# Knowledge base: europa.eu _Generated by kb_builder.py from public pages; only facts from the website._ _KB language: en — start page_ ## Contact details - **Email:** , ailiaisonbureau@minszw.nl, ajs@werk.belgie.be, amandalou@ypakp.gr, ampouzios@ypakp.gr, arbetsmiljoverket@av.se, asfaleiaygeia@ypakp.gr, at@at.dk, bluebadge.sapport@gov.mt, bureau.liaison@travail.gouv.fr, comunicare@inspectiamuncii.ro, contact@itm.etat.lu, croliaisonoffice@mrms.hr, dej@emploi.belgique.be, dendrinos@ypakp.gr, dgdiscapacidad@mdsocialesa2030.gob.es, dgrapportilavoro@lavoro.gov.it, dipartimento.disabilita@governo.it, director@dl.mlsi.gov.cy, dmihailidou@ypakp.gr, dpantazidou@ypakp.gr, dsaai.mail@act.gov.pt, dsouliotis@ypakp.gr, dvii.gzd@zoll.bund.de, emylonas@ypakp.gr, foglalkoztatas.felugyeleti-foo@ngm.gov.hu, frn@frn.is, gp.mddsz@gov.si, gp.mzip@gov.si, https://www.government.nl/contact/public-information-service/email, imt@imt-ip.pt, info.avw@llv.li, info@mmpi.hr, info@mrosp.hr, info@sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee, info@vdi.lt, iva7@sozialministerium.at, kancelaria@gip.pip.gov.pl, kozlekedesi.foosztaly@bm.gov.hu, kysepes3@otenet.gr, maats@iwa.ie, oron_ergasias@ypakp.gr, parkingcard@ddai.ie, podatelna@ip.gov.sk, posta@mdcr.cz, postedworkersfin@avi.fi, posting.dier@gov.mt, postingworkersest@ti.ee, registratura@anpd.gov.ro, secretar-glavensecretar@gli.government.bg, secretariat.bon@mrips.gov.pl, service@handicap.dk, svartjenesten@arbeidstilsynet.no, vdi@vdi.gov.lv, vpapanastasiou@ypakp.gr, wrcpostedworkers@workplacerelations.ie - **Phone:** +30 21 05 28 92 16, +30 21 05 28 92 21, +30 21 06 50 80 00, +30 21 31 51 60 11, +30 21 31 51 63 16, +30 21 31 51 63 84, +30 21 31 51 63 85, +30 21 31 51 63 95, +30 21 31 51 64 47, +30 21 31 51 65 64, +31 70 33 34 76 7, +31 70 456 00 00, +32 22 33 48 21, +32 22 33 48 22, +33 1 44 38 25 38, +34 90 14 00 10 0, +34 91 36 31 82 5, +34 91 36 32 03 8, +351 21 79 49 00, +351 21 79 49 00 0, +351 21 792 45 00, +352 24 78 44 59, +352 247 76100, +353 45 89 30 94, +353 59 917 8900, +353 94 93 64 05, +353 94 93 64 05 4, +354 54 58 10, +354 54 58 10 0, +356 22 56 8000, +356 23 97 51 99, +357 22 40 08 01, +357 22 40 08 09, +357 22 81 50 12, +358 29 50 18 00, +358 29 50 18 00 0, +358 29 51 60 01, +359 28 10 17 45, +359 28 10 17 47, +370 52 13 97 68, +371 67 02 17 65, +371 67 02 57 77, +372 612 1360, +372 640 6000, +385 1 6169 111, +385 16 10 63 10, +385 16 10 66 41, +385 16 10 91 71, +385 16 10 93 00, +386 1 369 77 00, +386 14 78 80 00, +39 06 46 83 40 45, +39 06 46 83 74 10, +390 6 6779 2456, +40 21 30 27 03 1, +40 21 30 27 05 3, +420 225 131 006, +421 22 04 60 00, +421 22 04 60 00 0, +421 31 00 789, +423 23 66 87, +423 23 66 87 1, +43 17 11 00 86 32 37, +45 36 75 17 93, +45 70 12 12 88, +46 10 73 09 00 0, +46 77 15 03 50 3, +47 73 19 97 00, +48 22 39 18 29 6, +48 22 461 60 00, +49 21 18 55 5, +49 228 303 48959, +49 30 90 28 0, +49 36 13 79 00, +49 38 55 88 0, +49 42 13 61 88 08, +49 43 19 88 0, +49 51 11 20 0, +49 61 18 17 0, +49 68 15 01 00, +49 71 11 23 0, +49 89 12 61 01, 00 86 32 37, 0080067891011, 01/09/2026, 03/09/2026, 05 28 92 16, 05 28 92 21, 06 46 83 40 45, 06 46 83 74 10, 06 50 80 00, 0800 98 799 ## Contents - Rules for carrying alcohol and tobacco in the EU and leaving and entering the EU (+44) ## Rules for carrying alcohol and tobacco in the EU and leaving and entering the EU Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/alcohol-tobacco-cash/index_en.htm > Travelling in the EU with; wine, beer, spirits and other alcoholic drinks, cigars, cigarettes and other tobacco products. Leaving and entering the EU with alcohol and tobacco. ### Carrying alcohol and tobacco when travelling between EU countries As a rule, excise duties must be paid in the country where alcohol and tobacco are consumed. However, there are exemptions for private individuals when travelling between EU countries . This exemption applies as long as the products purchased are for your own use and not for resale . As taxes (VAT and excise) are included in the price of the product in the country where you bought it, no further payments are due in any other EU country. However, to determine if the products you have bought are for your own use, EU customs authorities can look at several different elements such as, if you own or work for a commercial business, how the goods are packaged and transported etc. They will also look at the quantity of products you are travelling with. For this reason, each EU country can set their own guideline values for the quantities of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages that you can bring in. These guideline values may not be lower than the following: | Goods | EU guideline values | |---|---| | Cigarettes | 800 | | Cigarillos (cigars weighing maximum 3 grams each) | 400 | | Cigars | 200 | | Tobacco | 1 kg | | Spirits (for example whiskey or gin) | 10 litres | | Fortified wine (such as sherry or port) | 20 litres | | Wine | 90 litres (of which only 60 litres can be sparkling) | | Beer | 110 litres | ### Warning As the values mentioned above are purely indicative, check the guideline values indicated by the customs authorities in the EU country you are travelling to. ### Carrying quantities above the guideline values If customs authorities suspect that you are carrying goods which are not for your own use, or are intended for resale, you may be asked to prove that they are (by producing proof of purchase etc.). If you cannot provide sufficient evidence, you might be asked to pay excise duties in your country of destination, or your products could be confiscated. ### Warning Stricter rules apply to travellers under 17 years old. These can vary from country to country, so check before you travel. ### VAT and excise duties when entering the EU from a non-EU country If you enter the EU from a non-EU country, you can bring goods free of VAT and excise duties with you i f they are not for resale and you respect the limits set out below . The same rules apply if you come from the Canary Islands or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise do not apply. ### Alcohol allowance In addition , you can bring b) : Each of the amounts mentioned under b) represent your total allowance in this category of alcoholic drinks which can be split according to your preference. For example, you can bring; 4 litres of still wine, 16 litres of beer, a half of litre of spirits and 1 litre of fortified wine or 4 litres of still wine, 16 litres of beer and 2 litres of sparkling wine. - 4 litres of still wine and - 16 litres of beer - 1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. (such as vodka or gin) or - 1 litre of undenatured alcohol (ethyl alcohol) of 80% vol. (or over) or - 2 litres of fortified (for example sherry or port) or sparkling wine ### Tobacco allowance Depending on the EU country you are visiting, a higher or lower limit may apply. If an EU country applies the lower limit, it can only apply them to land and sea travellers (Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia) or to all travellers (Estonia and Romania). ### Warning The list of EU countries mentioned above is indicative and may be subject to change, for the most up-to-date information on tobacco allowances check the limits indicated by the customs authorities in the EU country you are travelling to. You may combine any of these tobacco products, but you must not exceed the total limit . For example, for travel to EU countries where the higher limited applies, you can carry 50 cigarillos and 25 cigars, this is your total allowance. | Higher limit | Lower limit | |---|---| | 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 g tobacco | 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos or 10 cigars or 50 g tobacco | ### Warning If you are under 17 years old, you are not entitled to a duty-free allowance for tobacco or alcohol. ### Other goods including perfume You may carry other goods up to a value of €300 per traveller or €430 for travellers by air and sea. Some EU countries apply a lower limit of €150 for travellers under 15. ### Fuel You can carry 10 litres (maximum) in a portable container, in addition to the fuel contained in your fuel tank. This rule applies to any type of motorised vehicle. ### Excise duties when leaving the EU If you are travelling to a destination outside the EU (and certain areas within the EU such as the Canary Islands ) you can buy goods free of duty and tax in so-called "tax-free shops" in airports and ports. You should however bear in mind that these goods may be subject to duty-free and tax-free allowances in your non-EU country of destination. ### Warning If you travel from one EU country to another EU country via Switzerland Swiss customs rules apply. If you carry quantities of alcohol or tobacco above the thresholds allowed in Switzerland, you must declare them when you enter Switzerland and when you re-enter the EU. In Switzerland you may be requested to provide a financial guarantee which you will get back when you leave the country with the goods. ### EU legislation - Council Directive on VAT and excise duty exemptions for travellers from non-EU countries - Council Regulation on the relief from import duties and export duties ## Rules for taking cash in / out of the EU; travelling with cash in the EU Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/carrying-cash/index_en.htm > Roles for leaving and entering the EU with cash. Rules for travelling in the EU with cash, covering banknotes, coins, gold and cheques. When and how to complete a cash declaration ### Rules for travelling with cash between EU countries As there are no EU-wide rules on travelling with cash between EU countries, you should always check before you travel with the local customs authorities in the country of departure and arrival as well as any countries you transit. ### Rules for travelling with cash when entering or leaving the EU If you plan to enter or leave the EU with €10 000 in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies) or carry one or more of the commodities listed below (to the value of €10 000) y ou must declare it to the customs authorities in the EU country you are entering or leaving, using the EU cash declaration form . EU rules define cash as: - banknotes and coins (including currency that is no longer in circulation but accepted for exchange by banks) - bearer negotiable instruments (i.e. traveller's cheques and cheques, promissory notes or money orders signed but without a named beneficiary) - coins with a gold content of at least 90% - bullion such as bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5% ### Obligation to submit a cash declaration and penalties for failure to declare If you do not submit a cash declaration or the cash declaration is incorrect or incomplete, you will be subject to penalties. Be aware that customs authorities can carry out individual checks as well as checks on your baggage and vehicle. Customs authorities will also intervene where there are indications that the cash is linked to criminal activity even if the amount is below the threshold of €10 000. ### Warning Customs authorities may also require a cash disclosure declaration if cash of a value of €10 000 or more (this includes the items defined as cash in the list above) is entering or leaving the EU by post, freight or courier. In this case, the sender or the recipient or their representative(s) must make a disclosure declaration within 30 days of a request from the customs authorities. ## What can I carry with me? Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/index_en.htm > What can you carry with you travelling within the EU, leaving the EU, visiting from outside the EU? ### What can you take with you? What can you take with you when travelling to another EU country , visiting from outside the EU, or leaving the EU? Did you know that there are limits for certain types of products? Will you need to declare how much cash you are carrying or pay taxes on it? Where can you use the euro? When travelling by plane make sure you know what you are allowed to carry in your hand luggage and your checked-in luggage . - Travelling with pets and other animals in the EU - Taking animal products, food or plants with you - Alcohol, tobacco and excise duties - Rules for taking cash in and out of the EU and travelling with cash in the EU - Luggage restrictions - Using the euro - Airport and airline security - Mobile roaming costs ## Luggage restrictions Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/luggage-restrictions/index_en.htm > Hand luggage and hold luggage ### Hand luggage and hold luggage When travelling by plane from an airport in the EU , you should keep in mind certain security requirements when packing and boarding: See the rules on prohibited articles in your hand and hold luggage. - Liquids carried in the aircraft cabin such as aerosols, drinks, toothpaste, cosmetic creams or gels must be carried in a transparent plastic bag - maximum capacity 1 litre - and no container may hold more than 100 ml. Liquid containers larger than 100 ml must be placed in checked baggage. The volume restriction does not apply to medicines and baby food. - Any sharp objects that might be used as weapons are not allowed in the aircraft cabin. These could be everyday objects such as corkscrews knives and scissors of a certain size, which should be packed in your hold luggage. - Limits on the size of cabin baggage and the number of items you are allowed to take on board are set by the airlines so check with your airline before you travel. - Explosives and inflammable items - fireworks or aerosol spray paint for example, and other inflammable and toxic substances such as acids - are prohibited on flights. They may not be carried in either cabin or checked baggage. - No weapons of any kind are allowed on board the aircraft. ### Warning Check your airport's website for a detailed list of prohibited items or ask your airline before travelling. For general safety, all travel items are scanned or otherwise checked before being allowed into airport security zones. ## Taking animal products, food or plants with you in the EU Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/meat-dairy-animal/index_en.htm > Rules on carrying meat, dairy and fish products in the EU, restrictions when travelling from a non-EU country; quantities allowed, information on exceptions, baby milk and food for medical reasons; products not allowed; information on controls and when entering the EU ### Carrying animal products, food or plants in the EU If you are travelling in the EU you can carry meat or dairy products with you as long as they are for your own personal consumption . This also applies to plants or plant products, such as cut flowers, fruit or vegetables as long as they have been grown in an EU country and are free from pests or disease. In this context, EU includes the 27 EU countries, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland. These rules also apply when you carry meat, dairy or plant products in your luggage, or if you order these items online or have them sent by mail. ### Warning In cases of localised animal disease or pest outbreaks restrictions may apply to the type and amount of products you are allowed to carry. ### Special rules for the Faroe Islands and Greenland If you are travelling from the Faroe Islands or Greenland, you are allowed to bring small quantities of meat and dairy products for personal consumption. There are no quantity restrictions for fish or fish products. | Product | Amount per person | Additional restrictions | |---|---|---| | Meat or meat products | 10 kg | None | | Dairy or dairy products | 10 kg | None | | Honey, eggs and egg products | 10 kg | None | | Snails | 10 kg | None | | Live bivalves (oysters, mussels) | 10 kg | None | ### Exceptions – baby milk (powdered) and food, food for medical reasons, special pet feed You can bring a limited amount (less than 10 kg) of powdered baby milk, baby food, foods required for medical reasons, or special pet feed as long as the: - the product does not need refrigeration before use - the product is in commercially branded packaging - the packaging is unbroken unless in current use ### Rules when travelling from a non-EU country If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you. You can however bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey. Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are also allowed. | Product | Amount per person | Additional restrictions | |---|---|---| | Eviscerated fresh fishery products, or prepared or processed fishery products | 20 kg or 1 fish (whichever weighs most) | | | Fishery products from the Faroe Islands or Greenland | | | | Goods, other than plants for planting and other than fishery products, coming from the Faroe Islands or Greenland | | Their combined quantity does not exceed the weight limit of 10 kg | | Plants or plant products including cut flowers | | A phytosanitary (plant health) certificate is required attesting that the product is free from certain specific pests | | Powdered infant milk, infant food and special foods required for medical reasons | No more than 2 kg | do not require refrigeration before opening are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer that the packaging is unbroken unless in current use | | Pet food required for health-related reasons | No more than 2 kg | are intended for the pet accompanying the passenger are shelf-stable (do not require refrigeration) are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer that the packaging is unbroken unless in current use | | Products other than those described above which do not contain meat or milk (e.g. honey) | 2kg | None | ### Checks when entering the EU When arriving in the EU you may have to undergo official controls by the authorities. If you are carrying any meat or dairy products, which you have not declared they will be confiscated and destroyed, you may also be fined or face criminal prosecution. ### Other animal derived products and plants You may carry animal derived products - when you are travelling in the EU. However, most EU countries have strict rules on carrying endangered animals or plants or products derived from them, and in some cases, you may need a permit. For example, you may only carry 125g of sturgeon caviar, you will need a permit if you carry more than this amount. To find out about a specific species, you should always check the EU wildlife trade reference database . You can also contact the CITES authority in your country to find out if the species you want to travel with needs a permit. ### EU legislation - Council Regulation on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora - Commission Delegated Regulation on certain categories of animals and goods exempted from official controls at border control posts, specific controls on passengers’ personal luggage ## EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/pets-and-other-animals/index_en.htm > Rules for travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets in the EU and to the EU from abroad; information on pet passports and EU animal health certificate; information on other pets; rules for entry to the EU from a non-EU country. ### Travelling with pets: dogs, cats and ferrets EU rules make it easy to travel to another EU country with your dog, cat or ferret. These rules also cover travel to the EU from a country or territory outside the EU. With a few exceptions, your pet can travel with you to another EU country or from a non-EU country to an EU country if it has: - been microchipped (in line with the technical requirements of Annex IV of the EU rules on the traceability of pets) or has a clearly readable tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011 - been vaccinated against rabies - undergone a rabies antibody titration test, when travelling from most non-EU country. There are some exceptions, use the tool below to check if this is a requirement for the non-EU country you are travelling from - had treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis , where your destination area is free from this tapeworm (Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland) - been certified fit to travel by an official vet (relevant for trips from a non-EU country only) - a valid European pet passport, when travelling from: an EU country or Northern Ireland to another EU country or Northern Ireland - a valid EU animal health certificate, when travelling from a non-EU country. ### Warning The EU rules described above on travelling with pet animals apply to private journeys which do not involve a change of ownership or sale. ### European pet passport A European pet passport is an identification document, which follows an EU standard model and is mandatory for travel between EU countries. The European pet passport (for dogs, cats and ferrets) is only issued to pet owners who are resident in the EU. It contains a description and details of your pet, including its microchip or tattoo code as well as its animal health records (e.g. rabies vaccination) and contact details of the owner and the vet who issued the passport. You can get a European pet passport for your dog, cat or ferret from any authorised vet (permitted by the relevant authorities to issue pet passports). A pet passport is valid for life as long as your pet's health information (e.g. anti-rabies vaccination) remains in date. ### Warning If you are travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland from Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Vatican City State, your pet can also enter the EU with a pet passport issued in one of these countries or territories. ### EU animal health certificate An EU animal health certificate is another type of identification document, which contains specific information about your pet (identity, health, rabies vaccinations), and is necessary for travel to the EU from a country or territory outside the EU. It is also based on an EU standard model. If you are travelling from a non-EU country or territory, your pet must have an EU animal health certificate issued by an official State vet in the country of departure not more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. The certificate is valid for travel between EU countries for 6 months from this date or until the anti-rabies vaccination expires, whichever lapses first. In addition, you should also complete and attach a written declaration to your pet's EU animal health certificate stating that its relocation is for non-commercial reasons. This declaration is also required if your pet is travelling under the responsibility of a person authorised by you. In this case, your journey must be within 5 days of the pet's/authorised person's journey. ### Warning From 1 January 2021, EU pet passports issued to a pet owner resident in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel with pets from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland. ### Entering the EU with your pet In principle, you can only enter the EU with your pet through a designated travellers point of entry in the EU country of destination (use the tool below to check if this is a requirement for the non-EU country you are travelling from). At the time of entry, you must contact the competent authorities present there, who will check your pet's documents and identity. If your pet fails these compliance checks, it may be returned to the country of departure, be placed in quarantine until such time as it complies with EU health rules or if neither of these options are possible, the animal may be euthanised. ### Pets travelling without their owner As a rule, pets must travel with their owners. If you cannot travel with your pet, you may give written permission to another person to accompany your pet for you (this written declaration is described above). However, this is only allowed if your own journey is within 5 days of the pet's/authorised person's journey. ### Warning If your pet is travelling unaccompanied, it will have to comply with animal health rules which apply to the import into the EU or trade within the EU of dogs, cats or ferrets. ### Travelling with more than five pets You can travel with up to five pets, but if there are more than five pets (dogs, cats or ferrets) you must provide proof that: - they are participating in a competition, exhibition or sporting event (by providing for example a registration document), and - they are more than 6 months old. ### Warning If you are travelling with more than 5 pets (dog, cats, or ferrets) and you do not meet any of the exceptions mentioned above, your pets have to comply with animal health rules which apply to the import into the EU or trade within the EU of dogs, cats or ferrets. ### Rabies vaccination Before your pet can travel, an authorised vet must vaccinate it against rabies. To be valid, your pet must have been microchipped before the vaccination is given. - Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving its first or primary vaccination. After this first or primary vaccination, you must wait at least 21 days before travelling with your pet. This ensures your pet has developed the necessary immunity against rabies. Check the exact waiting period with your vet before travelling. - If your pet has already been vaccinated against rabies, check with your vet if it needs a booster vaccination before travelling. ### Rabies vaccination – exceptions for young dogs, cats, ferrets You can travel with your young pet to Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland if it is less than 12 weeks old and has not been vaccinated against rabies, or if it is between 12 and 16 weeks old, has been vaccinated, but is not yet fully immune to rabies. To be allowed to travel with your pet in these cases: ### Warning The following countries do not allow you to enter their territory with a young pet which has not been vaccinated against rabies or has been vaccinated but is not yet fully immune: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Norway and Northern Ireland. ### Special rules for treating the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis - dogs only If you are travelling with your dog to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland, you must have it treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis between 24 and 120 hours (1-5 days) before travel. All details of the treatment must be entered in your pet's passport or EU health certificate. ### Warning The anti- Echinococcus multilocularis treatment is not required for dogs travelling directly between Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland. ### Rabies vaccination - Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving its first or primary vaccination. After this first or primary vaccination, you must wait at least 21 days before travelling with your pet. This ensures your pet has developed the necessary immunity against rabies. Check the exact waiting period with your vet before travelling. - If your pet has already been vaccinated against rabies, check with your vet if it needs a booster vaccination before travelling. ### Rabies vaccination - Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving its first or primary vaccination. After this first or primary vaccination, you must wait at least 21 days before travelling with your pet. This ensures your pet has developed the necessary immunity against rabies. - If your pet has already been vaccinated against rabies, check with your vet if it needs a booster vaccination before travelling. ### Special rules for treating the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis - dogs only If you are travelling with your dog to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland, you must have it treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis between 24 and 120 hours (1-5 days) before travel. All details of the treatment must be entered in your pet's EU health certificate. ### Warning The anti-Echinococcus treatment is not required for dogs travelling directly between Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland. ### Entering the EU or Northern Ireland with your pet You can only enter the EU with your pet through a designated travellers' point of entry in the EU country of destination. At the time of entry, you must contact the competent authorities present there, who will check your pet's documents and identity. If your pet fails these compliance checks, it may be returned to the country of departure, be placed in quarantine until such time as it complies with EU health rules or if neither of these options are possible, the animal may be euthanised. ### Warning If travelling from Northern Ireland to an EU country you are not required to use a travellers point of entry in the EU country of destination. ### Rabies vaccination - Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving its first or primary vaccination. - If your pet has already been vaccinated against rabies, check with your vet if it needs a booster vaccination before travelling. ### Rabies antibody titration testing In addition to a rabies vaccination, your pet must also undergo a rabies antibody titration test before travelling. The blood sample must be taken by an authorised vet and tested at a laboratory designated to carry out titration tests. If the result of the blood test shows that the vaccination was successful, you must wait 3 months from the date the blood sample was taken before you can travel with your pet. The results of the rabies anti-body test must be attached to your pet's EU health certificate. The test does not have to be repeated following a satisfactory result, provided that your pet is revaccinated within the validity period of the previous vaccination. - In the case of a first or primary vaccination, you must wait 30 days after the primary vaccination has been completed before this test can be carried out. - If your pet has already been vaccinated against rabies and the vaccination is still valid, the rabies antibody titration test can be carried out immediately. ### Warning The 3-month waiting period is not required if you are re-entering the EU with your pet after a short stay in a non-EU country on condition that before leaving the EU : - your pet was vaccinated against rabies, and - your pet underwent a successful rabies titration test, and - this information is recorded by your vet in your pet's EU passport. ### Travelling with other pets European pet passports are issued for dogs, cats and ferrets only. If you are travelling to another EU country with any other pets, such as birds, ornamental aquatic animals, reptiles, rodents or rabbits, check the national rules of the country you are planning to visit for information on the entry conditions. ### EU legislation - List of EU countries complying with tapeworm rules for dogs - EU Regulation on model pet ID documents and declarations - EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement - EU Regulation on pet travel ## Using the euro Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/using-euro/index_en.htm > Basic information on the euro, euro exchange rates, and charges when making electronic payments while travelling in Europe ### The euro You can use the euro in 21 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Discover more about the euro , which countries use it and the exchange rates . You can use all the notes and coins in all EU countries that have adopted the euro, including many of their overseas territories, such as the Azores, the Canaries, Ceuta and Melilla, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon . 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 use the euro as their de facto currency such as Kosovo and Montenegro. ### Cash transfers and paying by card When travelling, most of us avoid carrying large amounts of cash . We often rely on our debit/credit cards to cover our day-to-day expenses during our trips. As long as the payments you make are carried out in euro and within the EU, you should be charged no more for them than for any national electronically processed payment of the same value in euros. These rules also apply to transactions in euro (e.g. between euro accounts) in countries outside the euro area. ## Hiring and driving a car in another EU country Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/driving-abroad/car-rental-abroad/index_en.htm > Practical tips and EU rights when hiring a car in another EU country: right to cancellation and non-discrimination, terms and conditions for car rental. ### Hiring a car There are no specific EU rules on hiring cars , but you still benefit from your basic consumer rights when you rent a car in another EU country. This includes: When you book a car, you should distinguish between rental companies and intermediaries or brokers . Intermediaries do not provide the rental car themselves, but book a car in your name with the rental company. In case of disputes, the rental company is the one responsible for the implementation of the contract, unless stated otherwise in the contract. - the right to clear information - the right to a fair contract - access to alternative dispute resolution in case of disputes with the rental company ### Limited right to cancellation If you have booked a car online, by phone or email in the EU, you don't automatically have the right to cancel and claim a refund, although the car hire company's terms and conditions may allow it. ### Warning Car hire is not covered by EU rules entitling you to a 14-day cooling off period . ### Non-discrimination principle Car rental firms are free to set their own prices and conditions across different EU countries based on the costs they incur and other factors. However, when you hire a car – either online or directly from the premises of a car rental firm – EU rules ban discrimination on the grounds of nationality or the country where you live. ### Sample story Stefanie, from Germany, wanted to hire a car in Ireland. The price quoted on the car hire firm's website was EUR 70. But when Stefanie told the firm where she lived, the price shot up to over EUR 140. The reason given was that she was not an Irish resident. Feeling this was unfair, Stefanie contacted the European Consumer Centre , which got the car rental firm to bring its policy in line with EU rules. ### Look before you book! Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before hiring a car. The main things to look out for are: ### Insurance cover Every rental vehicle needs to be covered by the third party liability insurance , which is valid in all EU countries. This insurance should be included in the rental price. You can also take out optional insurance, covering other risks, e.g. injuries to the driver, damage to your vehicle, theft of your vehicle/its contents, vandalism, and legal assistance. Make sure you know what damage your insurance contract covers . You should find this in the terms and conditions of the rental contract . ### Driving a hired car in another country If you're planning to drive your rental vehicle in several countries you must inform the rental company when booking the vehicle. If it allows you to take the vehicle to another country than the visited one, it can ensure you have the correct vehicle documentation, insurance and breakdown cover. If you live in the EU and you rent a car in a non-EU country , such as Switzerland, special rules apply when driving it in EU countries. If you plan to travel with your rental car both in EU and non-EU countries – for example from Switzerland to France, Germany, Austria or Italy – you need to tell the rental company in advance . They can provide you with an EU-registered car in order to comply with EU customs laws. Most car rental companies in Switzerland provide cars with EU number plates for EU residents in order to comply with EU customs rules, but you should check with your car rental company. The car rental company must also ensure that the car complies with the customs and traffic rules of the country where you will travel. For example, in many countries winter tyres are compulsory during certain months of the year. Check road safety information when driving in another EU country. ### Driving licence validity If you are planning to rent and drive a car in another EU country, you also need to check that your driving licence is valid there . ### EU legislation - EU Services directive - EU Directive on consumer rights - EU Directive on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes ### Need support from assistance services? Get advice on your EU rights / Solve problems with a public body ## Driving licence and car insurance validity in the EU Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/driving-abroad/driving-licence-and-insurance/index_en.htm > Travelling abroad by car? Make sure your driving licence and insurance are valid. Check what you have to do if you lose your driving licence when travelling in the EU. ### Driving licence and insurance When you travel by car in another EU country, make sure your driving licence and car insurance are valid in the countries you will be visiting. ### EU driving licences If your licence was issued in an EU country , you can use it anywhere in the EU . Before you travel abroad, make sure your driving licence is still valid. If your driving licence expires during a trip abroad, it automatically becomes invalid and may not be recognised in other countries. Be aware that you cannot drive in another country on a provisional driving licence or certificate . ### Standard format Since 2013, all driving licences issued in the EU have a standard format – a plastic, credit card-sized photocard , with better security features. You can still use your old-style licence , but it will be changed to the new format when you renew it (or at the latest by 2033). The following categories of driving licence are recognised throughout Europe: AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, B1, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE. ### Warning Teenagers: be aware in some EU countries different age restrictions apply for certain categories of vehicle. ### Sample story Sofia is 14 and got her moped licence in Italy. She would like to drive a moped in Belgium, but the minimum driving age for mopeds is 16. Sofia will have to wait until she is 16 before she can legally drive her moped in Belgium without having to pass a Belgian driving test. ### EU driving licences issued in exchange for a non‑EU licence If you have exchanged your non‑EU licence for an EU licence in the country where you now live, you can drive with it throughout the EU . ### Non-EU driving licences If you want to drive in the EU on a licence issued in a country outside the EU, contact the authorities of the country you are visiting, or your embassy or consulate in that country. ### Lost or stolen driving licence If your driving licence is lost or stolen while you are travelling abroad, contact the local police and your consulate or embassy to report the matter. Your consulate will contact the national authorities that issued your driving licence (to check it was not restricted, suspended, cancelled or revoked). On the basis of the information received from the consulate, the police may then issue a provisional document that allows you to drive in that country for a limited period of time. You can only apply for a replacement driving licence in the country where you have your usual residence . Provisional licences and certificates issued to temporarily replace lost or stolen licences are not automatically recognised in other EU countries . ### Sample story Henrik, lives in Denmark and planned to visit Germany, France and Italy on his holidays. Unfortunately, he lost his wallet and driving licence in Germany at the start of his trip. Without a licence, he could be fined if stopped by the police. Henrik contacted the Danish embassy in Germany, who advised him to report the loss to the local police. The Danish embassy also gave him a certificate stating that he is the legal holder of a Danish driving licence. Henrik then had to contact the Italian and French authorities to check that they would recognise the provisional certificate issued by the Danish authorities. Have you lost your driving licence while on holiday? More information on what to do: ### Choose country Find out more about driving licences when living abroad. - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden ### Car insurance validity Your car insurance policy issued in home country covers you throughout the EU if you injure someone. ### Warning Find out more information about national regulations concerning insurance cover when travelling abroad. ### Choose country Your car's number plate is proof that you have liability insurance . This means that police in another country will not normally stop you to check if you are insured. If you travel with a trailer, it needs to be insured too. In some EU countries you must have separate insurance for a trailer. Check with your insurer before you travel. Always take your insurance papers with you. It may make things easier if you have an accident or are stopped by the police. - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden ### Sample story Ronaldo was stopped for speeding in France. Because he did not have his insurance documents with him, the police asked him to call his insurer in Portugal to prove he was insured. Even though you aren't legally obliged to, carrying your papers with you is the best way to prove you are covered. It can save you time and money if you run into problems abroad. Find out more about car insurance when living abroad. ### EU legislation - Motor vehicle liability insurance - EU Directive on driving licences - Decision on equivalences between categories of driving licences ## Driving abroad in the EU Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/driving-abroad/index_en.htm > While travelling by car in the EU, be aware of the different traffic rules and make sure you have a valid driving licence and insurance. Also check your rights when hiring a car. ### Driving abroad Are you planning to travel by car to another EU country ? Or perhaps you want to rent a car while on holiday abroad. Be aware that not all EU countries have the same traffic rules. Make sure you have a valid driving licence and sufficient car insurance. - driving licence and insurance when travelling abroad - road safety and traffic rules in the EU - hiring a car in another EU country - driving your company car abroad - getting a driving licence in the EU - car insurance cover and validity in the EU - driving abroad with foreign plates ## Road rules and safety Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/driving-abroad/road-rules-and-safety/index_en.htm > Information on the various traffic and road safety rules which differ from one EU country to another. ### Road rules and safety There are no EU-wide laws on road traffic rules and safety. However, there are some rules that apply in all EU countries such as the following: - you must wear a seat belt in all vehicles, including tourists coaches and minibuses - children must have appropriate child restraints in cars and lorries (and, where possible in other vehicles) - it is forbidden to use a mobile phone without a hands-free set while driving. ### National traffic rules EU countries can have different rules in many areas, such as: Find specific information on the rules that apply in your home country and any other EU country you intend to visit or transit. - the maximum blood alcohol level (some countries do not allow any alcohol in the blood while driving) - speed limits for different types of roads and vehicles - required safety equipment in cars and for cyclists - the mandatory use of daytime running lights and/or winter tyres - driving on the left side of the road (Cyprus, Ireland and Malta). ### Choose country - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Liechtenstein - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Norway - Poland - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland ### Traffic offences To improve road safety and reduce fatalities, EU countries exchange information on road-safety-related traffic offences. This means that if you commit a driving offence while driving in another country, you could find yourself receiving the fine by post at home! ### See also: - driving licence and insurance when travelling abroad - hiring a car in another EU country ## Travel documents for EU nationals Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/eu-citizen/index_en.htm > Travellers' rights when crossing borders between Schengen countries and other countries in Europe – ID and passports ### Documents you need for travel in the EU and Schengen countries As an EU national, you have the right to travel freely in the 27 EU member countries as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (non-EU countries but members of the Schengen area ) carrying either a valid passport or a national identity card (ID card). Your travel document must be valid on the day of travel. Children and minors must have their own passport or ID card - read more about travelling with minors . If you are travelling with your non-EU family members check the specific rules that apply to them. ### When do I need to show a passport or ID card? You don't normally need to show your passport or ID when crossing the internal borders of the Schengen area. However, all Schengen area countries (see below) are allowed to reintroduce temporary border controls in extraordinary circumstances, for example, in case of a threat to public policy or national security. Find more detailed and up-to-date information about temporary border controls . When a Schengen area country applies temporary border controls you must show a valid passport or ID card . You must also show a valid passport or ID card if you travel between a Schengen country and Cyprus or Ireland . You must also show a valid passport or ID card when a country applies temporary border controls . *Internal border controls not yet abolished | Schengen area | | |---|---| | EU countries | non-EU countries | | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus* , Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden | Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland | ### Warning Ireland applies its own visa and border policies as it has opted out of Schengen rules (in line with the Schengen Protocol ), this means you must show your passport or identity card at the border travelling to or from Ireland. However, Ireland does participate in some Schengen areas, such as judicial and police cooperation and it is connected to the Schengen Information System . ### Travel documents to prove you are an EU citizen If you do not have the necessary travel documents in the situations mentioned above, the authorities can refuse entry, but first they must give you every reasonable opportunity to obtain the necessary documents, or let you prove by other means that you are an EU citizen, within a reasonable period of time. Should you find yourself in this situation, it is your responsibility to prove you are an EU citizen and thus have the right to travel freely in the 27 EU member countries as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. ### Other controls in the EU and in Schengen countries You may also be subject to on-the-spot police checks , especially at internal borders and in border areas (including ports, airports and railway stations) in EU and Schengen countries. These checks could include an identity check. In some of these countries, you may be obliged to have or carry identity papers and documents while on their territory. Driving licences, post, bank or tax cards are not travel documents and consequently may be refused as proof of identity. It is therefore always highly recommended to have the correct travel documents (passport or ID card) in your possession so you can prove your identity if required. If you don't have the necessary documents to prove your identity during on-the-spot police checks, you may be subject to penalties. ### Entry refusal In very rare cases, an EU or Schengen country can refuse entry to you or your family members for reasons of " public policy, public security or public health". This means the authorities must prove you or your family members pose a " genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat". You are entitled to receive this decision in writing , stating all the grounds, and specifying how you can appeal and by when. ### Documents you need for travel to / from a country outside the EU and the Schengen area As an EU national, if you are travelling to a non-EU country, you will need a valid passport and for some countries a visa . Check the list of non-EU/non-Schengen countries where a visa waiver applies to EU nationals. Before you travel, check the entry requirements (for example, passport validity) and any other restrictions that might apply in the country you are travelling to as well as when re-entering your home country. Note that children and minors need their own travel document and where necessary a visa. Check the latest travel advice (provided by national authorities) for the country you are travelling to. ### Warning If you re-enter an EU or Schengen country from abroad, your travel document must be valid on the day you are travelling. ### Consular protection Should you find yourself in need of consular protection and assistance while travelling in a country outside the EU, you have the right to seek help from the embassy or consulate of any EU country if your home country is not represented. They can, for example, help in case of a serious accident or illness, provide an emergency travel document if your passport is lost or stolen. Read more about consular protection outside the EU and how to find an embassy or consulate . ### See also: Documents you need for travel in Europe ### EU legislation - EU Decision on a simplified regime for the control of persons at the external borders - Visa waiver agreements - The Schengen area - Directive on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States - EU Directive on consular protection for unrepresented EU citizens in third countries ## Travel documents for EU nationals and their non-EU family members residing in the UK Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/eu-nationals-living-uk/index_en.htm > Documents needed for EU nationals and their non-EU family members residing in the UK for travel to another EU country and the UK, how to get help in case of problems ### Travel documents for EU nationals and their non-EU family members residing in the UK The UK no longer applies EU rules on free movement, which allow EU nationals to travel freely with a valid passport or an identity card. As an EU national, the entry documents required when travelling to the UK will differ according to whether you have a residence status in the UK under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement (EU Settlement Scheme), or not. ### Travel to the UK If you have UK Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme , you can continue to enter the UK with a valid passport or identity card. Your non-EU family members who also have UK settled or pre-settled status can enter the UK with a valid passport and may be required to present their UK-issued biometric residence card or an EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) travel permit . ### Warning As of 2026, the UK will no longer accept ID cards (as an entry document) that do not comply with applicable international standards related to biometric identification. ### Travel to an EU country As an EU national, you have the right to travel to any EU country with a valid passport or ID card. Your non-EU family members may need an entry visa, depending on their nationality . Read more about travelling in the EU with your non-EU family members and how to apply for a visa if they need one. Residence cards for non-EU family members previously issued by the UK under the EU rules on free movement are no longer valid. ### I am an EU national without any status under the UK's EU Settlement Scheme To enter or transit the UK you will need a valid passport, which must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK. ID cards are not accepted. You will also need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). Read more about the ETA and how to apply for one. As a rule, the UK does not require a visa for short stays up to six months for tourism and business, but check the rules that apply to your situation before you travel. ### I need help If you think that your rights under EU law are not being respected and you need advice, contact our assistance service . You can report a breach of your rights under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement to the UK Independent Monitoring Authority ## How expired or lost passports can be replaced Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/expired-lost-passports/index_en.htm > How expired or lost passports can be replaced. Rules and procedures when travelling in the EU ### Expired or lost passports Under EU rules, all travellers (including infants) need a valid ID card or passport to travel. EU countries have systems in place to deal with such cases. It is, however, up to each EU country to decide whether and/or when it allows EU citizens to enter or exit their territory without a valid travel document. Check the exact rules for the countries you are travelling to and from. - lost your passport or had it stolen - realised that your passport has expired ### Choose country As there are no EU rules on travelling without a valid travel document, conditions and procedures vary widely from country to country (and may change without notice). If you have already set off on your trip and: Bear in mind that, even where some countries allow you to leave or enter their territory without a valid travel document, you may still need to show one in countries you are transiting through. - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden - you're in the EU, your first port of call should be your country's consulate or embassy . - you find yourself outside the EU, where your country does not have a consulate or embassy, you have the right to seek consular protection from any other EU country. ## Documents you need for travel in Europe Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/index_en.htm > Documents you need when travelling between countries in Europe. ### Documents you need for travel in Europe Check what travel documents you'll need to cross the border into another EU country. And find out what documents you need for your spouse, children or other relatives if they are not EU nationals. - Travel documents for EU nationals - Travel documents for non-EU family members - Travel documents for non-EU nationals - Travel documents for EU nationals and their non-EU family members residing in the UK - Travel documents for UK nationals and their family members residing in an EU country - Expired or lost passports - Travel documents for minors ### See also: - Fleeing Ukraine: Travel inside the EU - Fleeing Ukraine - Contacts and travel information by EU country ## Travel documents for non-EU family members Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-family/index_en.htm > Travel rights – visa requirements for relatives (family members) of EU nationals travelling to or in Europe ### Travelling in the EU with your non-EU family members If you are an EU citizen and you are living in or travelling to another EU country, your family can join you, including core family members who are not EU citizens. If, for example, you are a French citizen living in Italy, and your spouse is a US citizen, they can join you in Italy. However, this does not apply to the country of your nationality . If, for example, you are a German national and your non-EU family members want to join you in Germany national rules apply . Depending on the country they are from, your non-EU family member may need a visa. If a visa is required, it should be free of charge and issued under an accelerated application procedure as a core family member of an EU citizen (see the information on applying for a visa below). ### Your core and extended non-EU family members Your non-EU core family members refers to your spouse, children, dependent descendants, dependent parents or dependent grandparents. It also applies to your non-EU registered partner but only if the country they are travelling to considers registered partnerships as equivalent to marriage. Under certain conditions, other non-EU extended family members travelling with you or joining you may also be entitled to an accelerated visa application procedure: siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, as well as your non-EU durable partner. This also applies to registered partners in countries where registered partnerships are not considered as equivalent to marriage . EU countries do not automatically have to facilitate their entry, but they do have to consider the request. ### Warning Check the exact rules in place in the country your non-EU extended family member is travelling to. ### Passport and visa requirements Your non-EU family members must carry a valid passport and, depending on the country they are from, they may also need an entry visa . If they have a residence document (card or permit) they may be exempt from visa requirements (see tool below). There is a list of countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the EU for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Contact the consulate or embassy of the country you are travelling to well in advance to find out which documents your non-EU family member will be asked to present at the border. The information on travel documents and visas provided here also applies for travel to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. ### Warning The visa requirements for travel to Ireland differ slightly from those for other EU countries. Check the information provided by the Irish authorities . ### Visa requirements for non-EU family members with a residence document If your non-EU family member has a residence card or a residence permit issued by a Schengen area country they may not need a visa. Using the tool below, check if they need an entry visa for the country they are travelling to. ### What type of residence document does your non-EU family member have? Your non-EU family member does not need a visa if they have a residence card . - A residence card (as a family member of an EU citizen) issued by any EU country other than the one I am a national of - A residence permit issued by one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (Schengen countries) - A residence permit issued by one of the following countries: Cyprus, Ireland (non-Schengen countries) ### Warning Your non-EU family member can also travel visa-free to Switzerland, except if their residence card was issued by Cyprus or Ireland. Switzerland does not issue residence cards to family members of EU citizens but residence permits (check the relevant rules provided by the Swiss authorities on residence permits ). ### Sample story Ying, the Chinese spouse of a German national living in Finland, has been issued with a residence card as an EU national family member in Finland. Ying and her husband wish to travel to Romania for an autumn break. As Ying has a valid passport and a residence card as an EU family member, she is not required to obtain an entry visa to travel to Romania. ### Sample story Marek is a Czech citizen. He resides with Meera, his Indian spouse in Bulgaria. Meera holds a valid passport and a residence card as an EU family member issued by Bulgaria. Meera travels alone to France and then to Ireland on holiday. As Meera has a valid passport and a residence card, she does not need to obtain an entry visa to travel to any of those 2 countries, even if she travels alone. ### What country are you travelling to? Your non-EU family member has a residence permit issued by a Schengen country and is travelling to a Schengen country Your non-EU family member has a residence permit issued by a Schengen country and is travelling to a non-Schengen country - Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (Schengen countries) - Cyprus, Ireland (non-Schengen countries) - Your non-EU family member will need a visa if they are travelling to Ireland. - Your non-EU family member does not need a visa if they are travelling to Cyprus. ### Sample story Joyce, a Nigerian national, lives in the Netherlands with her Dutch husband Luuk. As a family member of a Dutch national, Joyce has been issued with a Dutch residence permit in the Netherlands. Joyce wishes to join Luuk on his next business trip to Dublin. As Ireland is not part of the Schengen area and does not recognise Schengen residence permits, Joyce is required to obtain an entry visa to travel to Ireland with Luuk. ### What country are you travelling to? Your non-EU family member has a residence permit issued by a non-Schengen country and is travelling to a Schengen country Your non-EU family member has a residence permit issued by a non-Schengen country, and is travelling to a non-Schengen country - Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (Schengen countries) - Cyprus, Ireland (non-Schengen countries) - Your non-EU family member will need a visa, if they have a residence permit issued by Ireland and are travelling to Cyprus. - Your non-EU family member will need a visa, if they have a residence permit issued by Cyprus and are travelling to Ireland. ### Applying for an entry visa for short stays up to 90 days The information provided here applies for travel to the 27 EU countries and to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. However, some specific rules might apply for travel to Switzerland (check the information on visas provided by the Swiss authorities ). If your non-EU family members need an entry visa , they should apply for one in advance from the consulate or embassy of the country they wish to travel to. If they will be travelling together with you or joining you (in an EU country other than the country of your nationality), their visa should be processed as soon as possible on the basis of an accelerated procedure, free of charge. Processing times for visa applications of non-EU family members exceeding 15 days should be exceptional and duly justified. ### Warning Your non-EU family member should clearly indicate on their visa application form that they are applying for an entry visa as a family member of an EU citizen. If this is not clear on the application form, they may be issued with the wrong type of visa for which they will be charged. ### Visa application - supporting documents for non-EU family members Your non-EU family member must include the following documents with their visa application ( no other documents are required ): - a valid passport - valid identity card or passport of their EU family member - a document proving family ties with the EU citizen (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate etc.) and, if applicable, proof of dependency, durability of partnership etc. - proof that they will accompany or join the EU citizen in the EU host country, that is: proof that the EU citizen is already resident or present in the EU host country (e.g. a valid registration certificate issued by the host country if the EU citizen is not yet present in the EU host country: a declaration that the EU citizen will travel to the EU country of destination ### Visa refusal and appeal Your non-EU family member may only be refused a visa on the following grounds : An EU country may also refuse a visa application for reasons linked to "public policy public security or public health". If this happens, the authorities must prove that the visa applicant poses a "genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat". An EU country may also refuse a visa application for reasons linked to abuse or fraud. Your non-EU family must be notified of the refusal in writing , stating all the specific factual and legal grounds on which the decision was made, and specifying how to appeal and by when. ### Length of stay If your non-EU family members have the required documents, they are entitled to accompany or join you without any conditions or formalities for consecutive periods of up to 3 months per EU country visited . They are not subject to the overall limitation of up to 90 days in a 180-day period that applies in the Schengen area. You can combine stays in different EU countries without an overall time-limit (as long as the conditions of the EU rules on residence are met ). ### Sample story Marco, an Italian national is resident in France. As part of an EU-wide research project, he spent 3 months in Austria and 3 months in Germany before concluding the project with a 2 month stay in Luxembourg. His American spouse Susan was entitled to join Marco for the entire duration of his stay abroad because with a valid passport and a residence document her stays in the various EU countries were not subject to an overall time limit. When your non-EU family member travels on their own and does not hold a valid residence card or residence permit, the normal regime applies (in the Schengen area, the limitation of 90 days in a 180-day period). ### Applying for a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen If you are in an EU country other than the country of your nationality, and your non-EU family member plans to stay there for longer than 3 months, they can apply for a residence card upon arrival . It must be issued by the authorities within 6 months from the date of application. If your non-EU family member's visa expires before their residence card is issued, they do not have to return to their country of origin to obtain a new visa . During the processing of their residence card application, your non-EU family member might face practical difficulties while travelling, for example, if they leave their EU country of residence and try to re-enter. Without a residence card they are not exempt from visa requirements and their initial entry visa might have expired. In this case, their travel to and from their EU host country should be facilitated. Your non-EU family member should check with the authorities in their EU host country whether specific conditions apply, or documents are required to enable their return. ### Warning If you live outside the EU and your non-EU family member accompanies you or travels to the EU country of your nationality , they might need a visa and be charged visa fees. ### Arriving at the border without an entry visa Your non-EU family members should be well-informed in advance and should have all the necessary documents before starting their journey. However, if they arrive at the border with their passport but without an entry visa, if required, the border authorities must give them every reasonable opportunity to prove by other means that they are family members of an EU citizen (for example a marriage certificate or birth certificate) and, proof that they are joining or accompanying the EU citizen (for example, proof that the EU citizen is already resident or present in the country where entry is sought). If they manage to prove it , and if there is no evidence that they pose a risk to public policy, public security or public health requirements, the visa must be issued without delay at the border. Please be aware that the burden of proof lies with the family member. It is highly recommended that your non-EU family members carry their passport and visa (if necessary) so that they can identify themselves if stopped by police, boarding a plane, etc. In some EU countries this is a legal requirement and sanctions can be imposed if this obligation is not respected. If your family members are having difficulties getting a visa, you can contact our assistance services . ### Entry refusal In very rare cases, an EU country can refuse entry to you or your family members for reasons of "public policy, public security or public health". This means the authorities must prove you or your family members pose a "genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat". You are entitled to receive this decision in writing , stating all the grounds, and specifying how you can appeal and by when. ### See also: Read more about your non-EU family member's residence rights if they move with you to another EU country Documents you need for travel in the EU ### EU legislation - EU Decision on a simplified regime for the control of persons at the external borders - EU Regulation setting out a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals - EU Regulation on visa requirements for non-EU nationals - Guidance on the right of free movement of EU citizens and their families - EU Regulation establishing a Community code on visas - Visa Code Handbook I - Directive on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States ## Travel documents for non-EU nationals Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm > Documents required by non-EU nationals to enter or travel within the EU ### Passport, entry and visa requirements If you are a national from a country outside the EU wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a valid passport and possibly a visa . Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU and it must have been issued within the last 10 years. This means your travel document must have been issued within the previous 10 years the day you enter the EU on condition that it is valid until the end of your stay plus an additional 3 months . Children and minors must have their own passport and visa, if required. You may also have to produce other supporting documents to border officials upon arrival such as an invitation letter, proof of lodging, return or round-trip ticket. For the exact requirements contact the embassy / consulate of the EU country you are intending to visit. ### EU visa rules and the Schengen area The EU has a common set of visa rules which apply to short stays (that is up to 90 days in any 180-day period) and for transit through international transit areas of airports in the Schengen area. These rules apply in 29 European countries: 25 EU countries : Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden as well as 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Collectively these countries make up the Schengen area . ### Warning EU visa rules do not apply in Cyprus and Ireland . These countries issue visas under their own national rules. Check the embassy / consulate for more information on entry requirements and how to apply for a visa for one of these countries. If you have a valid visa or residence permit issued by one of the Schengen area countries (see above) you may also use it for travel to Cyprus. However, visas or residence permits issued by Cyprus are not valid for travel to countries in the Schengen area. Check the specific rules that apply if you have a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen . ### Travelling within the Schengen area Once you have crossed the external Schengen border and border guards have verified that your documents satisfy the entry requirements, you will not be subject to further checks when travelling within the Schengen area. In exceptional circumstances, Schengen countries may introduce temporary checks at their internal borders. These checks must be applied as a measure of last resort. Find more detailed information, including an overview of the countries which currently have these controls in place. If you plan to travel to or transit these countries, make sure you have your passport and other supporting documents with you. ### Applying for a short stay visa in the Schengen area up to 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen visa) Depending on your nationality you may need a visa . There are also a number of countries whose nationals are exempt from visa requirements for stays of 90 days or less. If you need a visa, you must apply to the consulate, embassy (or in some cases via an external service provider) of the country you are visiting before you travel. Read more about how to apply for a Schengen visa and the documents you need to submit. Your Schengen visa automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries (see list above). However, you may need a visa to visit countries that are not part of the Schengen area. Note that the list of countries whose nationals require visas to travel to Ireland differs slightly from other EU countries. ### Entry refusal As a non-EU national, if you don't fulfil the entry conditions set out in the Schengen Borders Code , an EU or Schengen country may refuse you entry. Under these rules you must have a: These rules also cover any alerts in the Schengen Information System , which could, if present, cause your entry and stay to be refused on the grounds of a threat to public policy, internal security, public health or the international relations of any EU or Schengen country. If you have been refused entry, you have the right to appeal this decision. Your appeal will be handled in accordance with national law in the country where you were refused entry. However, launching an appeal does not automatically suspend the decision to refuse entry. - valid travel document - visa (if needed, except if you hold a valid residence permit or a valid long stay visa) - justification for the purpose and specifics of your stay (including proof of sufficient financial means) ### See also: Travel documents for non-EU family members Travel documents for UK nationals and their family members residing in an EU country ### EU legislation - EU Decision on a simplified regime for the control of persons at the external borders - EU Regulation on visa requirements for non-EU nationals - The Schengen area ## Documents for minors travelling in the EU. Rules and authorisations needed Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/travel-documents-minors/index_en.htm > Documents for minors travelling in the EU.Rules, documents and authorisations needed ### Documents for minors travelling in the EU In addition to their own valid passport or ID card, all children travelling: may need an extra (official) document signed by their parents, second parent or legal guardian(s) authorising them to travel. There are no EU rules on this matter, each EU country decides if it requires the child to have an official authorisation from their parent(s) or guardian. Check the exact rules for the countries you are travelling to and from. - alone; or - with adults who are not their legal guardian; or - with only one parent ### Choose country Bear in mind that, even if a country does not require minors to carry an official authorisation to leave or enter its territory, other countries they transit through may ask the child to show one. - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden ### Warning When travelling by air it is highly recommended that you check with the airlines before departing as many require official authorisations and have their own specific forms for this purpose. As each country's rules may change without notice you are also encouraged to check with the authorities themselves or with the respective embassies or consulates . ### See also: Taking children abroad legally ## Travel documents for UK nationals and their family members residing in an EU country Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/uk-nationals-living-eu-country/index_en.htm > Documents needed for UK nationals and their non-EU family members residing in an EU country for travel to another EU country and the UK, how to get help in case of problems ### Travel documents for UK nationals and their family members residing in an EU country UK nationals with residence rights in an EU country under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement do not need a visa to enter their country of residence. Similarly, they do not need a visa when travelling to any other EU country for short stays, that is up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Non-EU family members of UK nationals covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, who would otherwise need a visa on the basis of their nationality , benefit from a visa exemption in their country of residence and for short stays in other EU countries which are part of the Schengen area (see below) only if they hold a residence document issued under EU law. The information on travel documents provided here also applies to UK nationals and their family members residing in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (Schengen area countries). These countries have concluded their own separation agreements with the UK, which contain similar provisions on citizen's rights to those in the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement. ### Travel to my EU country of residence You will need a passport and a residence document issued by your EU country of residence. The same rules apply to your non-EU family members who are covered by the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement. ### Important information on residence documents issued under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement In some EU countries, UK nationals were required to apply for a new residence status and were issued with a new Withdrawal Agreement residence document in the form of a biometric residence card (you can find a sample here ). You must carry this document with you when travelling or if you don't have this card yet, you must carry a certificate of application. We strongly recommend that you and your family members apply for the new biometric residence card, even if you reside in an EU country where you did not have to apply for a new residence status. As well as facilitating travel, this biometric residence card will exempt holders from the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) when they become operational. ### Travel to another Schengen area country UK national Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries travelling from their Schengen country of residence to another Schengen area country fall under the "visa free short stay rule" meaning they can travel visa free for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. In addition, in line with Schengen rules, any non-EU national legally resident in a Schengen area country, whether subject to a visa obligation or not, must have a residence document and a valid travel document for travel to another Schengen area country for a short stay. You will therefore need a residence document issued by your EU country of residence, as well as your passport when you travel to another Schengen area country. ### Non-EU Family members travelling to another EU or Schengen area country When travelling to the following EU and Schengen area countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, the residence document issued to your family members by one of these countries will allow them to benefit from a visa exemption for short stays, i.e. up to 90 days in any 180 day period. The residence document issued to your non-EU family member by one of the above EU and Schengen area countries will also allow them to benefit from a visa exemption when travelling to Cyprus for short stays. However, if your EU country of residence is Cyprus, the residence document issued to your family members does not exempt them from a visa for travel to the Schengen area countries. ### Passport stamping Depending on national law, border guards may stamp your passport when entering and exiting your country of residence. This practice does not serve any real purpose as the 90-day stay limitation does not apply to beneficiaries of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement (including their family members) when travelling to their EU country of residence. However, to prove your residence status and associated rights (i.e. the non-applicability of the 90-day stay limitation in a 180-day period), we advise you to show your national residence documents issued (under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement) in your EU country of residence when crossing an external Schengen border. Read more about the Rules for UK nationals when entering or leaving the Schengen area . ### Warning Residence documents issued by Ireland do not allow your non-EU family members to benefit from a visa exemption when travelling to any EU or Schengen area country. The same restriction applies for travel to Ireland, unless your non-EU family member holds a residence document issued under EU free movement rules. Read more about travelling in the EU with your non-EU family members , and how to apply for a visa if they need one. ### I am a UK national without any status under the EU-UK Withdrawal agreement When travelling to the Schengen area for short stays, you are not required to have a short-stay visa (Schengen visa) when crossing the external borders, if your intended stay is up to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. However, border guards will stamp your passport on entry to and exit from the Schengen area to ensure you respect this 90-day limitation. When the Entry/Exit System (EES) is operational, border guards will record your identity and travel document data, as well as your biometic data in the EES. The EES will also record your entry and exit dates at the external borders of the Schengen area, and automatically calculate the length of your stay. Likewise when the European Travel information Authorisation System (ETIAS) is in use, you will be required to have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation for short stays in the EU countries that require one. If you are planning to carry out a paid activity during your stay in the Schengen area, you may have to apply for a short-stay visa. Please check with the relevant consular authorities in the country you are travelling to for more information. Your non-EU family members may need a visa, depending on their nationality. Read more about travelling in the EU with your non-EU family members , and how to apply for a visa if they need one. ### I need help If you want to report a breach of your rights, you can contact the European Commission ## Package travel and timeshare rights Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/holidays/index_en.htm > What are your rights under EU law when buying package holidays, timeshares and entering other long-term holiday schemes in the EU. ### Package travel and timeshare Thinking about buying a timeshare or holiday club membership? Or are you considering a package holiday? In both cases, your purchase is covered by EU rules. Read up on what you should know before signing the contract and how to deal with any problems that might crop up afterwards: - Package travel and linked travel arrangements - Timeshare and long-term holiday contracts ## Package travel, package holidays and linked travel arrangements in the EU Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/holidays/package-travel/index_en.htm > Buying a package holiday or combination of linked travel services in the EU? Your rights when booking as well as during your holiday, and what you can do if things go wrong or the company goes bust. ### Package travel and linked travel arrangements As a holidaymaker booking a package holiday and/or linked travel arrangements, you benefit from a high level of consumer protection under EU rules. If you buy a package, you have well-defined rights before and throughout the booking process, and up until your holiday ends, for example the right to pre-contractual information, the organiser's liability for the proper performance of travel services included in your package and insolvency protection. These rights apply to packages purchased online or face-to-face, from a tour operator, travel agent, or any other trader that is acting as the organiser of the package. More limited rights apply to so-called "linked travel arrangements" (LTAs). ### Warning These rules do not cover stand-alone travel services (such as a flight or accommodation which are booked separately), certain types of business travel , packages sold on the basis of a framework agreement on an occasional, not-for-profit basis to a limited group of travellers, as well as packages lasting less than 24 hours unless they include accommodation. ### Package travel – different types of packages give you the same rights When you book a package holiday, you buy a combination of two or more different types of travel services for the same trip or holiday. These services can include transport, accommodation, car hire, or under specific conditions any other tourist service. Your package may be pre-arranged – consisting of a number of services combined by a tour operator or travel agent – or you may have a more customised package by choosing the services yourself before the contract is concluded. In both cases, EU rules apply as long as your travel package was purchased in a certain way. ### What is package travel? Your travel is considered as a package when: 1. You book travel services put together by or with the help of a trader , such as a tour operator or an online or offline travel agency under a single contract 2. You book travel services under separate contracts with individual providers and one of the following conditions is met: A combination of a travel service, such as accommodation, and another tourist service, such as a guided tour, admission to a concert or sports event, or rental of sports equipment, can only be classed as a package if the other tourist service accounts for 25% or more of the overall value of the trip, or if that service is an essential feature of the trip. - you buy services at a single point of sale (such as a travel agency, a call centre or a website) and you select the services before agreeing to pay, i.e. before you conclude the first contract. This is the case, for example, where different travel services are put into a shopping basket or are otherwise selected before a contract is concluded. - the services are sold to you at an inclusive or total price - the services were advertised/sold as a "package" or similar - travel services are combined after the conclusion of a contract under which you are entitled to choose from a selection of different travel services, for example a travel package gift box - Click-through package: you buy services from separate travel companies through a linked online booking process where the first company transmits your name, email address and payment details to the second company and the second contract is concluded within 24 hours of the first contract ### Sample story Michel from Belgium decided to organise his summer holiday through an online travel agency. The package he selected, a 2-week holiday in Italy, included flights, hotel accommodation and a number of day trips. As the total price for this all-inclusive package was very attractive, Michel decided to book his holiday. He finalised the booking, signed the contract and paid for his holiday via the online travel agency. ### Package travel – your right to clear and accurate information Before you book a package, the point of sale (booking website or app for example) or your travel agent must give you all the standard information about the package, such as the: You should also receive clear information on your rights , based on an EU standardised form, explaining that you have been offered a package and outlining your rights. - travel destination (itinerary, dates and duration of the stay, details of any transfers, visits or excursions) and a list of services included - name and contact details of the organiser of the package and, where it is sold through a retailer, of the retailer - total price, inclusive of all taxes and where applicable all additional fees, and the payment arrangements - information on how to terminate the contract before the start of the package on payment of an appropriate termination fee - information on passport and visa requirements - information on complaint-handling procedures, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and, where appropriate, the ADR entity . ### Package travel - changes to or termination of the contract Price increase: The organiser may increase the price of the package only if specific costs rise (for example, fuel prices). This must be clearly explained in the contract and cannot be applied any later than 20 days before the start of the package. If the price increase is more than 8% of the total price of the package, you have the right to end the package contract without a termination fee. If you cannot travel you may: These rights are independent of any rights you may have under a cancellation insurance policy that you have taken out. Cancellation by the organiser : Under normal conditions, if the organiser cancels the sale before the start of your package, you are entitled to a refund and compensation, where appropriate. Cancellation in exceptional circumstances : If a natural disaster occurs or if there are serious security problems at your holiday destination that are likely to affect the package, the organiser may cancel the package. As a traveller, you are also free to cancel your package free of charge for the same reasons. In these cases, you are entitled to a full refund of any payments you've made but you are not entitled to additional compensation. - Transfer the package to another person: under certain conditions, you can transfer your package to another person, although you can be charged a reasonable fee for this, up to the actual cost incurred by the organiser to transfer your package travel contract. - Terminate the contract: the organiser may however deduct a reasonable fee from your refund, depending, in particular, on the timing of your cancellation. ### Package travel – liability for proper performance of travel services The organiser is responsible for the proper performance of all travel services included in your package. If a travel service can't be provided as agreed, for example if a provider can't carry out an agreed service or can't do so in the agreed form (such as providing transport to or from your destination, providing the agreed type of accommodation, or carrying out a guided tour that you booked), the organiser has to resolve the problem at no extra cost to you . If it is impossible to make alternative arrangements or you reject the arrangements offered to you on valid grounds, and the package includes your transport (such as air travel), the organiser must offer to repatriate you. If the travel services do not reach the agreed standards and this cannot be resolved on the spot, you may also be entitled to compensation. ### Package travel - assistance to travellers If you get into difficulty during your package holiday, for example if you have health problems or lose your passport, the organiser has to give you assistance , such as information on health services or on consular assistance, and should help you find alternative travel arrangements if necessary. ### Linked travel arrangements Linked travel arrangements (LTAs) are two or more travel services you buy from different traders in separate contracts , but the services are linked . They are classed as linked travel arrangements when one trader facilities the booking of the subsequent services, and they are bought for the same trip or holiday. Linked travel arrangements only apply if the combination of travel services does not constitute a package (see above) and a trader facilitates: A combination of a travel service such as accommodation and another tourist service, such as a guided tour or admission to a concert, can only be classed as a linked travel arrangement if the additional service accounts for 25% or more of the overall value of the trip, or that service is an essential feature of the trip. ### Sample story Laura from Italy booked and paid for a flight for her holiday to Ireland directly with an airline. Shortly after receiving email confirmation for her flight, she got an email with a link to a hotel chain in Ireland offering a good deal for her stay in Ireland. Laura decided to take up this offer and concluded a contract with the hotel chain the same day. ### Linked travel arrangements – clear and accurate information The trader facilitating your linked travel arrangement must give you clear information on your rights , based on a standardised EU form, explaining that you have been offered a linked travel arrangement (not a package) and outlining your rights. ### Liability for booking errors These rules apply to packages and LTAs . When you book a holiday, the responsible trader (the travel agent or online travel agency) is liable if any of the following occurs during the booking process: Traders are not responsible for any booking errors made by you , or problems which are deemed unavoidable or are due to extraordinary circumstances. - technical defects in the booking system - errors made by the retailer if they are responsible for arranging the booking of a package or of travel services which are part of linked travel arrangements ### Protection in case of bankruptcy These rules apply to package travel and LTAs . If the trader you booked your holiday with goes bankrupt, you are protected by insolvency protection . This can be a fund, an insurance or any other mechanism in place in your EU country. This will refund any payments you may have made and will, if required, repatriate you if transport was included in your package or LTA. ## Timeshare and other long-term holiday contracts in the EU Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/holidays/timeshare/index_en.htm > Thinking of buying a timeshare or another long-term holiday product in the EU? What types of property are covered, what should you be aware of before you buy, and can you withdraw from the contract? ### Timeshare and other long-term holiday contracts in the EU Buying a traditional timeshare - the right to spend more than one period of time in the course of more than one year in a given property or properties - can be quite a minefield. The same is true of joining a long-term holiday scheme , such as a discount holiday club , which gives the right to discounts on accommodation or related benefits, sometimes in combination with travel or other services, for more than one year. Both conventional timeshares and the various long-term holiday schemes which have emerged over the years can involve a substantial long-term or permanent financial commitment. They also entail additional recurring costs (e.g. taxes, maintenance and insurance). ### Contractual terms - your rights The most recent EU rules, give you protection against unscrupulous traders when signing contracts for timeshares or long-term holiday schemes. These rules apply to contracts concluded as of 23 February 2011 (or later in some EU countries ). The rules also protect you when signing: Your rights extend to different types of timeshare property including: - resale contracts (you pay a professional to help you sell or buy a timeshare or holiday club membership) - exchange contracts (you pay to join a scheme allowing you to use accommodation or other services, while also allowing others to make temporary use of your own timeshare). - cruise boats - caravans - canal boats ### What you should know before buying Before you decide to go ahead, be aware of your rights which include: - Being informed in full of the terms of the agreement before you sign. You must be given the details in writing in your own language (if it is an official EU language). - A cooling-off period of 14 calendar days during which you can decide to withdraw from the contract without giving any reason. If you do not receive the standard withdrawal form required by the EU rules, this cooling-off period is extended to 1 year and 14 calendar days. - An extension of the cooling-off period to 3 months and 14 calendar days if you do not receive full information about the product you are buying. - The seller can never ask you to make an advance payment or a deposit during the cooling-off period. - When buying holiday club membership, payment must be made in equal instalments at yearly intervals. - You also have the right to terminate the holiday club contract, without incurring any penalty, from the second instalment onwards. Once you receive the request for the next payment, you have 14 calendar days to give notice of termination to the trader. - If you have also signed a linked exchange contract , this is also automatically terminated - at no cost to you - if you withdraw from the timeshare contract. - If, under a resale contract, you have employed a professional to help you sell your timeshare or holiday club membership, this professional cannot take any payment from you until your timeshare has been sold or the resale contract is otherwise terminated. ### Warning If your contract is a timeshare or long-term holiday scheme contract, you are covered by these rules even if the seller claims that they are not applicable. ### Unfair commercial practices and potentially unfair contractual terms Other things to be aware of include: For advice on problems in the country where you live contact your national consumer organisation , in case of a dispute with a seller in another EU country, contact the European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) to find out about your rights and the protection you are entitled to. You can also try to settle your dispute out-of-court using an alternative dispute resolution procedure. - unlawful misleading sales techniques such as the "winning scratch card" ploy: you win a prize and are taken to collect it to a timeshare sales event where you are pressed into signing a contract - suspicious timeshare resale offers, especially where you are persuaded to buy another property with the promise of selling the existing one: in these cases you could end up with 2 timeshare properties that you neither want or need! - suspicious offers from people claiming to be lawyers in another EU country to represent you, for a fee, in that country's courts, in your dispute with the seller - suspicious offers from people pretending to be able to "reclaim", for a fee, your payments to the timeshare seller - your timeshare seller (resort) may not unduly limit your right to privately sell, rent out or exchange your timeshare rights; or restrict your access to services; or raise maintenance payments without justification. If he does so based on the standard terms of your contract, these terms may be breaking the Unfair Contract Terms rules and therefore may not be binding on you. - consider the long-term, or even everlasting, effect of committing to a timeshare. Think carefully whether you will still want/be able to use it in some 10 or 20 years. Will your children, who may inherit your timeshare and be obliged to keep up the maintenance payments, want to use it? ### Sample story Patrick from Ireland signed a timeshare contract with a provider in Malta in 2013. The trader did not give him the standard withdrawal form or inform him that no advance payments or deposits could be accepted during the cooling-off period. He paid a deposit of €1 260 and set up a direct debit charge of €122.50 per month for 2 years. To book a holiday in one of the trader's properties, he needed a special code number from the trader, but despite repeated requests this was never supplied. One year on, he was still unable to book any holidays so he chose to withdraw from the contract, relying on the rules extending the withdrawal period to 1 year and 14 calendar days. By this stage he had paid €2 730. The trader would not accept the withdrawal or refund Patrick's money. Having sought advice from ECC Ireland , Patrick took legal action through the European Small Claims procedure, and the court ruled in his favour. Yet the trader still did not pay up. Following intervention by ECC Malta, Patrick finally got his money back. ### EU legislation - EU Directive on Unfair Commercial Practices - EU Directive on unfair terms in consumer contracts - European Parliament and Council Directive on timeshare and long-term holiday products ## Travel Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/index_en.htm > Entry and exit requirements within EU countries – which travel documents do you need to cross borders? Visas, identity cards, passports, etc. ### See also - Download the "Your Passenger Rights" app to your smartphone ( Google Android , Apple iOS ) - Passenger Rights Information Campaign - The European Health Insurance Card - Saving fuel costs with energy efficient tyres - Consular protection outside the EU - Emergency response coordination centre (ERCC) - If you are a non-EU national, you can find information on the conditions to migrate to an EU country - Roaming: Using a mobile phone in the EU ## Air passenger rights Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm > Travellers' rights - flight delays, cancellations and overbooking (passengers unable to fly on flight they booked) ### EU air passenger rights apply: EU means the 27 EU countries , including Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, Saint-Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands, but not the Faeroe Islands. EU rules also apply to flights to and from Iceland , Norway and Switzerland. - If your flight is within the EU and is operated either by an EU or a non-EU airline - If your flight arrives in the EU from outside the EU and is operated by an EU airline - If your flight departs from the EU to a non-EU country operated by an EU or a non-EU airline - If you have not already received benefits (compensation, re-routing, assistance from the airline) for flight related problems for this journey under the relevant law of a non-EU country. ### Warning A printed or electronic notice informing you of your EU air passenger rights must be clearly displayed at the airport check-in desk, at check-in kiosks and on-line. If you were denied boarding, your flight was cancelled, you experienced a delay of more than 2 hours at departure or you arrive with a long delay at your final destination, the airline must give you a written notice setting out the rules for compensation and assistance. ### What went wrong? - Your flight was cancelled - Your flight was delayed - You were denied boarding - Your flight was overbooked - Your flight was upgraded or downgraded - You missed your connecting flight - Your luggage was lost, damaged or delayed - Your rights as a passenger with disabilities or reduced mobility were not respected ### Denied boarding You may be denied boarding by the airline: If you have presented yourself on time for check-in with a valid flight reservation and travel documentation and you're denied boarding by the airline due to overbooking or for operational reasons, and you don't voluntarily give up your seat, you are entitled to: - For safety, security or health reasons (for example if you did not inform the airline in advance of any severe infectious diseases or allergies) or if you don't have the correct travel documents (more information on documents you need for travel in Europe ) - If you didn't take the outbound flight of a reservation which included a return flight - If you didn't take the other flight(s) included in a reservation with consecutive flights - If you don't have the relevant documentation for your pet when it is travelling with you - compensation - the right to choose between reimbursement, re-routing or rebooking at a later stage and - assistance ### Cancelled flight If your flight is cancelled you have the right to choose between reimbursement, re-routing or return. You are also entitled to assistance at the airport . If you were informed of the cancellation less than 14 days prior to the scheduled departure date, you have a right to compensation . The airline has the obligation to prove if and when you were personally informed that the flight was cancelled. If this is not the case you can contact your national authority for further assistance. However, compensation is not due if the carrier can prove that the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. The airline has to prove this by providing, for example, extracts from logbooks or incident reports. The air carrier should give this evidence to the relevant national enforcement body as well as to the passengers concerned in line with national provisions on access to documents. - your original flight schedule is abandoned, and you are transferred to another scheduled flight - the departure time of your flight is brought forward by more than 1 hour - the aircraft took off but, was forced to return to the airport of departure and you were transferred to another flight ### Delay If your flight is delayed at departure, you have the right to assistance , to reimbursement and a return flight , depending on the duration of the delay and the distance of the flight . If you arrived at your final destination with a delay of 3 hours or more , you are entitled to compensation , unless the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances . The airline has to prove this by providing, for example, extracts from logbooks or incident reports. The air carrier should give this evidence to the relevant national enforcement body as well as to the passengers concerned in line with national provisions on access to documents. ### Your flight was overbooked If you have presented yourself on time for check-in with a valid flight reservation and travel documentation and you're denied boarding due to overbooking or for operational reasons, and you don't voluntarily give up your seat, you are entitled to: - compensation - the right to choose between reimbursement, re-routing or rebooking at a later stage and - assistance from the airline ### Upgrading or downgrading If you are upgraded, the airline can't request any additional payment. If you are downgraded, you are entitled to reimbursement of a percentage of the price of your ticket, depending on the flight distance as follows: a) 30% - flights of 1 500 km or less b) 50% - flights within the EU of more than 1 500 km (except flights between the EU and French overseas departments), and all other flights between 1 500 and 3 500 km c) 75% - flights not falling under (a) or (b), including flights between the EU and French overseas departments. If you have 2 or more connecting flights included in a single ticket , you can only be reimbursed for the flight which was downgraded and not for the entire journey. The reimbursement should be paid within 7 days . ### You missed your connecting flight Connecting flights are journeys where you have to take more than one flight to get to your final destination. If you miss a connecting flight, and arrive at your final destination with a delay of more than 3 hours, you are entitled to compensation . This compensation is calculated according to the length of the delay and the distance to your final destination. You have a right to compensation if: - your flights were booked as part of a single reservation and - EU air passenger rights apply and - the delay to your arrival time was not caused by extraordinary circumstances ### Warning You are not entitled to compensation if you miss your connecting flight due to delays at security checks or if you did not respect the boarding time of your flight at the airport of transfer. ### Checked-in luggage If your checked-in luggage is lost, damaged or delayed, the airline is liable and you're entitled to compensation up to an amount of approximately € 1 300. However if the damage was caused by an inherent defect in the baggage itself, you're not entitled to any compensation . ### Hand luggage If your hand luggage is damaged the airline is liable if it was responsible for the damage. ### Travel insurance To ensure you have sufficient coverage when travelling with expensive items it's advisable to take out private insurance. If you do not wish to do so you can for a fee request a higher compensation limit (in excess of € 1 300) from the airline you are travelling with. This must be done in advance and at the latest when you check-in. ### How to complain If you want to file a claim for lost or damaged luggage, you should do it in writing to the airline within 7 days , or within 21 days of receiving your luggage if it was delayed . There is no standard EU-wide form. ### Compensation - denied boarding If you arrived on time for check‑in, you should always receive compensation if you're denied boarding . The only exception is if there were reasonable grounds to deny you boarding, such as health, safety, or security concerns. Or if you did not have the required travel documents. Even in cases where such grounds exist, airlines might still offer you compensation depending on the specific terms and conditions attached to your ticket. | Amount in EUR | Distance | |---|---| | 250 | 1 500 km or less | | 400 | More than 1 500 km within the EU and all other flights between 1 500 and 3 500 km | | 600 | More than 3 500 km | ### Connecting flight – one reservation with a single check-in If you are denied boarding because the airline operating the connecting flight deemed that you would arrive too late to board this flight (as your first flight was delayed) compensation is due. If the airline has offered you re-routing and you reach your final destination with a delay the compensation may be reduced by 50% as shown in the table below. ### Compensation if your flight is re-routed | Amount in EUR | Flights distance | Delay in reaching final destination | |---|---|---| | 125 | 1 500 or less | 2 hours or less | | 200 | More than 1 500 km within the EU and all other flights between 1 500 km and 3 500 km | 3 hours or less | | 300 | More than 3 500 km | 4 hours or less | ### Compensation - cancellation If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you, on a one off basis, a choice between: As soon as you have chosen one of these three options, you no longer have rights in relation to the other two options. However, the airline carrier may still have to provide compensation: You're not entitled to compensation : 1. the reimbursement of your ticket and, if you have a connecting flight, a return flight to the airport of departure at the earliest opportunity 2. re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or, 3. re-routing at a later date at your convenience under comparable transport conditions, subject to the availability of seats. - if you choose to have your ticket reimbursed – the compensation due will depend on the length of your flight - if you choose re-routing – the compensation due will depend on the length of your flight and the delay in reaching your final destination, past the original scheduled arrival time. - if you are informed more than 14 days in advance - if you are informed between 2 weeks and 7 days before the scheduled departure and you are offered re-routing which would allow you: to depart no more than 2 hours before the original scheduled time of departure and to reach your final destination less than 4 hours after the original scheduled time of arrival | Amount in EUR | Distance | |---|---| | 250 | 1 500 km or less | | 400 | More than 1 500 km within the EU and all other flights between 1 500 and 3 500 km | | 600 | More than 3 500 km | ### Compensation if your flight is re-routed You are not entitled to compensation in case of extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures have been taken. | Amount in EUR | Flights distance | Delay in reaching final destination | |---|---|---| | 125 | 1 500 km or less | 2 hours or less | | 200 | More than 1 500 km within the EU and all other flights between 1 500 km and 3 500 km | 3 hours or less | | 300 | More than 3 500 km | 4 hours or less | ### Compensation - delay at arrival - If you reach your final destination with a delay of 3 hours or more you are entitled to compensation if the delay is not caused by extraordinary circumstances . - If you miss a connecting flight travelling within the EU or outside the EU on a flight originating from an EU country, you should be entitled to compensation, if you arrive at your final destination with a delay of more than 3 hours . It is not relevant if the carrier operating the connecting flight is an EU or non-EU airline. - If you depart from a non-EU country to your final destination in an EU country, with connecting flights operated successively by non-EU and EU airlines or by EU airlines only, only the flights operated by EU airlines are taken into consideration for the right to compensation in case of a long delay on arrival at the final destination. - You are not entitled to compensation if you miss connecting flights due to delays at security checks or if you did not respect the boarding time of your flight at the airport of transfer. | Amount in EUR | Distance | Delay at arrival at final destination | |---|---|---| | 250 | 1 500 km or less | 3 hours or more | | 300 | More than 3 500 km for flights that either: (a) depart from the EU to a non-EU country, or (b) depart from a non-EU to an EU country and are operated by an EU airline | At least 3 hours but less than 4 | | 400 | More than 1 500 km within the EU and all other flights between 1 500 and 3 500 km | 3 hours or more | | 600 | More than 3 500 km (non-EU countries) | 4 hours or more | ### Compensation if your flight is re-routed | Amount in EUR | Flights distance | Delay in reaching final destination | |---|---|---| | 125 | 1 500 or less | 2 hours or less | | 200 | More than 1 500 km within the EU and all other flights between 1 500 km and 3 500 km | 3 hours or less | | 300 | More than 3 500 km | 4 hours or less | ### Compensation - denied boarding due to overbooking You should always receive compensation if you're denied boarding. | Amount in EUR | Distance | |---|---| | 250 | 1 500 km or less | | 400 | More than 1 500 km within the EU and all other flights between 1 500 and 3 500 km | | 600 | More than 3 500 km | ### Compensation if your flight is re-routed | Amount in EUR | Flights distance | Delay in reaching final destination | |---|---|---| | 125 | 1 500 or less | 2 hours or less | | 200 | More than 1 500 km within the EU and all other flights between 1 500 km and 3 500 km | 3 hours or less | | 300 | More than 3 500 km | 4 hours or less | ### Assistance in the event of denied boarding Airlines should provide assistance free of charge while you wait. In the event of travel disruption, you should make yourself known to the airline, to avoid a situation where you have to make your own arrangements. Airlines should also ensure, where available, that accommodation is accessible for people with disabilities and their service dogs. The assistance to be provided includes: If assistance is not offered and you paid for any of the above items out of your own pocket, the airline should reimburse you , provided the expenses were necessary, reasonable and appropriate. You should keep all receipts for this purpose. You only have the right to assistance as long as you have to wait for re-routing, under comparable transport conditions, to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or a return flight. In exceptional cases, the airline may decide to limit or decline assistance if it would cause further delay to passengers waiting for an alternative or a delayed flight. - Refreshments - Food - Accommodation (if you are rebooked to travel the next day) - Transport to your accommodation and return to the airport - 2 telephone calls, telex, fax messages or emails ### Warning Unless the terms and conditions of your ticket specify otherwise, you are not entitled to assistance if: - you were denied boarding on reasonable health, safety or security grounds - you did not have the required travel documents ### Assistance in the event of cancellation Airlines should offer you and provide assistance free of charge while you wait. In the event of travel disruption, you should make yourself known to the airline, to avoid a situation where you have to make your own arrangements. Airlines should also ensure, where available, that accommodation is accessible for people with disabilities and their service dogs. The assistance to be provided includes: If assistance is not offered and you paid for your own meals and refreshments etc., the airline should reimburse you , provided the expenses were necessary, reasonable and appropriate. You should keep all receipts for this purpose. You only have the right to assistance as long as you have to wait for re-routing, under comparable transport conditions, to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or a return flight. - Refreshments - Food - Accommodation (if you are rebooked to travel the next day) - Transport to your accommodation and return to the airport - 2 telephone calls, telex, fax messages or emails ### Assistance in the event of delay at departure If an airline expects that your flight will be delayed beyond the scheduled departure time, you are entitled to meals and refreshments, in proportion to the waiting time, and 2 free telephone calls, emails or faxes. The point at which you are entitled to these rights depends on the length of the delay and distance of your flight as follows: Where the new expected departure time is at least the day after the initially scheduled departure time, you are entitled to hotel accommodation and transport to and from the airport and your accommodation (if you need to stay overnight). Airlines should offer you and provide assistance free of charge while you wait. In the event of travel disruption, you should make yourself known to the airline, to avoid a situation where you have to make your own arrangements. Airlines should also ensure, where available, that accommodation is accessible for people with disabilities and their service dogs. If assistance is not offered and you paid for your own meals and refreshments, the airline should reimburse you , provided the expenses were necessary, reasonable and appropriate. You should keep all receipts for this purpose. You only have the right to assistance as long as you have to wait for re-routing, under comparable transport conditions, to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or a return flight. - a delay of two hours or more for flights of 1,500km or less - a delay of three hours or more for intra-EU flights of more than 1,500km and for all other flights between 1,500 and 3,000km - a delay of four hours or more for all other flights ### Assistance in the event of denied boarding due to overbooking - Refreshments - Food - Accommodation (if you are rebooked to travel the next day) - Transport to your accommodation and return to the airport - 2 telephone calls, telex, fax messages or emails ### Reimbursement, re-routing or rebooking in the event of denied boarding The airline must offer you, on a oneoff basis, a choice between : As soon as you have chosen one of these three options, you no longer have rights in relation to the other two options . However, the airline may still have to provide compensation depending on the distance of your flight and the length of the delay past your original planned arrival time. However, if the outbound and return flights are operated by different airlines, but were part of a single reservation, in the event that the outbound flight was cancelled, you have the following rights: 1. the reimbursement of your ticket and, if you have a connecting flight, a return flight to the airport of departure at the earliest opportunity 2. re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or , 3. re-routing at a later date at your convenience under comparable transport conditions (i.e. ‘rebooking'), subject to the availability of seats. - If the airline does not comply with its obligation to offer re-routing or return under comparable transport conditions at the earliest opportunity, it has to reimburse your flight costs . - If the airline does not offer you the choice between reimbursement and re-routing but decides unilaterally to reimburse your original ticket, you are entitled to an additional reimbursement of the price difference with the new ticket (under comparable transport conditions). - If you booked an outbound and a return flight separately with different airlines and the outbound flight is cancelled, reimbursement is only due for the cancelled flight. - Compensation - A choice between the reimbursement of your entire ticket (outbound and return flights) or re-routing on another flight for the outbound flight ### Warning Unless the terms and conditions of your ticket specify otherwise, you are not entitled to reimbursement or re‑rerouting if: - you were denied boarding on reasonable health, safety or security grounds - you did not have the required travel documents ### Reimbursement, re-routing or rebooking in the event of cancellation The airline must offer you, on a one off basis, a choice between : If the outbound and return flights are operated by different airlines, but were part of a single reservation, in the event that the outbound flight was cancelled, you have the following rights: 1. the reimbursement of your ticket and, if you have a connecting flight, a return flight to the airport of departure at the earliest opportunity 2. re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or , 3. re-routing at a later date at your convenience under comparable transport conditions, subject to the availability of seats. - If the airline does not comply with its obligation to offer re-routing or return under comparable transport conditions at the earliest opportunity, it has to reimburse your flight costs . - If the airline does not offer you the choice between reimbursement and re-routing but decides unilaterally to reimburse your original ticket, you are entitled to an additional reimbursement of the price difference with the new ticket (under comparable transport conditions). - If you booked an outbound and a return flight separately with different airlines and the outbound flight is cancelled, reimbursement is only due for the cancelled flight. - Compensation - A choice between the reimbursement of your entire ticket (outbound and return flights) or re-routing on another flight for the outbound flight ### Reimbursement and a return flight in the event of a long delay (5 hours or more) at departure If your flight is delayed at least 5 hours at departure, the airline must reimburse your ticket and, if you have a connecting flight, offer a return to the airport of departure at the earliest opportunity. ### Reimbursement, re-routing or rebooking in the event of denied boarding due to overbooking 1. the reimbursement of your ticket and, if you have a connecting flight, a return flight to the airport of departure at the earliest opportunity 2. re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or , 3. re-routing at a later date at your convenience under comparable transport conditions, subject to the availability of seats. - If the airline does not comply with its obligation to offer re-routing or return under comparable transport conditions at the earliest opportunity, it has to reimburse your flight costs . - If the airline does not offer you the choice between reimbursement and re-routing but decides unilaterally to reimburse your original ticket, you are entitled to an additional reimbursement of the price difference with the new ticket (under comparable transport conditions). - If you booked an outbound and a return flight separately with different airlines and the outbound flight is cancelled, reimbursement is only due for the cancelled flight. - Compensation - A choice between the reimbursement of your entire ticket (outbound and return flights) or re-routing on another flight for the outbound flight ### Extraordinary circumstances - Cancellation Extraordinary circumstances can lead to cancellation(s) or delay(s) at the final destination. Examples of events defined as extraordinary circumstances are air traffic management decisions , political instability , adverse weather conditions and security risks . Situations which are not considered as extraordinary circumstances include: Any strike external to an air carrier that affects the operation of the airline may be considered as extraordinary circumstances. However, to be exempted from paying compensation, the airline must prove that: i) there is a link between the extraordinary circumstances and the delay or the cancellation, and ii) the delay or cancellation could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. If the airline does not provide you with a satisfactory explanation, you can contact your national authority for further assistance. - most technical problems which come to light during aircraft maintenance or are caused by failure to maintain an aircraft - collision of mobile boarding stairs with an aircraft - strikes by air carrier staff (internal strike action) ### Extraordinary circumstances - Delay - most technical problems which come to light during aircraft maintenance or are caused by failure to maintain an aircraft - collision of mobile boarding stairs with an aircraft - strikes by air carrier staff (internal strike action) ### Claim your rights If you think your rights have not been respected, there are several forms of redress you can use. However you should always send your complaint to the airline first . You can also consult your local European Consumer Centre for help and advice on problems related to air passenger rights. ### Complain to the airline You should always send your complaint to the airline first using the complaint form provided by the airline. ### Warning The outbound and return flights are always considered as two separate flights even if they were booked as part of one reservation. In some cases the airline operating the flight (also known as the operating air carrier) may not be the same as the one from which you bought your ticket. In case of any difficulties only the airline which operates the flight can be held responsible. In cases where an airline hires (under a wet lease) an aircraft including crew from another airline, the airline which hires the aircraft has operational responsibility for the flight and is regarded as the operating airline under EU rules (specifically Regulation 261/2004). ### Complain to national authorities If you don't receive a reply from the airline within 2 months or if you are not satisfied with the reply, you can lodge a complaint with the relevant national authority in the country where the incident took place, within a reasonable timeframe. The national authority should provide you with a non-binding legal opinion on how to proceed with your claim. ### Use alternative dispute resolution entities You can also try to resolve your dispute using out-of-court procedures or an alternative dispute resolution entity . Access to alternative dispute resolution procedures is only available to EU residents. ### Going to court You may wish to resort to formal legal action and present a claim for compensation under EU rules using the European Small Claims procedure . For flights operated by an EU airline, you can submit your claim either at the place of arrival or departure. The same rule applies to connecting flights, which are part of a single reservation, but which may be operated by different air carriers. You may also bring the matter before the courts in the country where the airline is registered. If the airline is not registered in an EU country, you can submit your case to the courts in the EU country where your flight arrived, departed or connected. The time limits for bringing an action against an airline in a national court are defined in accordance with national rules on the limitation of actions in each EU country. ### Warning Important information for people submitting a claim to a claims agency: Information notice on relevant EU consumer protection, marketing and data protection law applicable to claim agencies' activities in relation to Regulation 261/2004 on air passenger rights. ### FAQs - Assistance to passenger for flight disruptions due to the situation in the Middle East - FAQs - Air passenger rights ### EU legislation - EU Regulation on air carrier liability in respect of the carriage of passengers and their baggage - EU Regulation on common rules for the operation of air services - EU Regulation on air passenger rights - European Commission Interpretative Guidelines concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air - European Commission Interpretative Guidelines on air passenger rights ## Bus passenger rights Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/bus-and-coach/index_en.htm > Travellers' rights – delays, cancellations and overbooking when travelling by bus or coach ### Bus and coach passenger rights EU rules on bus and coach rights apply if your journey starts or finishes in an EU country , and mainly apply to regular long-distance bus and coach services. These rights apply if you are travelling with regular services that operate along specified routes where passengers are picked up and set down at predefined stopping points according to a set timetable. Long-distance means that the scheduled distance of the service, not your individual trip, is 250 km or more. Throughout your journey, the bus or coach carrier must provide clear and correct information about the service and your passenger rights. This information should also be made available in a format accessible for people with disabilities . ### What went wrong? - Your bus or coach services was cancelled - Your bus or coach service was delayed at departure - Your bus or coach service left before the scheduled departure time - Your luggage was lost or damaged in an accident - You were injured in a bus or coach accident - You are a dependant of a victim of a fatal bus or coach accident - Your rights as a passenger with disabilities or reduced mobility were not respected ### How to claim your rights? If you think your rights have not been respected, you should make a complaint to the bus or coach company within 3 months of the scheduled service during which the problem occurred. The bus or coach company must react within 1 month and give you a final reply 3 months after receiving your complaint. If you are not satisfied with the reply, you can lodge a complaint with the relevant national authority in your country. The national authority should provide you with a non-binding legal opinion on how to proceed with your claim. You may wish to resort to formal legal action and submit a claim for compensation under EU rules using the European Small Claims procedure . You may also bring the matter before the courts in the country where the bus or coach company is registered. The time limits for bringing an action against a bus or coach company in a national court are defined in accordance with national rules on the limitation of actions in each EU country. You can also consult your local European Consumer Centre for help and advice on problems related to bus or coach passenger rights. ### Your bus or coach service was cancelled If the scheduled bus or coach service you're booked on is cancelled, the bus / coach carrier or the terminal managing body must inform you of the situation as soon as possible - and no later than 30 minutes after the scheduled departure time. If your long distance (250 km or more) coach or bus service is cancelled due to overbooking, an early departure or for operational reasons, the company must offer you a choice between: If your long-distance (250 km or more) coach or bus service is cancelled and the duration of the journey was scheduled to last more than 3 hours, you are also entitled to: - the reimbursement of your ticket within 14 days and, where necessary, a free return service to the initial departure point of the service at the earliest opportunity (if the delay prevents you from fulfilling the purpose of your trip) or - continuing your journey or re-routing to your final destination under comparable conditions at no extra cost at the earliest opportunity - snacks, meals or refreshments, in proportion to the waiting time, provided they are available or can reasonably be supplied on the bus or in the terminal - accommodation if you have to stay overnight – for up to 2 nights, at a maximum rate of €80 per night – and transport to your accommodation and return to the terminal ### Warning If your bus or coach service was cancelled due to severe weather conditions or a natural disaster endangering the safe operation of the bus or coach, the carrier does not have to cover accommodation expenses or transport costs to your accommodation. ### Your bus or coach service was delayed at departure If the scheduled bus or coach service you're booked on is delayed at departure (for road safety reasons), the bus / coach carrier or the terminal managing body must inform you: If your long-distance (250 km or more) coach or bus service is delayed at departure for more than 2 hours, the bus company must offer you a choice between: If the carrier of the service does not offer you these options when the delay occurs, you can submit a complaint at a later stage, and claim a refund of your ticket as well as compensation equal to 50% of the ticket price. The carrier must pay this compensation within 1 month of your request. If your long-distance (250 km or more) coach or bus service was scheduled to last more than 3 hours and the departure is delayed by more than 90 minutes, in addition to the above, you are also entitled to: - of the situation as soon as possible - and no later than 30 minutes after the scheduled departure time, and - of the estimated departure time as soon as this information is available. - the reimbursement of your ticket and, where necessary, a free return service to the initial departure point of the service at the earliest opportunity (if the delay prevents you from fulfilling the purpose of your trip), or - continuing your journey or re-routing under comparable conditions, to your final destination at the earliest opportunity at no extra cost - snacks, meals or refreshments in proportion to the waiting time, provided they are available or can reasonably be supplied on the bus or in the terminal - accommodation if you have to stay overnight – for up to 2 nights, at a maximum rate of €80 per night – and transport to your accommodation and return to the terminal. ### Warning If the delay was caused by severe weather conditions or a natural disaster, the carrier does not have to cover accommodation costs. ### Your bus or coach service left before the scheduled departure time If your bus or coach left before the scheduled departure time, it is considered as a cancellation. In this case, you have the same rights that apply when a bus or coach service is cancelled . ### Your luggage was lost or damaged in an accident If your luggage or other personal belongings are lost or damaged because of a bus or coach accident on a long-distance journey (250 km or more) you have a right to compensation. The exact amount of compensation is set by national rules. If your wheelchair or other mobility aid is damaged or lost, you are entitled to compensation to cover the cost of replacing or repairing it. ### Warning Your luggage was lost or stolen during your journey EU rules do not apply if your luggage is lost or stolen during your bus or coach journey but you may be able to make a claim under national rules. Contact the bus or coach carrier and check the terms and conditions of your ticket for more information. ### You were injured in a bus or coach accident If you are injured in a bus or coach accident during a long-distance journey (250 km or more), you are entitled to compensation. The exact amount of compensation is set by national rules. The bus or coach carrier must also help provide first aid, for example by calling an ambulance, and provide for any other immediate practical needs you may have, including food, clothes and, if necessary, accommodation. ### You are a dependant of a victim of a fatal bus or coach accident If you are a dependant of a victim of a fatal bus or coach accident, you have the right to compensation, including funeral expenses. The exact amount of compensation is set by national rules. ### Need support from assistance services? Questions about passenger rights / how to complain? Get help or advice from your country's European consumer centre ## Passenger rights Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/index_en.htm > Passengers' rights - know your rights when flying and travelling by train, bus or ship ### Passenger rights Have you experienced delays and cancellations? As an air, rail, ship or bus passenger, you have rights when travelling in the EU . Download the "Your Passenger Rights" app to your smartphone ( Google Android , Apple iOS ) - Air passenger rights - Rail passenger rights - Bus and coach passenger rights - Ship passenger rights ## Rail passenger rights Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/rail/index_en.htm > Train passengers' rights in the EU, in the event of delays and cancellations. ### Rail passenger rights EU rules on rail passenger rights apply when you travel by rail within the EU , and generally apply to all rail journeys and services. ### Warning EU countries can decide to exempt some rail services. These exceptions may apply to urban, suburban, regional, long-distance domestic trains and trains which are operated strictly for historical or touristic purposes. EU countries can also exempt international trains travelling from their territory to non-EU countries - where most of the journey occurs outside the EU and includes at least one scheduled stop in a non-EU country. EU countries cannot however exempt cross-border international rail journeys between EU countries. Always check before you book your rail trip. When you buy your ticket, the railway company or ticket vendor must give you clear information on: During your trip, the train operator must give information about on-board services (including Wi-Fi), the next station, disruptions and delays, security and safety issues and main connecting services. If your train is delayed or cancelled, the operator must give you information on the situation in real time and provide information on your rights and obligations. - general conditions applicable to your journey - journeys including one or more connections, if the ticket (or tickets) you bought is a through-ticket - time schedules and conditions for all available fares, in particular the lowest fares, as well as time schedules and conditions for the fastest trip - any disruptions or delays (planned and real time updates) - accessibility, access conditions and availability on board of facilities for people with disabilities or reduced mobility - services available on board (including Wi-Fi and toilets) - available capacity for bicycles, and rules for travelling with a bicycle - procedures for reclaiming lost luggage - complaint procedures - your passenger rights under EU rules and what to do if your train is cancelled or delayed ### What went wrong? - Your train was cancelled - Your train was delayed - You missed your connection - Your luggage was lost, damaged or delayed - You were injured in a train accident - You are a dependant of a victim of a fatal train accident - Your rights as a passenger with disabilities or reduced mobility were not respected ### How to claim your rights? If you think your rights have not been respected, you should first send your complaint (within 3 months of the incident) to the railway company, who must reply within 1 month with a reasoned reply. In duly justified cases, the railway company may reply within 3 months. If you don't receive a reply from the railway company, you can complain to the the relevant national authority in your country . If you did get a reply from the railway company but were not satisfied, you can also complain to the relevant national authority in your country within 3 months of the rejection of your complaint by the railway company. You should address your complaint to the national authority that granted the railway company's licence. The national authority's complaint-handling procedure should take a maximum of 3 months (or six months for complex cases). The national authority should provide you with a non-binding legal opinion on how to proceed with your claim. You can also try to resolve your dispute using out-of-court procedures or an alternative dispute resolution entity . Alternative dispute resolution is only available to EU residents. You may wish to resort to formal legal action and submit a claim for compensation under EU rules using the European Small Claims procedure . You may also bring the matter before the courts in the country where the rail operator is registered. The time limits for bringing an action against a railway operator in a national court are defined in accordance with national rules on the limitation of actions in each EU country. You can also consult your local European Consumer Centre for help and advice on problems related to rail passenger rights. ### Your train was cancelled If you are delayed due to a cancelled train, meaning you would arrive at your final destination with a delay of more than 60 minutes, you have the right to choose between: - a refund of your ticket within 30 days – this may be a full or partial refund (covering the part of the journey not made), and a return journey to your initial point of departure, if, the delay due to the cancelled train prevents you from fulfilling the purpose of your trip, or - continuing or re-routing your journey under comparable conditions to reach your final destination at the earliest opportunity, at no additional cost, or - continuing or re-routing your journey at a later date of your choosing under comparable conditions, at no additional cost. This includes alternative transport to get you to your final destination when the train is blocked and the service is suspended. ### Assistance and alternative travel arrangements In addition, you are entitled to assistance in the form of meals and refreshments (proportionate to the waiting time). You also have a right to a hotel or other accommodation - where and when physically possible - if you have to stay overnight or an additional stay is necessary due to the cancelled train. This includes a right to transport between the hotel/accommodation and the station. In the event of a cancellation, the railway company may allow you, upon request, to make your own alternative travel arrangements with other transport service providers (including rail and other modes of transport) which would enable you to reach your final destination under comparable conditions. In this case, the railway company will reimburse the costs you incurred. However, if the railway company does not inform you of the available re-routing options within 100 minutes of the scheduled departure of the cancelled train, you are entitled to make your own alternative travel arrangements without the agreement of the railway company with other public transport services i.e. rail, coach or bus. The railway company must then reimburse the necessary, appropriate and reasonable costs that you incurred making these alternative arrangements. Even if you decide to continue your journey as planned or accept alternative transport to your destination, you may also be entitled to compensation if your arrival is delayed by 60 minutes or more. Note that national rules in some EU countries may grant more favourable re-routing conditions to passengers. ### Compensation – cancellation The railway undertaking must pay this compensation within 1 month of your request. You will not receive compensation if: - 25% of the ticket price if the delay is between 1 and 2 hours - 50% of the ticket price if the delay is 2 hours or more - you were informed of a delay caused by a train cancellation before you bought your ticket - the delay - due to continuing your journey with a different service or re-routing is less than 1 hour - you opted for a refund of your ticket - the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances ### How to request the reimbursement of your ticket or make a claim for compensation Some railway companies may have their own online system or form to process reimbursement or compensation requests. Alternatively, you can use the EU-wide form to ask for the reimbursement of your ticket and/or make a claim for compensation. You can submit your request either electronically or on paper directly to any railway company in the EU. As the use of this form is not mandatory, you can opt to use the form provided by the railway instead. Note that you may have to submit your request within a specific deadline, check with the railway company in the relevant EU country. ### Extraordinary circumstances - cancellation Compensation is not due if the railway company can prove that the cancellation was caused by events, the consequences of which, the railway company could not prevent or avoid even if all reasonable measure had been taken, for example: In these situations you are not entitled to compensation, however, your other rights, i.e. the reimbursement of your ticket or re-routing and assistance, continue to apply . Note that strikes by rail company staff are not considered as extraordinary circumstances. - Extreme weather conditions, major natural disasters or pandemics – incidents not related to the operation of the railway. - Individuals on the rail tracks, cable theft, on-board emergencies, law enforcement activities, sabotage or terrorism – events linked to the conduct of a third party. ### Your train was delayed If you are informed at departure that your train will arrive at your final destination with a delay of 60 minutes or more, you have the right to: - a refund of your ticket within 30 days – this may be a full or partial refund (covering the part of the journey not made), and a return journey to your initial point of departure, if the delay prevents you from fulfilling the purpose of your trip, or - continuing or re-routing your journey under comparable conditions to reach your final destination at the earliest opportunity, at no additional cost, or - continuing or re-routing your journey at a later date of your choosing under comparable conditions, at no additional cost. This includes alternative transport to get you to your final destination when the train is blocked and the service is suspended. ### Assistance and alternative arrangements If your rail service has a delay at departure or arrival of 60 minutes or more, you are entitled to assistance in the form of meals and refreshments (proportionate to the waiting time). You also have a right to a hotel or other accommodation – where and when physically possible - if you have to stay overnight or an additional stay is necessary due to the delayed train. This includes a right to transport between the hotel/accommodation and the station. If you are informed at departure that your train will arrive at your final destination with a delay of 60 minutes or more, the railway company may allow you, upon request, to make your own alternative travel arrangements with other transport service providers (including rail and other modes of transport) which would enable you to reach your final destination under comparable conditions. In this case, the railway company will reimburse the costs you incurred. However, if the railway company does not inform you of the available re-routing options within 100 minutes of the scheduled departure of the delayed train, you are entitled to make your own alternative travel arrangements without the agreement of the railway company with other public transport services i.e. rail, coach or bus. The railway company must then reimburse the necessary, appropriate and reasonable costs that you incurred making these alternative arrangements. Even if you decide to continue your journey as planned or accept alternative transport to your destination, you may also be entitled to compensation if your arrival is delayed 60 minutes or more. Note that national rules in some EU countries may grant more favourable re-routing conditions to passengers. Note that national rules in some EU countries and/or the terms and conditions of some railway companies may allow for more favourable compensation conditions to passengers. - 25% of the ticket price if the delay is between 1 and 2 hours - 50% of the ticket price if the delay is 2 hours or more - you were informed of a delay before you bought your ticket - the delay - due to continuing your journey with a different service or re-routing is less than hour - you opted for a refund of your ticket - the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances ### How to request the reimbursement of your ticket or make a claim for compensation Some railway companies may have their own online system or form to process reimbursement or compensation requests. Alternatively, you can use the EU-wide form to ask for the reimbursement of your ticket and / or make a claim for compensation. ### Extraordinary circumstances - delay Compensation is not due if the railway company can prove that the delay was caused by events, the consequences of which, the railway company could not prevent or avoid even if all reasonable measure had been taken, for example: In these situations you are not entitled to compensation, however, your other rights, the reimbursement of your ticket or re-routing and assistance, continue to apply . Note that strikes by rail company staff are not considered as extraordinary circumstances. - Extreme weather conditions, major natural disasters or pandemics – incidents not related to the operation of the railway - Individuals on the rail tracks, cable theft, on-board emergencies, law enforcement activities, sabotage or terrorism – events linked to the conduct of a third party. ### You missed your connection If you have a through-ticket for a train journey that involves one or more train connections (to reach your final destination) and you miss your connection(s), and it is expected that you will arrive at your final destination with a delay of 60 minutes or more due to this missed connection, you have the right to: - a refund of your ticket within 30 days – this may be a full or partial refund (covering the part of the journey not made), and a return journey to your initial point of departure, if the delay due to the missed connection prevents you from fulfilling the purpose of your trip, or - continuing or re-routing your journey under comparable conditions to reach your final destination at the earliest opportunity, at no additional cost, or - continuing or re-routing your journey at a later date of your choosing under comparable conditions, at no additional cost. This includes alternative transport to get you to your final destination when the train is blocked and the service is suspended. ### Assistance and alternative arrangements If your rail service has a delay at departure or arrival of 60 minutes or more, you are entitled to assistance in the form of meals and refreshments (proportionate to the waiting time). You also have a right to a hotel or other accommodation – where and when physically possible - if you have to stay overnight or an additional stay is necessary due to the missed connection. This includes a right to transport between the hotel/accommodation and the station. Your rights in the event of a missed connection apply if you have a through-ticket for your train journey. You should be informed before purchasing your ticket (or tickets) if the ticket is a through-ticket. If you are travelling on individual tickets these rights do not apply but there might be arrangements in place between your railway company and other railway companies to ensure the continuation of your journey in the event of a missed connection (e.g. “Hop on the next available train” (HOTNAT) or the “Agreement on Journey Continuation” (AJC)). If you are informed at departure that your train will arrive at your final destination with a delay of 60 minutes or more, the railway company may allow you, upon request, to make your own alternative travel arrangements with other transport service providers (including rail and other modes of transport) which enable you to reach your final destination under comparable conditions. In this case, the railway company will reimburse the costs you incurred. ### Compensation – delay due to a missed connection Note that national rules in some EU countries and/or the terms and conditions of some railway companies may grant more favourable compensation conditions to passengers. - 25% of the ticket price if the delay is between 1 and 2 hours - 50% of the ticket price if the delay is more than 2 hours - you were informed of a delay before you bought your ticket - the delay due to continuing your journey with a different service or re-routing is less than 1 hour - you opted for a refund of your ticket - the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances ### Extraordinary circumstances - missed connection due to a delay Compensation is not due if the railway company can prove that the delay which caused you to miss your connection(s) was due to events, the consequences of which, the railway company could not prevent or avoid even if all reasonable measure had been taken, for example: In these situations, you are not entitled to compensation, however, your other rights, the reimbursement of your ticket or re-routing and assistance, continue to apply . Note that strikes by rail company staff are not considered as extraordinary circumstances. - extreme weather conditions, major natural disasters or pandemics – incidents not related to the operation of the railway - individuals on the rail tracks, cable theft, on-board emergencies, law enforcement activities, sabotage or terrorism – events linked to the conduct of a third party. ### Your luggage, mobility equipment was lost, damaged or delayed You may take items of luggage (including animals), that can be easily handled on board with you. Other large or bulky items, such as articles or animals likely to annoy, inconvenience or cause damage to other passengers, should be sent as registered luggage (in line with your rail operator's general conditions of carriage). These items will be transported in the baggage car of the train. If your registered luggage is lost or damaged, you have a right to compensation except in certain circumstances, such as where your luggage was inadequately packed or unfit for transport. If there is a delay in the delivery of your registered luggage, you also have a right to compensation, unless this was due to a mistake on your part or because of circumstances beyond the control of the train operator. If your wheelchair or other mobility aid is damaged or lost by the railway company or station manager, you are entitled to compensation to cover the cost of replacing or repairing it. The cost of a temporary replacement is also covered, where these costs are reasonable. Compensation is also due for the loss of or injury to your assistance dog by the railway company or station manager. ### Compensation amounts If you have been injured in a train accident, or you are a dependant of a victim of a fatal train accident, you are entitled to compensation of up to a maximum amount of €1,400 for lost or damaged hand luggage (this also applies to any animals you may have brought with you). - Up to €1,200 per piece of registered luggage if you can prove the value of its contents - €300 per piece of registered luggage if you can't prove the value of its contents ### You were injured in a train accident If you are injured in a train accident, you are entitled to compensation, with an advance payment to be made within 15 days of the accident to cover your immediate needs. ### You are a dependant of a victim of a fatal train accident If you are a dependant of a victim of a fatal train accident, you have the right to compensation, with an advance payment to be made within 15 days of the accident to cover your immediate needs. This advance payment is at least €21,000 per victim. ## Ship passenger rights Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/ship/index_en.htm > Travellers' rights – delays, cancellations and overbooking when travelling by ship or boat ### Rights in the event of delays and cancellations EU rules on ship passenger rights usually apply when you travel on most ferries and cruise ships by sea or on inland waterways (rivers, lakes or canals) and if you: These rules do not apply to: Throughout your journey, the operator has to provide clear and correct information about the service and your passenger rights, including access conditions for people with disabilities or reduced mobility . This information should also be available in a format accessible for people with disabilities. - sail from an EU port - sail to an EU port from a port outside the EU, if the service is operated by an EU transport company - sail from an EU port on a pleasure/recreational cruise if accommodation is offered together with other facilities, with more than 2 overnight stays on board. - ships that can carry up to 12 passengers - ships that have no more than 3 crew members - ships that cover a distance of less than 500 metres – one way - most types of historical ships - excursions and sightseeing ships – if they do not have accommodation facilities, or if the overnight stay does not exceed 2 nights on board. ### Rights in the event of incidents at sea EU rules also cover you, your luggage, your vehicle and if relevant, your mobility equipment in the event of an incident at sea. These rules also set out the carrier's liabilities in this respect. These rules may apply to domestic sea journeys as well as all international journeys where: Before you travel the carrier must provide you with clear and appropriate information on your rights if you buy your ticket in an EU country or at the latest upon departure if you leave from a non-EU country. - the ship is registered in an EU country - the contract for the journey was concluded in an EU country - the ship departs and/or arrives in an EU port ### What went wrong? - Your ship's crossing was cancelled - Your ship's crossing was delayed at departure - Your ship arrived with a delay - Your luggage was lost, delayed or damaged during a voyage at sea - You were injured in an incident at sea - You are the dependent of a victim of a fatal incident at sea - Your rights as a passenger with disabilities or reduced mobility were not respected ### Your ship's crossing was cancelled If the ferry or cruise you are booked on is cancelled, the carrier or the body managing the terminal has to inform you of the new estimated departure and arrival times as soon as that information is available. If the service is cancelled, the carrier must offer you a choice between: If you choose re-routing, you may also have the right to compensation if you arrive at your final destination with a delay. ### Warning The right to choose between reimbursement and re-routing does not apply to passengers travelling on a cruise. If you miss a connecting transport service because of a cancellation, the carrier must make reasonable efforts to inform you of alternative connections. This does not apply if you are travelling on a cruise. You are also entitled to assistance in the form of: You are not entitled to accommodation if the cancellation was caused by severe weather conditions. - snacks, meals or refreshments, in proportion to the waiting time, provided they are available or can reasonably be supplied on the ship or in the terminal - accommodation on board or ashore if you have to stay overnight and transport to your accommodation and return to the terminal. The carrier may limit the total cost of the accommodation ashore to € 80 per night for a maximum of 3 nights. ### Your ship's crossing was delayed at departure If the ferry or cruise you are booked on is delayed at departure, the carrier or the body managing the terminal must inform you of the new estimated departure and arrival times as soon as that information is available. If the service is delayed by more than 90 minutes, you will be offered a choice between: ### Warning If you miss a connecting transport service because of a delay, the carrier must make reasonable efforts to inform you of alternative connections. This does not apply if you are travelling on a cruise. You are not entitled to accommodation if the delay at departure was caused by severe weather conditions. - snacks, meals or refreshments, in proportion to the waiting time, provided they are available or can reasonably be supplied on the ship or in the terminal - accommodation on board or ashore - if you have to stay overnight and transport to your accommodation and return to the terminal. The carrier may limit the total cost of the accommodation ashore to € 80 per night for a maximum of 3 nights. ### Your ship arrived with a delay If your arrival at your destination is delayed you may be entitled to compensation . The amount you receive depends on the length of the delay - the minimum level of compensation is 25% up to a maximum of 50% of the ticket price. The operator must pay this compensation within 1 month of your request. | Length of scheduled journey | Compensation minimum 25% of the ticket price | Compensation 50% of the ticket price | |---|---|---| | Up to 4 hours | Delay of at least 1 hour | Delay of at least 2 hours | | More than 4 hours but not exceeding 8 hours | Delay of at least 2 hours | Delay of at least 4 hours | | More than 8 hours but not exceeding 24 hours | Delay of at least 3 hours | Delay of at least 6 hours | | More than 24 hours | Delay of at least 6 hours | Delay of at least 12 hours | ### Warning You are not entitled to compensation if the delay was caused by severe weather conditions or by extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters (fires or earthquakes) or security threats, which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. The right to compensation does not apply to passengers travelling on a cruise. ### Your luggage was lost, delayed or damaged in an incident at sea If your luggage and or vehicle is lost, delayed or damaged due to a shipping incident, you have the right to compensation from the carrier of up to approximately €2,700 for cabin luggage and €15,500 for your vehicle – this covers any luggage in the vehicle. You are not entitled to compensation if the carrier can prove it was not at fault. For the loss or damage to other valuables (for example monies, jewellery, works of art, etc.) you are entitled to compensation of approximately €4,100 on the condition that you deposited them with the carrier for safe-keeping. ### Warning Special rules apply to the loss of, or damage to monies, negotiable securities, gold, silverware, jewellery, ornaments, works of art, or other valuables. ### You were injured in an incident at sea If you are injured in an incident at sea, you are entitled to compensation up to a maximum of €300,000 from the carrier or its insurer. In cases where the loss or damage exceeds this amount, the compensation may be increased to a maximum limit of approximately €490,000. You also have the right to an advance payment, in proportion to the damages suffered, to cover any immediate needs if your injury was caused by shipwreck, capsizing, collision, stranding of the ship, an explosion or fire on the ship, or a defect in the ship. ### Warning You are not entitled to compensation if the carrier can prove that the incident was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters or security threats, beyond its control. ### You are a dependant of a victim of a fatal incident at sea If you are a dependant of a victim of a fatal incident at sea, you have the right to compensation up to a maximum of €300,000 from the carrier or its insurer. In some cases, the compensation may be increased to a maximum limit of approximately €490,000. You also have the right to an advance payment of not less than €21,000 to cover any immediate needs if the victim's death was caused by shipwreck, capsizing, collision, stranding of the ship, an explosion or fire on the ship, or a defect in the ship. ### Complaints related to ship passenger rights If you think your rights have not been respected, you should make a complaint to the carrier or terminal operator within 2 months of the scheduled service during which the problem occurred. The carrier must react within 1 month and give you a final reply no more than 2 months after receiving your complaint. If you are not satisfied with the reply, you can lodge a complaint with the relevant national authorities in your country. The national authority should provide you with a non-binding legal opinion on how to proceed with your claim. You can also try to resolve your dispute by using out-of-court procedures of an alternative dispute resolution entity . Alternative dispute resolution is only available to EU residents. You may wish to resort to formal legal action and submit a claim for compensation under EU rules using the European Small Claims procedure . You may also bring the matter before the courts in the country where the carrier is registered. The time limits for bringing an action against a carrier in a national court are defined in accordance with national rules on the limitation of actions in each EU country. You can also consult your local European Consumer Centre for help and advice on problems related to ship passenger rights. ### Loss or damage to luggage and vehicles If your cabin luggage and or vehicle is lost or damaged due to a shipping incident, you must inform the carrier or its agent in writing. Ideally, you should do this before you leave the ship, or when your luggage is eventually delivered. At the very latest, you must inform the carrier within 15 days of disembarking the ship or delivery of your luggage, otherwise you lose your right to compensation. You must bring your claim to the courts within 2 years from the date of disembarkation or 2 years from the date when disembarkation should have taken place - whichever date is later. You can submit a claim for compensation for any loss or damage caused by an incident at sea to a court in the country: - where the carrier has its main place of business or permanent residence, or - of your place of departure or destination, or - where you permanently live – if the carrier has a place of business there and is subject to that country's jurisdiction, or - where the travel contract was concluded – if the carrier has a place of business there and is subject to that country's jurisdiction. ### EU legislation - EU Regulation on the liability of carriers of passenger by sea in the event of incidents - Rights of passengers travelling by sea and inland waterway ## Airport and airline security Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/security-and-emergencies/airport-airline-security/index_en.htm > Use of bodyscanners; airlines banned within the EU ### Use of body scanners at EU airports At any EU airport, passengers may be screened by body scanners, either as the primary method of screening or as an additional method to resolve the cause of any alarms. It is up to each EU country to decide whether to use these, but if a country has chosen this option it must comply with EU rules . If you are asked to undergo screening by such a scanner you should know, in particular, that: - you must be given the possibility of opting out from a body scanner. In this case you will be screened by an alternative method including at least a hand search; - you must be given full information on the technology used before you are screened; - you can ask that the image of your body is analysed by a human reviewer of the gender of your choice; - the human reviewer will be somewhere else and will not be able to see you; - the image will be blurred so you cannot be identified and the images cannot be copied, stored or printed; - only scanners which do not use ionizing radiation can be used. ### Airlines banned within the EU All airlines operating flights that begin or end in the EU must meet certain safety standards. Some airlines across the world operate in conditions below European safety levels and may therefore either: If you are concerned about aircraft safety, you can check the list of airlines banned within the EU . - be banned from operating at all in European airspace - be allowed to operate only under certain specific conditions ## Consular protection outside the EU Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/security-and-emergencies/consular-protection/index_en.htm > EU citizens right to seek assistance from any EU embassy or consulate in an emergency when travelling/staying outside the EU. Help in case of accidents, serious illness, stolen identity documents, or if you’re a victim of crime. ### Help for EU citizens outside the EU If you need consular assistance abroad, you should first contact the local embassy or consulate of your EU country of nationality, or your foreign ministry. If you need assistance in a country outside the EU where your own EU country does not have an embassy or consulate, you can seek assistance from the embassy or consulate of any other EU country . You are entitled to receive the same support as citizens of the EU country whose embassy or consulate you contact. In this case, you will prove your identity (through a passport or identity card). If your travel documents have been lost or stolen, your nationality will be checked by other means (such as through a check with the authorities of your EU country of nationality). In some cases, your EU country will have concluded an arrangement with a specific other EU country to provide consular assistance. In this case, you might be requested to approach that EU country, unless the situation requires urgent assistance. ### Types of assistance The embassy or consulate may assist you, for instance, if you lose your travel document, in case of serious accidents or illness, if you are a victim of crime or are arrested, or if you require repatriation in case of an emergency. If you have lost your travel documents, you will be issued an EU Emergency Travel Document that allows you to return home. Embassy or consulate staff can also provide support and help if a loved one dies (registration, informing next of kin, repatriation of remains). Be aware that there are limits to what embassies and consulates can do for you, in particular in crisis situations. ### Before you travel Before you travel, check if your EU country has an embassy or consulate in the non-EU country to which you are travelling. If your country is not represented, check the details of the embassies and consulates of other EU countries and keep this information handy in case you need it. You should also verify the entry requirements (such as passport validity, visa) and any other restrictions that might apply in the country you are travelling to as well as any conditions when re-entering your home country. Finally, make sure to check your EU country’s latest travel advice (provided by national authorities) regarding your destination and register your trip with your EU country, if it provides a platform to do so. Factsheet on consular protection Consular protection - European Commission Consular protection - EEAS Travel documents for EU nationals ### EU legislation - Directive on EU emergency travel document - EU Directive on consular protection for unrepresented EU citizens in third countries ## eCall 112-based emergency assistance from your vehicle Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/security-and-emergencies/emergency-assistance-vehicles-ecall/index_en.htm > eCall is an automated 112-based emergency assistance from your vehicle in case of serious accident. EU-wide 112 emergency assistance mandatory for all new car models approved for manufacture after 31 March 2018. ### eCall 112-based emergency assistance from your vehicle eCall is a system used in vehicles across the EU which automatically makes a free 112 emergency call if your vehicle is involved in a serious road accident. You can also activate eCall manually by pushing a button. ### How eCall works Your eCall system works in all EU countries . Wherever you are, if your vehicle is involved in a serious accident, you will be connected with the nearest emergency-response network. It doesn't matter where you bought your vehicle or where it is registered . When eCall is activated, it connects to the nearest emergency response centre, using both a telephone and data link. This allows you and the passengers in the vehicle to communicate with the emergency centre operator and at the same time, a minimum set of data is automatically transmitted (your exact location, the time of the accident, your vehicle's identification number and direction of travel). This allows the emergency services to assess and manage your situation. If the eCall system fails, you'll get a warning indication. ### Warning Information is only transmitted from your car in the event of a serious accident. ### eCall services offered by third parties Under EU rules you have the right to use a third party service (TPS) eCall system in addition to the standard 112-based one. These additional services could for example include roadside assistance. You may need to pay for any additional services provided by a TPS, unlike the free 112-based e-Call. Any TPS eCall system must: - comply with EU approved technical standards - ensure an automatic switch to the 112 eCall if the TPS does not work - allow the owner of the vehicle to choose between the 112-based eCall and the TPS service - not allow any exchange of data to take place with the 112 eCall system ### Warning If you have additional services provided through a TPS eCall system you must give your explicit consent to enable the traceability, tracking and processing of your personal data in this context. ### Compulsory for new car models If you buy a new model of car , approved for manufacture after 31 March 2018 , it must have the 112-based eCall system installed. This rule applies both to cars with no more than 8 seats and light commercial vehicles. If you have a car which is already registered, you are not obliged to retrofit an eCall device but you can have it installed if your car meets the technical requirements. ### eCall privacy and the protection of your personal data Your eCall system is only activated if your vehicle is involved in a serious accident . The rest of the time the system remains inactive. This means that when you are simply driving your vehicle, no tracking (registering your car's position or monitoring your driving) or transmission of data takes place. When a call is made through your 112-based eCall system, your personal data is processed according to EU data protection rules. This means that the emergency services only receive the limited data they need to deal with the accident situation, your data is not stored for any longer than necessary, and is removed when no longer required. Read more about EU data protection and privacy rules . ### EU legislation - European Parliament and Council Regulation on type-approval requirements for the deployment of the eCall in-vehicle system based on the 112 service - European Parliament and Council Decision on the deployment of the interoperable EU-wide eCall service ## Single emergency number Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/security-and-emergencies/emergency/index_en.htm > 112 is the European emergency number and 116 helplines are there to assist children and adults in need. ### 112: the single European emergency number 112 is the European emergency number you can dial free of charge from fixed and mobile phones everywhere in the EU. It will get you straight through to the emergency services – police, ambulance, fire brigade. In some EU countries, national emergency numbers are still in use together with 112. But 112 is the only number you can use to access the emergency services in all EU countries and many other countries in Europe and worlwide . ### Sample story Anasthassios from Greece had a fire in his apartment in Paris just after moving there to study. He didn't know the French emergency services number, but he remembered he could use the 112 emergency number in France, just as in his native Greece or anywhere in the EU. He dialled 112 and got straight through to Paris emergency services which sent the fire brigade to his home straight away. ### Emergency medical care When you're travelling in the EU, remember to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. If you need emergency medical care, the EHIC card will simplify the paperwork and help you get refunded for any public health care expenses . ### 116 000: the hotline for missing children If your child goes missing, either at home or in another EU country, you can call 116 000, the hotline for missing children. In line with EU rules, the 116 000 hotline is available in all EU countries . You can use the hotline to report a missing child; it also provides guidance and support to the families of missing children. ### Sample story On holiday in France, Andreas and Kirsten, a couple from Germany were distraught when their daughter went missing while on an excursion. Some hours later they still hadn't found her. They reported the case to the police but also remembered the number available in Germany for reporting cases of missing children. Knowing that the 116 000 hotline worked in France too, they dialled the number and got advice on how to handle their case with the French authorities. Find more information on the use of 112 and other emergency numbers in all EU countries . ### Choose country - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden ### See also: Emergency response coordination centre (ERCC) ### EU legislation - European Parliament and Council Directive establishing the European Electronic Communications Code - Commission Decision on reserving national numbers beginning with 116 for services of social value ## Security and emergencies Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/security-and-emergencies/index_en.htm > Airport and airline safety information help keep you safe while travelling within the EU, EU emergency numbers, the right to consular protection when travelling outside the EU ### Security and emergencies If you are travelling by plane, before you depart, read about Airport and airline security . Know your rights and what to expect before you go through airport security checks. Learn more about mandatory security screenings, prohibited items, and guidelines for your carry-on luggage. Are you concerned about aircraft safety? Check the list of airlines that don’t comply with European safety levels. In an emergency situation you can call 112, the single EU emergency number you can use anywhere in the EU. Find more details about the EU-wide emergency number and when and how to use it. Travelling by car? Learn about eCall , the automated emergency service integrated into your vehicle. Find out how eCall instantly connects you to local emergency services in the event of a serious accident, providing crucial location and situation details to ensure a swift response. Consular protection assures access to assistance and support in emergency situations for EU citizens travelling abroad. Find out how EU consulates / embassies can assist you in case of accidents, serious illness or if you lose your passport. ### See also: - Road rules and safety - The European Health Insurance Card - Access to healthcare abroad - Emergency response coordination centre (ERCC) ## Transport and disability Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/transport-disability/index_en.htm > Rights for travellers with reduced mobility; EU parking card for people with disabilities ### Transport and disability If you have a disability or reduced mobility, you have certain guaranteed rights such as the right to assistance services, free of charge, when travelling by air, train, bus/coach or ship. Did you know that if you have a disability that means you have reduced mobility, you may be entitled to an EU parking card? - Rights for travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility - EU parking card for people with disabilities ## EU parking card for people with disabilities Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/transport-disability/parking-card-disabilities-people/index_en.htm > EU parking card for people with disabilities - information on how to get one and how to use it at home and when travelling abroad. ### EU parking card for people with disabilities If you have a disability that leads to reduced mobility, you might be entitled to an EU disability parking card in your country of residence, which should be recognised in all EU countries. When travelling outside your home country, this EU parking card should give you access to a number of parking rights and facilities which are specific to the country you are visiting. The relevant authority in your country of residence is responsible for issuing the card, based on the EU standardised parking card model, in line with local procedures. ### Using your EU parking card When you use your card you should display it at the front of the vehicle. The front of the card must be clearly visible for checking purposes. Additionally, when using your card in another EU country you may display the free-standing notice next to it, showing the side with the language(s) spoken in the country you are visiting. ### Warning Before travelling to another EU country, check the conditions applicable in that country. ### Choose country - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden ### See also Find information about the Commission’s proposal for a European Disability Card and European Parking card for persons with disabilities . This new parking card will guarantee the use of parking spaces and facilities reserved for persons with disabilities in all EU countries and will replace national parking cards. ### EU legislation - Council Recommendation on a parking card for people with disabilities - 2008 amendment by reason of the accession of new Member States ### Choose country Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection Abteilung IV/A/7, Stubenring 1 Federal Public Service Social Security, Directorate-General for Disabled Persons Boulevard du Jardin Botanique bte 150 / Kruidtuinlaan 50 bus 150 1000 Bruxelles / 1000 Brussel SPF Sécurité sociale, DG Personnes handicapées fr nl De l'étranger (payant) : +32 2 528 69 99 - tous les jours ouvrables de 8h30 à 12h30, sauf le mercredi fr Buitenland (betalend): +32 2 528 69 99 - elke werkdag van 8u30 tot 12u30, behalve op woensdag nl Национални органи за контакт / National contact points Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance, Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities nábř. Ludvíka Svobody 1222/12 CZ-110 15 Praha-Nové Město Disabled People's Organisations Denmark (DPOD) info@sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee Ministry of Transport and Communications P.O. Box 31, Eteläesplanadi 4 Departmental Homes for People with Disabilities (MPDH) - Departmental Councils Ministry for Social Affairs, Integration and Equal Opportunities Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Ministry of Social Affairs, Youth, Family, Senior Citizens, Integration and Equality, Schleswig-Holstein Authority for Labour, Health, Social Affairs, Family and Integration, Hamburg Hessian Ministry for Social Affairs and Integration Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labor and Social Affairs Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Integration and Consumer Protection of the State of Brandenburg Henning-von-Tresckow-Strasse 2-13 Senate Department for Integration, Labor and Social Affairs, Berlin Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Women and Health, Saarland Franz-Josef-Röder-Strasse 23 Lower Saxony Ministry for Social Affairs, Health and Equal Opportunities Saxon State Ministry for Social Affairs and Social Cohesion Thuringian Ministry for Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Women and Family Werner-Seelenbinder-Strasse 6 Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs, North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry for Social Affairs and Integration, Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Equal Opportunities, Saxony-Anhalt The Senator for Economics, Labor and Europe, Bremen Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Transformation and Digitization, Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport 2 Anastasseos & Tsigante Street Balázs Béla utca 35 (Postacím: 1476 Budapest, Pf. 281) kozlekedesi.Foosztaly@bm.gov.hu Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland,Parking Card Section Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), Parking Section National Mobility Centre, Ballinagappa Road Ufficio per le politiche in favore delle persone con disabilità it dipartimento.disabilita@governo.it Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) Ministry of Social Security and Labour, Targeted Assistance Unit Ministry of Mobility and Public Works Aġenzija Sapport, Head Office mt Patri Ġwann Azzopardi Street Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management https://www.government.nl/contact/public-information-service/email Ministry of the Family and Social Policy, Office of the Government Plenipotentiary for Disabled People secretariat.bon@mrips.gov.pl Institute for Mobility and Transport National Authority for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities B-dul Ghe. Magheru, nr.7, Sector 1 Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic Ministry of Infrastructure Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030 dgdiscapacidad@mdsocialesa2030.gob.es - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Iceland * - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Liechtenstein * - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Norway * - Poland - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden ## EU passenger rights for people with disabilities or reduced mobility Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/transport-disability/reduced-mobility/index_en.htm > Assistance and other rights for people with disabilities or reduced mobility when travelling by air, train, bus coach or ship in the EU. ### Rights for travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility If you have a disability or reduced mobility, you have the right to travel by air, train, bus, coach, or boat travel like anybody else. When you buy your ticket, the vendor must give you information about your journey in a format that is accessible to you as well as information on the specific facilities available to you on board the aircraft, train, bus, coach or ship. For all modes of transport, you have the right to free assistance at terminals and on-board vehicles. In case of air, bus, coach, and ship travel you cannot be refused transport because of your disability or reduced mobility except for reasons justified on the grounds of safety (stipulated in national, international or EU law or the decision of the competent national authority) or because of the design of the vehicle or infrastructure. In case of rail transport, you cannot be refused transport because of your disability or reduced mobility unless this is necessary to comply with the non-discriminatory safety rules of the rail company or the station manager. ### What's your situation? - You are travelling by plane - You are travelling by train - You are travelling by bus or coach - You are travelling by ship ### Assistance When you travel by plane, you have the right to assistance , free of charge. This includes, among other types of support, the following assistance in airports before and after your flight as well as during the flight: In addition, if you travel accompanied by a person who provides assistance, the airline should, whenever possible, seat this person next to you on the plane. To get the best assistance, contact the airline, ticket seller or tour operator at least 48 hours before your trip and explain what kinds of assistance you require and if you will be travelling accompanied. You should also inform them if you will be travelling with an assistance dog. They will also advise on your wheelchair or mobility device and, where applicable, their batteries. If the airline, ticket seller or tour operator was not informed of the need for assistance at least 48 hours before your trip, they must at least make all reasonable efforts to assist you so you can travel as planned. Airlines do not have to provide help with eating or taking medication during a flight. If you need this type of help, for example, during a long flight, you need to ask another person to accompany you to provide this type of assistance. - assistance with your luggage - getting on and off the plane - free transport of your recognised assistance dog, medical equipment and 2 pieces of mobility equipment ### Warning You can't be denied boarding because of your disability or reduced mobility , unless: Carriers can refuse to transport you for the reasons mentioned above. However, as an alternative and to allow you to travel, the carrier may require you to be accompanied by a person who can provide the assistance required by the applicable safety rules. In this case, the carrier does not have to transport this person free of charge. - the aircraft or the aircraft door is physically too small, or - national, international or EU safety regulations or the decision of the competent authorities responsible for aviation safety prevent the airline from transporting you. ### Need more help? If you have problems getting assistance while travelling by plane, or if your mobility equipment is lost or destroyed, you should tell the airport authorities or the airline concerned. If you are not satisfied with their reply, you can contact the national enforcement body in the country where the incident happened. ### Your other EU air passenger rights Check our interactive tool on EU air passenger rights , for more information on your rights and how to claim them if you are denied boarding, or if your flight is cancelled or delayed. ### Assistance When you travel by train, you have the right to assistance , free of charge. To ensure you get the best assistance, you need to contact the railway company, station manager, ticket seller or tour operator at least 24 hours before your trip and explain what assistance you require. In order to provide the help requested, the railway company or station manager can ask you to arrive at a designated point in the station not more than 1 hour before the scheduled departure or final check-in time for your train. If you were not told when to arrive at the designated point, you should present yourself there at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time or before the time all passengers are asked to check in. If the railway company, station manager, ticket seller or tour operator was not informed of the need for assistance at least 24 hours before your trip, they must make all reasonable efforts to assist you so you can travel as planned. Railway operators can require that you travel accompanied, but only if this is strictly necessary to comply with non-discriminatory access rules already in place (for example because of the way the train or station infrastructure is designed). The person accompanying you is entitled to travel free of charge and where possible be seated next to you. If you have an assistance dog, they are allowed to accompany you in line with any local rules in the country where you are travelling. - getting on and off the train / transferring to a connecting train service (for which you have a ticket) - on board (including accessing on-board services) and at the station before and after your journey. ### Warning Some EU countries require that requests for assistance to railway companies, station managers, ticket vendors or tour operators must be made at least 36 hour in advance, instead of 24 hours. Check the list of countries which apply this longer notice period . You can't be denied boarding because of your disability or reduced mobility, unless security concerns, or safety rules prevent the railway company from transporting you. ### Need more help? If you have problems getting assistance while travelling by train, you should tell the station manager, or the railway company concerned. If you are not satisfied with their reply, you can contact the national enforcement body in the country where the incident happened. ### Your other EU rail passenger rights Check our interactive tool on EU rail passenger rights for more information on your rights (including compensation for lost/damaged mobility equipment) when travelling by train and how to claim them if you need to. ### Assistance You are entitled to assistance free of charge if you are planning a long-distance journey (where the scheduled distance of the service (not your individual trip) is 250km or more). You have the right to assistance at designated terminals , and with getting on and off the bus or coach. In addition, the company must let a person of your choice travel with you free of charge - if this solves any safety concerns that would otherwise prevent you from travelling. To make sure you get the assistance you need, you must contact the bus / coach company, ticket seller or tour operator at least 36 hours before your trip to tell them what help you require. The operator or the terminal manager may ask you to come to a designated point not more than one hour before the scheduled departure. ### Warning You can't be prevented from buying a ticket, making a reservation, or getting on board because of a disability or reduced mobility - unless this is strictly necessary to comply with legal safety requirements, or where the infrastructure cannot guarantee safe transport. ### Need more help? If you have problems getting help while travelling bus or coach, you should tell the terminal authorities or the bus / coach company concerned. If you are not satisfied with their reply, you can contact the national enforcement body in the country where the incident happened. ### Your other EU bus and coach passenger rights Check our interactive tool on EU bus and coach passenger rights , for more information on your rights when travelling by bus or coach and how to claim them if you need to. ### Assistance You are entitled to assistance , free of charge, getting on or off a ship, changing ships, on-board and at the port. To make sure you get the best assistance, you must tell the carrier, ticket seller or tour operator at least 48 hours before your trip and explain what kinds of assistance you require. Even if you have not done this, the carrier and terminal operator still has to make all reasonable efforts to help you. If you have special needs in terms of accommodation, seating, assistance, or if you need to bring medical equipment, tell the ticket seller when you make the reservation. Carriers can refuse to transport you for safety reasons stipulated in national, international or EU rules, or because of the way the ship or the port infrastructure is designed. However, as an alternative and to allow you to travel, the carrier may require you to be accompanied by a person who can provide the assistance required by the applicable safety rules. In this case, the carrier has to transport this person free of charge. ### Need more help? If you have problems getting help while travelling by ship, you should tell the port authorities or the carrier concerned. If you are not satisfied with their reply, you can contact the national enforcement body in the country where the incident happened. ### Your other EU ship passenger rights Check our interactive tool on EU ship passenger rights for more information on your rights when travelling by ship, and how to claim them if you need to. ### EU legislation - EU Regulation on passenger rights when travelling by sea or inland waterway - EU Regulation on bus and coach passenger rights - EU Regulation on rail passenger rights - EU Regulation on the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air ## Work and retirement Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/index_en.htm > Rights and conditions for EU nationals working, looking for a job or retiring in another EU country: social security benefits, taxes, qualifications for employment, etc. ### See also - Working while studying - If you are a non-EU national, you can find information on the conditions to migrate to an EU country ## Cross-border commuters Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/work-abroad/cross-border-commuters/index_en.htm > Particular conditions apply to cross-border commuters, those who work in one EU country but live in another ### Cross-border commuters If you work in one EU country but live in another and return there daily, or at least once a week, you count as a cross-border commuter under EU law (sometimes called cross-border or frontier worker). Your right to live in another EU country Car registration for cross-border commuters Driving licence exchange and recognition in the EU - what impact working in one EU country and living in another will have on your social security : healthcare unemployment family benefits retirement - where you will have to pay taxes during your stay abroad ### Which country's laws apply? In everyday life , you are subject to the laws of both countries. The laws where you work cover : The laws where you live cover : - employment and income taxes - most social security rights - property taxes and most other taxes - residence formalities ### Sample story Evelien from the Netherlands worked as a cross-border commuter in Germany for 10 years. In that time, she set up a German private pension and obtained a savings-pension bonus from the German authorities. When she retired, the German authorities asked her to pay back all savings-pension bonuses she had been paid over the past 10 years. They said it was because she had stopped paying taxes in Germany. But as soon as Evelien stopped working in Germany, she had to pay taxes in her country of residence, the Netherlands. Evelien took this matter to the German courts. They agreed that, as a cross-border commuter, she was entitled to the bonus, which counts as a supplementary benefit. Evelien did not have to pay back the bonus. If you are refused a supplementary benefit granted to workers in the country where you work, contact a European employment adviser or our information and assistance services . ### Sample story Rosita lives in Italy with her husband and 3 children but works in France. She applies for a discounted train pass for large families but had it refused because neither she nor her children live in France. Rosita should insist and, if necessary, seek help from the various EU assistance services . All EU workers with large families (in many countries, 3 or more children) are entitled to cheaper train travel in the country where they work from the day they start work — if such reductions are available to nationals of that country. ### Bank account for salary payments Your employer might want you to open a bank account in your country of employment to pay your salary. However, if your salary is paid in euros, your employer is legally obligated to deposit it into the account of your choice, as long as it is within the EU . You can receive your salary in any EU-based bank account using your IBAN, and the transfer fee cannot exceed the fee charged for domestic transfers. ### See also Read about the new social security rules which will be applicable from 2028. ## Employment contracts Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/work-abroad/employment-contracts/index_en.htm > Employment contracts: Find out what information your employer must provide to you and the deadlines for doing so when you sign an employment contract as well as what your minimum working conditions should be ### Employment contracts When you get a job in an EU country your employer should give you a written contract or an equivalent written statement that confirms your working conditions. The employer should ideally give you your terms of employment on or before the day you start working . However, the deadlines vary depending on the type of information. ### Information your employer must provide to you Within seven working days from your first working day: if your work schedule is regular or predictable : …or if your work schedule is irregular or unpredictable : Within one month from your first working day: For annual holidays, length of notice periods, working time and remuneration, you should refer to any relevant national/regional laws and administrative provisions . - parties involved: names of both the employer and employee - place of work: fixed location or mention the work will occur in various locations employer's registered business address - job title and role: title, grade, category of work or a job description/brief specification of tasks - start date: when the employment begins - contract duration: expected duration of the job if the contract is temporary - salary and remuneration: initial basic salary, frequency of payment, any other components of remuneration - work schedule: - length of the normal working day or working week (working hours) - overtime and its compensation - arrangements for shift changes - number of guaranteed paid hours and the remuneration for extra hours - reference hours and days of work - notice before the start of an assignment and deadline for its cancellation. - temporary agency workers: the identity of the organisation/entity where you will work - training: details of any training provided - annual holidays: number of paid annual holidays or – if this cannot be indicated at the start of the contract – the procedures for determining it - collective agreements: rules of any collective agreements governing your working conditions - social security: the identity of the social security institutions governing the social contributions (if it is your employer’s responsibility). ### Probation period If you have to serve a probation period, it must not be more than six months. If you have a fixed-term employment relationship , the probation period must be proportionate to the expected duration of the contract and the type of work. If your contract is renewed for the same function and tasks, your employer cannot make it subject to a new probation period. Exceptionally, EU countries can establish longer probation periods in national rules if it is in the interest of the worker or justified by the type of the employment. ### Holding multiple jobs Your employer cannot prohibit you from working with other employers, outside of the established working time, and they cannot treat you less favourably for doing so. EU countries can establish conditions on the incompatibility of holding multiple jobs, based on objective reasons such as health and safety, business confidentiality, integrity of public service or the avoidance of conflict of interest. ### Minimum predictability of work If you have a contract with an irregular work schedule, your employer must: If one or both requirements are not fulfilled, you have the right to refuse a work assignment without adverse consequences. Even when national law allows your employer to cancel a work assignment without compensation, you are entitled to compensation in accordance with national law, collective agreements or practice, if your employer cancels a previously agreed work assignment after a specified reasonable deadline. - give you predetermined reference hours and days - inform you of a work assignment within a reasonable notice period established in accordance with national law, collective agreements, or practice. ### On-demand contracts If the national law of your EU country allows for the use of on-demand or similar employment contracts, and you are hired on this kind of contract, your employer must follow the national laws put in place to prevent its abuse and misuse. All EU countries that allow for such contracts must have such national laws, which may, for instance, limit the use and duration of on-demand and similar contracts or presume that you have an employment contract with a minimum number of paid hours, based on the average hours you worked during a specific period. ### Transition to another form of employment After at least six months of service and a successfully completed probation period (if applicable), you can request a form of employment with more predictable and secure working conditions, if available. Your employer must give you a reasoned written reply within one month of the request. EU countries may limit the frequency of such requests. If your employer is an SME, or a natural person, in some EU countries they may have up to three months and they can give you an oral reply if you request it more than once and the justification remains unchanged. ### Mandatory training If EU or national law require your employer to provide training for your tasks, they must provide it free of cost. Moreover, the training must be counted as working time, and, if possible, take place during working hours. In some EU countries collective agreements made in conformity with the national law might establish different measures than those mentioned above, while respecting the overall protection of workers. Get access to country information below: ### Choose country - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden ### See also European Labour Authority: Your rights as a mobile seasonal worker in the EU. ## Equal treatment when working in the EU Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/work-abroad/equal-treatment-with-nationals/index_en.htm > Practical information on equal treatment at work in the EU: types of discrimination, reasonable accommodation and how to enforce your rights. ### Equal treatment at work As an EU citizen you are entitled to equal treatment in recruitment, working conditions, promotion, pay, access to vocational training, occupational pensions and dismissal. Discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of age, sex, disability, ethnic or racial origin, religion or belief, or sexual orientation is banned across the EU in both the public and private sector. As an EU national, you must also be treated in exactly the same way as your local colleagues who are citizens of the country when it comes to working rights, social benefits and access to public employment services. However, your host country may decide to withhold your entitlement to income support — or other benefits — for the first 3 months of your residence (for example if you came as a seasonal worker, worked 1 month and then applied for income support), and for even longer if you arrive in the country as a job-seeker. ### What types of discrimination are you protected against? Check types of discrimination ### Reasonable accommodation If you have a disability, you may need adjustments to your job or workplace to perform and to advance in job functions or undertake training. In that case, you can request that your employer takes reasonable steps to accommodate your condition. Such steps can apply to all work-related activities, from the job application process to termination, working conditions and fringe benefits. ### How to enforce your rights If you believe that you have been discriminated against, you can bring your case to a national equality body . Some may simply provide you with useful information regarding your situation, while others can help you make a complaint. They may even, with your approval, take your case to the competent courts. Depending on the national legislation, you may be entitled to compensation, reinstatement in a job, or an order requiring the employer to remedy the discrimination and provide reasonable accommodation. You can also contact organisations such as trade unions, NGOs and lawyers for help and advice. Get access to national information below. ### Choose country - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Poland - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden ### See also: How to put reasonable accommodation into practice – guide of promising practices ### EU legislation - EU directive on equal treatment in employment - EU Directive on measures facilitating the exercise of rights conferred in the context of the free movement of workers - EU Regulation on the freedom of movement of workers within the EU ## Working abroad Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/work-abroad/index_en.htm > Your rights as a worker in another EU country, restrictions to labour market and work permits ### Working abroad As an EU national, you're entitled to work — for an employer or as a self-employed person — in any EU country without needing a work permit . And while doing so, you are entitled to live there — subject to certain conditions . If you live and work in another EU country, it's important to be aware of the consequences, including for: If you are a non- EU citizen looking for work in the EU, check the EU Immigration portal to see what rules may apply to your situation. - your benefits (sickness, maternity/paternity, pensions, occupational accidents and diseases, death grants, unemployment, early retirement, family, etc.) - where you have to pay tax - your insurance . - Work permits - Employment contracts - Equal treatment - Posted workers - Cross-border commuting - Liability insurance - Work in the public sector abroad - Working in road transport - Residence rights for workers - Family benefits - Job vacancies in Europe - Create your European CV/Language passport (Europass CV) - Careers with the EU institutions ## Posted workers abroad on short assignments Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/work-abroad/posted-workers/index_en.htm > Conditions for workers posted to another EU country on short assignments (max 2 years): work permit, social security contributions and cover, working conditions and rights ### Posted workers - temporary work abroad Your employer can send you to work temporarily in another EU country. During this period, you will acquire the status of a posted worker and will benefit from the same basic working conditions and rights as workers in your host country. A posting can last as long as it is necessary to complete a specific task. When your posting has finished, you should return to your workplace in the EU country where you were posted from. ### Information employers must provide before the posting Under EU rules, before your posting starts, employers have obligations to provide you and the host country's competent authorities with certain information. ### Information your employer must provide to you If your posting lasts more than four consecutive weeks, your employer must provide you, before your departure, with the following information in writing, before your departure: - country or countries where you will work (host country) - expected duration of the posting abroad - remuneration currency - any benefits (in cash or other) related to the work assignment - information on repatriation : whether it is provided and, if yes, under what conditions - remuneration according to the applicable law of the host country - any specific allowances related to the posting - arrangements for reimbursing travel, board and accommodation expenses - a link to the host country’s national official website on posted workers . ### Warning A posting can last up to 12 months , or 18 if a motivated notification to the host country is submitted. However, if the posting is longer than 12-18 months, it will start being considered as a long-term posting. ### Information the employer must provide to the host country In most cases your employer must send a notification (posting declaration) to the competent authorities in the host country before (or at the latest when) the posting begins, with the following details: Your employer should also inform the competent institution of the host country if any changes take place , such as if the posting does not take place or is interrupted. Read more about the declaration obligations on the website of the host country . - identity of the employer - number of posted workers - address of the posting workplace - expected duration of the posting, including start and end dates - the type of service provided during the posting - a contact person who will liaise with the authorities in the host country. ### Working conditions As a posted worker, you are entitled to the host country's employment conditions whenever they are more favourable than those of your home country. ### Check which basic working conditions and rights apply - all the basic elements of remuneration as defined in national law or universally applicable collective agreements - overtime compensation - allowances or the reimbursement of expenses to cover travel, board and lodging costs in the host country during the posting (if you are required to travel during the posting assignment) - maximum work periods - minimum rest periods - minimum paid annual leave - health, safety and hygiene at work - any conditions specific to hiring through agencies providing temporary staff - protective measures for pregnant women, women who have recently given birth and young people (under the age of 18) - equal treatment for men and women and other rules to prevent discrimination - the conditions of accommodation while working away from your regular place of work, if provided by your employer. ### Social security cover while abroad As a posted worker, you remain covered under your home country’s social security system . To ensure that you continue to be covered, your employer must obtain a Portable Document A1 (PD A1 form) from the social security institution in your home country. Your home country will inform the host country’s competent authorities. ### Check how social security works during your posting - you do not need to register with the social security authorities in the host country. - you do not accumulate any additional social security rights such as pension rights or the right to unemployment benefits in the country where you have been posted. - your employer must request a PD A1 from the social security institution in your home country. ### Warning However, if your posting lasts longer than 24 months, you can either: Find out more about your social security cover while on a posting to another EU country . - Switch to the social security system of the country where you are posted. Although your work may continue, you would no longer be considered a posted worker under social security coordination rules. - Ask your employer to apply for an extension of the PD A1 form’s validity regarding your posting period to remain covered in your home country. The extension will be granted if a mutual agreement is reached between the competent authorities in both countries and it is in your interest. ### Long-term posting If the standard posting period is exceeded (12-18 months), the posting will start being considered long-term. From that moment, all basic working conditions and rights will be guaranteed to you, with the exceptions of those relating to the termination of contracts ; and supplementary working pensions . Long-term posting does not have a limit of time , and all its rules will need to apply while the posting is ongoing. If you are posted long-term to another EU country you may want your family to join you there, they can do so by virtue of their own EU citizens' rights , but not as your dependants. ### Income tax You are generally considered tax-resident, and pay income tax in your host country, if you work there for more than six months. However, you may still get taxed by your home country if: There are no EU-wide rules that set out which country can tax your income during a posting. This may be set out in national laws or tax agreements between EU countries. Always check which rules apply to you, by contacting the tax authorities of both your home and host countries. - you keep your permanent home in your home country; - your personal and economic ties with that country are stronger. ### Sample story Pere is a nurse employed by a hospital in Spain and is sent to work in Sweden for 11 months on a temporary assignment. He will keep his permanent residence in his home country. Before he leaves, Pere’s employer applies for a PD A1 form to the Spanish competent authority to show that he remains covered by Spanish social security during the posting. The Spanish authorities will then communicate the Swedish authorities about the posting. While Pere works in Sweden, he stays insured in Spain for social security contributions and benefits. At the same time, he must receive the working conditions that apply in Sweden, such as rules on pay, working time and health and safety, if these are more favourable. Normally, Pere would need to pay his income tax in Sweden, as he is staying for longer than six months. However, he may still be required to pay income taxes in Spain, as he is keeping his permanent residence there. As these rules are country-specific, it is worth for Pere to check with the Swedish and Spanish tax authorities to know where to pay income tax and avoid double taxation. ### National websites on posting Check the national website of your host country to find out the terms and conditions of work for posted workers, as well as the contact information for the local authorities. National websites on posting ### National Liaison Offices Every country has a competent authority that can answer questions on the posting of workers. The contact details of these National Liaison Offices are under the Ask national administrations button below. ### More information For more information check the EU's short guide on the posting of workers See also the EU's practical guide on posting . ### EU legislation - EU Decision on posted workers and self-employed workers temporarily working outside the competent State - EU Directive on the posting of workers - EU Directive on the posting of workers (enforcement directive) - EU court ruling - host country must recognise your A1 form ### Choose country Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue, Belgian liaison office, Directorate-general labour law and legal studies Ministry of Labour and Social Policy - General Labour Inspectorate EA 3 Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov blvd. secretar-glavensecretar@gli.government.bg Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance - Department of Labour Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Danish Working Environment Authority Occupational Safety and Health Administration National Liaison Office - Directorate General for Labour - Ministry for Labour Posting of employees - Ministry for Labour bureau.liaison@travail.gouv.fr Directorate VII of the Central Customs Authority - Financial Control of Undeclared Work Josef-Lammerting-Allee 24-34 Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Directorate-General of Employment Relationships, Occupational Health and Safety and Labour Market Integration Directorate of Individual Contractual Labour Arrangements, Section of Individual Labour Contract (D. Pantazidou, A. Revela) Directorate of Health and Safety at Work, Section of Working Conditions and Strategic Planning (V. Papanastasiou, A. Mandalou) Labour Inspectorate, Independent Authority Central Division, Directorate of Planning and Coordination of Labour Relations Inspection (A. Mpouzios, D. Souliotis) Ministry for National Economy - Hungarian Labour Inspectorate foglalkoztatas.felugyeleti-foo@ngm.gov.hu Ministry of Social Affairs wrcpostedworkers@workplacerelations.ie Ministry of Labour and Social Policy DGRapportiLavoro@lavoro.gov.it Office of National Economy - Department of Economic Affairs Labour and Mines Inspectorate Department for Industrial and Employment Relations Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment - Labour Inspectorate Parnassusplein 5, NL-2511 VX Den Haag P.O Box 90801, NL-2509 LV Den Haag Labour Inspection Authority svartjenesten@arbeidstilsynet.no National Labour Inspectorate - Chief Labour Inspectorate Authority for Working Conditions Strada Matei Voievod, nr. 14 comunicare@inspectiamuncii.ro National Labour Inspectorate Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities General Directorate of Labour Swedish Work Environment Authority - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Iceland - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Liechtenstein - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Norway - Poland - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden - ajs@werk.belgie.be - dej@emploi.belgique.be - +32 22 33 48 22 - +32 22 33 48 21 - +359 28 10 17 45 - +359 28 10 17 47 - croliaisonoffice@mrms.hr - info@mrosp.hr - +385 16 10 63 10 - +385 16 10 66 41 - +385 16 10 93 00 - +385 16 10 91 71 - +357 22 40 08 01 - +357 22 40 08 09 - Posting and social security - Posting a foreigner to the Czech republic - Posting regulations - Social security cover - dpantazidou@ypakp.gr - oron_ergasias@ypakp.gr - emylonas@ypakp.gr - dmihailidou@ypakp.gr - +30 21 31 51 63 95 - +30 21 31 51 64 47 - +30 21 31 51 63 85 - +30 21 31 51 63 84 - vpapanastasiou@ypakp.gr - amandalou@ypakp.gr - asfaleiaygeia@ypakp.gr - dendrinos@ypakp.gr - +30 21 31 51 60 11 - +30 21 31 51 65 64 - +30 21 31 51 63 16 - kysepes3@otenet.gr - ampouzios@ypakp.gr - dsouliotis@ypakp.gr - +30 21 05 28 92 16 - +30 21 05 28 92 21 - +39 06 46 83 40 45 - +39 06 46 83 74 10 - 1575 for Employees - 1576 for Employers - english.postedworkers.nl - wholandii.pl pl - nllabourauthority.nl - Website pt - e-forms pt - +40 21 30 27 03 1 - +40 21 30 27 05 3 - Desplazamiento - Datos de contacto es - Desplazamiento es - +34 91 36 31 82 5 - +34 91 36 32 03 8 ## EU rules for working in road transport Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/work-abroad/rules-working-road-transport/index_en.htm > EU rules on working hours, rest periods, tachographs and national minimum wages for drivers, whether working from your home country or as a posted driver, when transporting heavy goods and passengers. ### EU rules for working in road transport As a transportation driver you must follow certain EU rules on driving times, rest times, and how to register them . These rules apply if you drive a heavy goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes, or a bus or coach with 10 or more seats (including the driver). You must follow these rules if you are driving long-haul or making deliveries domestically or abroad, regardless of where your vehicle is registered, and whether you are self-employed or an employee. ### Warning The EU rules on driving times do not apply to all types of transport. Read the exceptions below. ### Exceptions The EU rules on driving times do not apply to: - regular passenger services on routes up to 50 kilometres - most vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes to carry materials, equipment etc. for the driver’s professional use within 100 km of their base - vehicles with a maximum authorised speed of 40 km/h - army, civil defence and fire services - roadside assistance vehicles within 100 km of their station - specialised vehicles used for humanitarian aid, emergencies, rescue operations, or medical purposes - vehicles used by the forces maintaining public order - vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes, and new or rebuilt vehicles which have not yet been put into service - vehicles or combinations up to 7.5 tonnes for the non-commercial carriage of goods - commercial vehicles with a legal historic status in the EU country where they are being driven, if used for the non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods - vehicles or combinations between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes to transport goods on the company’s or driver’s own account (if driving is not the main activity) - in some EU countries there are also national exceptions ### Sample story Matthias runs a tree nursery and gardening firm in Germany. He is known for his large trees. To deliver and plant them, he carries the trees and an excavator on a truck and trailer often exceeding 3.5 tonnes. But because the combination is still under 7.5 tonnes and Matthias only drives it to his own clients who are within a 100 km radius from his nursery, the EU driving time rules do not apply to him. ### Not just in EU countries Professional drivers have to follow these rules in all EU countries, as well as in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. Outside this area in most European and some Central-Asian countries drivers must follow the rules of the European agreement on drivers in international road transport , known as AETR. Most AETR rules are aligned to the EU rules, but there are some exceptions. ### Differences between AETR and EU rules The AETR is different from the EU rules on : - the exemption for vehicles carrying craft goods - returning to your company or your place of residence - the possibility to take two consecutive reduced weekly rests - the interruption of weekly rest periods ### How long can I drive? Remember that working time includes all road transport activities, such as: If you are a self-employed driver, any time you are required to be at your workstation/vehicle, at the disposal of the client or undertaking transport activities is also considered as working time. - 9 hours per day (and twice a week up to 10 hours per day) - 56 hours per week (maximum 90 hours per two weeks) - exceptionally one hour longer to reach your home or company when you start a weekly rest period (or two hours more to start a regular weekly rest period ) - driving - loading and unloading - assisting passengers in getting on and off the vehicle - cleaning and technical maintenance - monitoring of loading and unloading of goods - administrative formalities ### How long should I rest? You must take a break or rest at least: - 45 minutes for every 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving time (which may be taken as two breaks of 15 and 30 minutes) - 11 hours of rest for every 24 hours of service, which may be split into two rest periods (of first 3 and then 9 hours for a total of 12 hours), or a reduced period of 9 hours at most 3 times between any two weekly rest periods - 45 continuous hours of rest after 6 days of driving, and at least 24 hours every second week (if compensated, before the end of the third week, by an equivalent single rest period added to another rest period of at least 9 hours) ### Warning Exceptionally you can work up to 60 hours per week but on average you cannot work more than 48 hours a week over a 4-month period . ### Sample story After a long journey to Greece and back, Jack planned to start his regular weekly rest aboard the ferry to Ireland. But in Cherbourg the ferry is 4 hours late. No problem: he can start his weekly rest anyway, after 4 hours he can drive his combination onto the ferry and on arrival in Dublin (some 19 hours later) he can roll off the ferry and have his last 22 hours of rest there. It is permitted to interrupt a regular daily or reduced weekly rest period twice, for 1 hour in total, to take a ferry or train, provided the driver has a sleeper cabin, bunk or couchette. Similarly a regular weekly rest can be interrupted provided that the journey is scheduled for at least 8 hours and the driver has a sleeper cabin. At least once every 4 weeks you must return to the place where your employer is located or the place where you live and have a regular weekly rest period (or longer rest period to compensate for a reduced rest period) there. ### Warning If you are two or more drivers (known as multi-manning) , you can take your daily rest within a period of 30 hours (instead of 24 hours) , and you can take 45-minute breaks (every 4 hours and 30 minutes) in the vehicle . For these exceptions to apply, two or more drivers must be present from the second hour . ### What is a regular weekly rest period? You are entitled to an uninterrupted regular weekly rest period of at least 45 hours . You cannot spend this time in the vehicle. You must have access to suitable gender-friendly accommodation with adequate sleeping and sanitary facilities. Your weekly rest period can be reduced once every two weeks, but it can never be less than 24 hours. Any reduction must be compensated for by an equivalent single period of rest, added to another rest period of at least 9 hours before the end of the third following week. In international transport of goods you may take two consecutive reduced weekly rest periods abroad , but only if: - in any four consecutive weeks you take at least four weekly rest periods, and - at least two of these four periods are regular weekly rest periods, and - you can go home - or to the place where your employer is located - in the following week to start the regular weekly rest period of more than 45 hours in compensation ### What about coach trips abroad? If you carry passengers on a trip abroad and your service lasts more than 24 consecutive hours, you can work up to 12 consecutive days, provided you just had 45 hours of regular weekly rest before your trip, and you take two weekly rest periods back to back when you return (at least 69 hours). This “12 day rule” only applies if you have a digital or smart tachograph on board. Between 22.00 and 06.00 you need a second driver, or you must take a 45 minute break every 3 hours, not 4.5 hours. ### Always use the tachograph If the driving time rules apply to you, you must register every trip with your tachograph. Your employer has to keep the records for at least a year and you can get a copy upon request. The authorities can check your tachograph anytime and anywhere at the roadside or on the company’s premises. ### Warning If you fail to correctly register your driving times, countries can impose penalties or start legal proceedings against you. In that case you will get evidence in writing which you have to keep on board. ### Is your driving licence valid? A driving licence issued in one EU country is recognised and accepted in all other EU countries. This applies both to standardised EU licences and “old-style” licences issued before 2013. ### Warning Please check the rules for driving licence recognition and exchange in the relevant country and make sure you have a valid licence when you cross European borders for work. ### Are you a posted driver? If for limited periods of time you work as a driver in EU countries outside the EU country where your employer is established, you are a posted driver . ### What makes you a posted worker? As a posted driver, specific rules apply to you in terms of administrative requirements and the wage you’re entitled to . - cabotage : domestic transport in another EU country (not the country where your employer is established) - cross-trade : transport between two countries but outside the EU country where your employer is established - unladen journeys in connection with cabotage or cross-trade transport - any part that is cabotage or cross-trade in combined transport operations ### What is not posted work? - bilateral operations that go abroad but start or end in the country where you employer is established - limited additional loading/unloading in countries that you cross on a bilateral operation - transit , that is crossing countries without any loading/unloading - unladen journeys in connection with bilateral operations - any part that is bilateral transport in combined transport operations ### Administrative obligations during the posting In case of a roadside check, you must be able to present: Your employer has to make sure that you have the necessary documents at your disposal. Read more general information about posted workers . - a copy of the posting declaration (electronic or paper version) - evidence of the transport operation(s) taking place in the host EU country (e.g. consignment note) - tachograph records ### What is the minimum wage for posted drivers? Your employer must make sure that your wage is in line with the national rules for drivers in the EU country that you have been posted to . This means they must adjust your pay if wages are higher in the country where you are posted. Wages are different in each EU country as they depend on national legislation. Get access to national information below. ### Choose country - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia* - Cyprus - Czechia - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece* - Hungary - Iceland* - Ireland - Italy - Latvia - Liechtenstein* - Lithuania - Luxembourg* - Malta - Netherlands - Norway* - Poland - Portugal pt - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland* - Questions and answers on driving time rules - Driving times - Working time in the transport industry - What type of tachograph? (detailed EU guidelines) - Exchange and recognition of driving licences - Read the clear leaflets for drivers and companies on driving and resting times and the posting of drivers (also available in 34 other languages ). ### EU legislation - EU regulation on driving time in the road transport sector - EU legislation on road safety for professional drivers - Driving time and rest periods in road transport (Summary of EU rules) ## Work in the public sector abroad Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/work-abroad/work-in-public-sector-abroad/index_en.htm > Conditions applying to civil servants seconded to work in another EU country, or to those working in one country but living in another. Access to jobs in the public sector abroad. ### Civil servants abroad You will be considered a civil servant abroad if: If instead, you are working in your host country for a local public sector body without being a national of the country, you will count as a migrant worker. - You are a civil servant in one EU country and seconded to work in another country (in an embassy, consulate or other official institution abroad); - Alternatively, you work as a civil servant in one country but for private reasons you live (have your permanent home) in another. - what impact living and/or working in another EU country will have on your social security : healthcare unemployment family benefits retirement - where you will have to pay taxes during your stay abroad ### Access to jobs in the public sector As an EU national , you have the right to work in another EU country, including in the public sector — that is, for example, in state-owned companies, government bodies and public authorities. EU countries may still reserve certain jobs for their own nationals, but only if they involve: These are typically posts in the diplomatic service, the armed forces, police and security forces, judiciary and tax authorities. But even there, positions not involving the exercise of public authority must be open to other EU nationals. For example, administrative and technical-support jobs do not involve exercising those powers, so those jobs cannot be reserved for country's own nationals. To get a job in the public sector, you may need official recognition of your qualifications in the country where you want to work. Your new country cannot give you less credit for your professional experience just because you gained it in another EU country when it comes to: - the exercise of public authority powers - the safeguard of general interests of the state. - deciding what posts you are eligible for when seniority or experience are required to take part in a recruitment competition - determining your salary, grade or other conditions. ### Warning As an EU national looking for a job in another EU country, you are also entitled to the same assistance from public employment services as nationals of that country. ### Sample story Elisa from France worked as a teacher in France for 10 years before she moved to Italy. Her qualification to work as a teacher was recognised by Italy, but the Italian authorities considered her to be a beginner and put her in the lowest grade of seniority and pay. If seniority and pay of teachers in Italy are determined by taking into account the years of professional experience, Italy must give Elisa the same credit for the comparable experience she acquired in another EU country. Recognition of professional qualifications ### Need support from assistance services? Contact a European employment adviser ## Work permits Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/work-abroad/work-permits/index_en.htm > Rules about permits to work in the EU for EU and EFTA nationals and nationals of other countries. ### Work permits As an EU national you generally don't need a work permit to work anywhere in the EU . Work permits are never required for self-employed people in the EU. ### Warning Liechtenstein imposes quotas that limit the number of people who can work and live there. This quota system applies to nationals of all EU countries, Norway and Iceland. ### Working in Switzerland Most EU citizens don't need a permit to work in Switzerland. Find out more about working in Switzerland as an EU citizen . Under the EU-Switzerland agreement on the free movement of persons, Swiss nationals are free to live and work in the EU. Before you try working in another EU country , you should seek information on the applicable procedures. For further advice, contact the public employment service in the country where you wish to work or a European employment adviser . ### Work permits for non-EU nationals As a non-EU national, you may have the right to work in the EU and to be treated equally with EU nationals about work conditions. These rights depend on your nationality or on your status as family members of EU nationals. ### Nationals of Türkiye As a national of Türkiye, your rights to live and work in an EU country depend entirely on the national rules of that country. When employed legally in the EU, you enjoy the same working conditions as the nationals of that country and you have the following rights: - after one year's legal employment you are entitled to a renewal of your work permit for the same employer if a job is available - after three years' legal employment you may change employers and respond to any other employment offer within the same professional qualifications - after four years' legal employment you enjoy full access to any paid employment in that EU country. ### Nationals of other countries that have an agreement with the EU You enjoy the same working conditions as nationals of your host EU country if you are a national of: - Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia - Russia - Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Ukraine - Andorra, San Marino - or one of the 79 countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States . ### Nationals of countries with no agreement with the EU If you are a national of a country that has no agreement with the EU, your right to work in an EU country depends on the national laws of that country. If you are in a family relationship with an EU citizen, you: For more information check the EU immigration portal . - do not need a work permit to work - have the right to equal treatment, including access to all social and tax advantages.