European Union

Information for Australians

Travelling in Europe is the European Union’s official website for people travelling in the 27 countries of the EU. Whether you are on holiday or on business, you will find practical advice and helpful tips on a wealth of subjects, from what documents you need, to getting healthcare and using your mobile phone.

There is so much for the traveller to discover and all this has been made much easier thanks to the European Union. You can cross many borders within the EU without being checked and the euro makes it easier to shop around for bargains. So take advantage of all that is on offer and explore.

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 except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are not in the EU.

You will therefore need to present a valid passport 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 national authorities. Check the Public Register of authentic identity and travel documents.

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.