop 
website: https://bookshop.europa.eu

You can also obtain information and booklets in English about the 
European Union from: 

European Commission 
representations
Representation in Ireland
European Union House
18 Dawson Street
Dublin 2
IRELAND
Tel. +353 16341111
Internet: http://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: http://ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation in Wales
2 Caspian Point, Caspian Way
Cardiff CF10 4QQ
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 2920895020
Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation in Scotland
9 Alva Street
Edinburgh EH2 4PH
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 1312252058
Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation in Northern 
Ireland
74-76 Dublin Road
Belfast BT2 7HP
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 2890240708
Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/uk

Delegation in the United States
2175 K Street, NW
Washington DC 20037
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Tel. +1 2028629500
Internet: http://www.eurunion.
org

European Parliament 
information Offices
Information Office in Ireland
43 Molesworth Street
Dublin 2
IRELAND
Tel. +353 16057900 
Internet: http://www.europarl.ie
E-mail: epdublin@europarl.
europa.eu

Information Office in the United 
Kingdom
Europe House
32 Smith Square
London SW1P 3EU
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 2072274300
Internet:  
http://www.europarl.org.uk
E-mail: eplondon@europarl.
europa.eu

Information Office in Scotland
The Tun, 4 Jackson’s Entry
Holyrood Road
Edinburgh EH8 8PJ
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 1315577866
Internet: 
http:// www.europarl.org.uk
E-mail: epedinburgh@europarl.
europa.eu

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.

Order or 
download 
this leaflet  
here:
http://europa.eu/!BW36hj

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

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: http://europa.eu 

In person
All over Europe there are hundreds of local EU information centres.
You can find the address of the centre nearest to you at:  
http://europedirect.europa.eu

On the phone or by email
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 22999696, or by e-mail via  
http://europedirect.europa.eu

Read about Europe
Publications about the EU are only a click away on the EU Bookshop 
website: https://bookshop.europa.eu

You can also obtain information and booklets in English about the 
European Union from: 

European Commission 
representations
Representation in Ireland
European Union House
18 Dawson Street
Dublin 2
IRELAND
Tel. +353 16341111
Internet: http://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: http://ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation in Wales
2 Caspian Point, Caspian Way
Cardiff CF10 4QQ
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 2920895020
Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation in Scotland
9 Alva Street
Edinburgh EH2 4PH
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 1312252058
Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation in Northern 
Ireland
74-76 Dublin Road
Belfast BT2 7HP
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 2890240708
Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/uk

Delegation in the United States
2175 K Street, NW
Washington DC 20037
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Tel. +1 2028629500
Internet: http://www.eurunion.
org

European Parliament 
information Offices
Information Office in Ireland
43 Molesworth Street
Dublin 2
IRELAND
Tel. +353 16057900 
Internet: http://www.europarl.ie
E-mail: epdublin@europarl.
europa.eu

Information Office in the United 
Kingdom
Europe House
32 Smith Square
London SW1P 3EU
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 2072274300
Internet:  
http://www.europarl.org.uk
E-mail: eplondon@europarl.
europa.eu

Information Office in Scotland
The Tun, 4 Jackson’s Entry
Holyrood Road
Edinburgh EH8 8PJ
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 1315577866
Internet: 
http:// www.europarl.org.uk
E-mail: epedinburgh@europarl.
europa.eu

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.

Order or 
download 
this leaflet  
here:
http://europa.eu/!BW36hj

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

SEA OF
NORWAY

K

SKAGERRA

NORTH
SEA

A
I
N
H
T
O
B
F
O
F
L
U
G

A

E
S

C

I

T

L

A

B

BARENTS
SEA

WHITE
SEA

RUSSIA

THE EUROPEAN UNION

BASIC STATISTICS ON EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
European Union Member States

Area
(1 000 km2)

Population
(million)

Per capita
gross domestic product
(PPS (1))

Area
(1 000 km2)

Population
(million)

Per capita
gross domestic product
(PPS (1))

België/Belgique
Belgium
България
Bulgaria
Česká republika
Czech Republic
Danmark
Denmark
Deutschland
Germany
Eesti
Estonia

Éire/Ireland

Ελλάδα
Greece
España
Spain
France
France
Hrvatska
Croatia
Italia
Italy
Κύπρος/Kıbrıs
Cyprus
Latvija
Latvia

31

111

79

43

357

43

70

132

505

544

56

301

9

65

11.2

7.3

10.5

5.6

80.5

1.3

4.6

11.1

46.7

65.6

4.3

59.7

0.9

2.0

30 700

12 200

20 600

32 400

32 400

18 800

33 200

19 000

24 000

27 900

15 800

25 900

21 600

17 200

Lietuva
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Magyarország
Hungary
Malta
Malta
Nederland
Netherlands
Österreich
Austria
Polska
Poland
Portugal
Portugal
România
Romania
Slovenija
Slovenia
Slovensko
Slovakia
Suomi/Finland
Finland
Sverige
Sweden

United Kingdom

65

3

93

0.3

34

84

313

92

230

20

49

305

411

244

3.0

0.5

9.9

0.4

16.8

8.5

38.5

10.5

20.1

2.1

5.4

5.4

9.6

19 200

68 200

17 300

22 400

32 400

33 400

17 500

19 400

14 000

21 000

19 700

29 400

32 700

63.9

27 300 

Candidate countries and potential candidates

Europe and the world

Area
(1 000 km2)

Population
(million)

Per capita
gross domestic product
(PPS (1))

Area
(1 000 km2)

Population
(million)

Per capita
gross domestic product
(PPS (1))

Bosnia and 
Herzegovina

Montenegro 

Iceland

Kosovo(*)

The Former 
Yugoslav
 Republic 
of Macedonia

Albania

Serbia 

Turkey

51

13

100

11

25

27

77

3.8

0.6

0.3

1.8

2.1

2.8

7.2

7 300

(2)

10 600

30 000

—

9 000

7 600

(2)

9 000

(2) 

770

75.6

13 800

The 28 European 
Union countries 
together

China

India

Japan

Russia

United States

4 234

9 327

3 287

365

16 889

9 159

505.7

25 500

1 349.6

1 220.8

127.3

142.5 

316.7

6 800

(2)

2 900

(2)

26 800

(2)

 13 200

(2)

38 800

(2)

Figures are for 2013. Source: Eurostat (http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu)

(*) This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with United Nations Security Council 1244 and 
the International Court of Justice opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
(1) Gross domestic product is the total value of all goods and services produced within a country in a year. 
It is often used to express wealth. PPS, purchasing power standard, is a unit representing an identical volume of goods 
and services in each country, irrespective of price levels. The value of 1 PPS unit corresponds roughly to EUR 1.
(2) 2012

United in diversity: The European Union is made up of 28 European countries that share the same 
democratic  values  and  are  committed  to  working  together  for  the  common  good.  They  have 
transferred specific powers to shared European institutions so that democratic decisions on questions 
of Europe-wide importance can be made at European level. At the same time, the EU is committed to 
safeguarding the diversity of European cultures and ways of life. Some other countries are candidates 
for EU membership. Learn more about the European Union at http://europa.eu 

BELARUS

KEY

C

I

T

N

A

L

T

A

N

A

E

C

O

E N G L I S H   C H A N N E L

CELTIC
SEA

BAY OF
BISCAY

GULF OF
LIONS

UKRAINE

MOLDOVA

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

SERBIA

MONTENEGRO

A

D

R

I

A

T

I

C

M

E

D

I

TYRRHENIAN
SEA

R

A

T

E

R

TUNISIA

MOROCCO

ALGERIA

S

E

A

THE FORMER YUGOSLAV
REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

ALBANIA

AEGEAN
SEA

N

E

A

IONIAN
SEA

N  

S

E

A

EU Member State

Candidate or 
potential candidate country

Headquarters of EU institutions

National frontier

National capital

Seat of government

Regional boundary

Regional capital

Major waterway

Published January 2014 by the
European Commission
Directorate-General for Communication
Publications
1049 Brussels
BELGIUM

Publications Office of the European Union
https://bookshop.europa.eu 

Map originally created by Lovell Johns,
http://www.lovelljohns.com

© European Union, 2014

BLACK
SEA

TURKEY

KAZAKHSTAN

GEORGIA

AZERBAIJAN

ARMENIA

IRAN

SYRIA

IRAQ

LEBANON

 
 
 
 
 
TRAVELLING IN
EUROPE

2014–15

European Union

TRAVELLING IN
EUROPE

2014–15

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 health care 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.

European Commission 
Directorate-General for Communication 
Publications 
1049 Brussels 
BELGIUM

Manuscript completed in November 2013 
© European Union

Reproduction is authorised.  
Illustrations © iStock/ma_rish and 
European Union

ISBN 978-92-79-33710-9
doi:10.2775/43592

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