1. Documents: ID card, passport and the new EU border checks

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens: ID card or passport

If you are a citizen of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, a valid national ID card or passport is enough to travel in the EU. It must be valid on the day you travel. A driving licence or a bank card does not count as an identity document, and children need their own ID card or passport.

Schengen: 29 countries without border checks

The Schengen area has 29 countries: 25 EU countries (all except Cyprus and Ireland) plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania have been full members since 1 January 2025. Cyprus applies Schengen rules but still checks travellers at its borders; Ireland is outside Schengen.

• No checks – but carry your ID. A country can bring back border checks for a while (for example during a security threat), and police can check your identity near borders.
• Flights: airlines usually ask for ID at boarding even inside Schengen.

Non-EU citizens: 90 days, EES and soon ETIAS

• Short stays: with or without a visa (depending on your nationality) you can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area.
• EES – Entry/Exit System: since 12 October 2025, and fully since 10 April 2026, non-EU travellers on short stays are registered at the external Schengen border – name, passport data, fingerprints and a facial image. It replaces passport stamps.
• ETIAS: visa-exempt travellers will need an online travel authorisation for 30 European countries. It costs €20 and allows stays of up to 90 days, but it is not in operation yet – the EU will announce the start date several months in advance. Apply only on the official website, never through paid intermediaries.

Outside the EU

For countries such as the United Kingdom, Türkiye or the Western Balkans, check the entry rules before you go. The UK, for example, asks EU citizens for a passport (not an ID card) and an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Going to study abroad for longer than three months? EU citizens usually register their residence; non-EU students need a student visa or residence permit. Country-by-country information: Study in Europe »

Sources: Your Europe – travel documents for EU citizens · European Commission – Entry/Exit System · ETIAS – official website Checked: 2 October 2026.