id card for european travel

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System for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries (starting in the second half of 2024)

Travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries (starting in the first half of 2025)

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General information on travelling in the EU

EU citizens are entitled to travel to any other EU country without any special formalities. In order to travel to other EU countries, travellers simply have to possess and carry a valid passport or a valid ID card .

At least one of these two documents should be carried at all times, as checks may be carried out at internal borders for reasons of public order or national security. A driver's licence does not count as a travel document or as proof of identity.

In general, Austrian citizens need a valid passport or identity card to leave the country and to enter it (Section 2 paragraph 1 Passgesetz 1992).

Although for certain countries a passport which has expired not more than five years ago may still be used, it is strongly recommended that you use a valid passport . Generally speaking, the entry requirements of the country to/through which you are travelling should be observed, as well as the terms and conditions of your chosen carrier ( e.g. airline).

In addition, on trips by air, certain airlines' conditions of carriage may prohibit passengers from flying with an expired passport.

Another important point to note is that children must also carry their own passport or ID card during the journey.

For children (up to the age of 18) travelling to Austria without their legal guardian , you should provide (in addition to passport) an informal declaration of consent for foreign travel. This declaration should be accompanied by a copy of the birth certificate of the child and a copy of the passport of their legal guardian. If the child's surname is different from that of their guardian, it is also recommended that they take a copy of their parents' marriage certificate . You will find a template for a declaration of consent on the website of → ÖAMTC or → ARBÖ . Additional requirements may apply when entering other EU countries .

In European Union countries, no residence permit is required for stays of up to three months.

However, registration is necessary in most cases. Usually, these registration formalities are done automatically in hotels, guest houses, apartments, etc. by filling in a form upon arrival.

For stays of more than three months, it is usually necessary to submit a declaration of residency.

In Austria , guests in tourist accommodation ( e.g. hotels, guest houses, B&Bs , privately rented rooms) must register within 24 hours of their arrival by entering their details in the register of guests.

Further links

• Travelling to and staying in Austria (→ BMEIA )
• Information on entry requirements for Austria(→ BMI ) German text
• Travelling with children and young people (→ BMEIA )
• Travelling in the EU (→ EC )
• Travelling with pets (→ BMSGPK ) German text
• Travel documents for EU nationals (→ YourEurope)
• Travel documents for non- EU familiy members (→ Your Europe)
• Travel documents for non-EU nationals (→ YourEurope)
• Documents for minors travelling in the EU (→ YourEurope)
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Essentials for your trip

Last updated on Monday, 13/11/2023

Almost ready to go! From travel documents to health requirements, here's a little reminder of what you need on a trip around Europe.

Your Travel Documents

Certain forms of ID are required when travelling throughout Europe, so be sure to have your passport and another form of national ID with you! Remember that when travelling to or from a non-Schengen country you must show a valid ID or passport.

Keep these documents safe, zipped up and hard to get to. It is also a good idea to have a scanned copy of these documents accessible by you or someone you can contact in case of emergency, for example in an email or in the cloud if you have a safe storage space. 

Should you get into difficulty, knowing your national embassy/consulate in your destination country can come in handy. You can search for their location through the European Commission’s  consular protection website .

Your European Health Insurance Card

When travelling to another country, it's a good idea to think about what can happen once you arrive. If you fall ill while away, your ID won’t be enough – you’ll need your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) .

This card is designed to ensure that you can obtain medically necessary, state-provided healthcare while holidaying, studying or volunteering anywhere in the EU (as well as Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) should you unexpectedly get sick.

The EHIC doesn’t replace travel insurance, but while you are in a foreign country it guarantees you medical treatment under the same conditions and at the same cost as locals insured in that country. 

Itinerary, or how to solve the puzzle

You can use Rome2Rio as a tool for planning your trip. This website will show all possible connections, with estimated prices, and different means of transportation. It links you to the transport providers’ websites and their timetables.

There is also an interesting way of finding out where’s the best spot to meet up with your friends or plan a stopover. Websites like   What’s halfway and Meeting halfway let you pick two different locations, calculate the distance, and then provide you with the information on what’s in the middle. 

Roaming and Phone Usage

There are no longer any roaming charges for EU residents travelling periodically within the EU . You will be able to use your mobile phone with the SIM card from your country of residence when you travel to other EU countries, with the same prices and allowances for calls and texts that you have at home, the amount of data usage could be slightly different. 

This means you have no excuse for not staying in touch and sharing your experiences with friends and family!

Travel & Save

Budget is a very important part of any trip and you will be glad to know there are cards to make your journey more affordable:

• European Youth Card : if you are under 30, check out the 60 000 discounts this card can offer you. Search the European map and find reductions on cultural activities, shops, transport, eating out and accommodation. • ISIC Card : if you are a student, this internationally recognised student ID card can get you discounts on travel, museums and major tourist attractions worldwide. Check where you can get your card and have access to reductions in around 125 000 locations across almost 130 countries. • If you are keen on exploring museums, it’s good to know that in some European Countries the admission to the national museums (permanent exhibitions) is mostly free, there are also schemes such as the 1st Sunday of the month or a particular weekday with free admission. As you can see there is a variety of different systems, and the good news is that there are plenty of discounts for young people – just do a little research to find out what are the best deals, and plan your stay accordingly.

Travel guides

Nowadays you don't necessarily have to carry a book around during your journey; with all these online versions you just have to choose the best for your trip:

• Trip Advisor really comes in handy! Check for reviews, recommendations and reading on prices as well as opening hours. It also has a forum, and you can find a lot of good suggestions from people who have already visited places you will only start exploring soon.
• USE-IT stands for no-nonsense tourist info for young people made by young locals. Some also have a visitors’ desk, mostly run by volunteers. Every USE-IT publishes a non-commercial, free, and up-to-date map for Young Travellers that will guide you through the city in a fresh and fun way. It combines important sights with off-the-beaten tracks and funky local suggestions. You can get a free printable version or pick your copy from an info point or your hostel upon your arrival.
• Lonely Planet : you may already know the printed version: search by country to see how to get around and what to visit.
• World travel guide : includes country and city guides, things to see and to do, as well as special information about skiing and cruise destinations.
• The Culture Trip : where to go for brunch? Which are the less touristic spots to check out in a city? What you can’t really miss? Dig into this website for some inspiration!

Getting in touch with the EU

Would you like to meet the EU bodies and organisations while travelling? You have plenty of possibilities: 

• On the phone or by email : Eurodesk is a youth information service that answers your questions about European opportunities (e.g. European programmes for volunteering, studying or doing an internship abroad). You can contact the closest Eurodesk info point via the interactive map .
• Online : Information in all the official languages of the European Union is available on the Europa website .
• In person : All over Europe there are hundreds of local EU information centers .
• On the phone or by email : Europe Direct is a service which answers your questions about the European Union. You can contact this service by Freephone: 00 800 67 89 10 11 (certain mobile phone operators do not allow access to 00800 numbers or may charge for these calls) or by email.
• Read about Europe : Publications about the EU are only a click away on the EU Bookshop website .
• European Commission Representations : The Commission representation offices act as the Commission’s voice and monitor public opinion in their host country. They provide information on the EU through events and the distribution of brochures, leaflets and other materials.
• European Parliament Information Offices : Their role is to raise awareness of the European Parliament and the European Union and to encourage people to vote in European parliamentary elections.

Emergency number 

If you need urgent help from the fire brigade, a medical team or the police, remember to dial the European emergency number “112” which is is the only emergency number you can call for free in all European countries. 

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EU and EES citizens

EU and EEA citizens their family members are covered by the free movement inside EU, meaning the right to travel, work and live in another EU country. Most EU countries are also part of Schengen and in general there are no border controls inside the area.

Schengen area

Eu countries which are part of the schengen area.

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

Countries outside EU which are part of the Schengen area

Norway, Iceland, Switzerland

EU countries which are not part of the Schengen area

Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania

Information about entering Sweden for EU/EEA citizens is also available in Swedish .

Valid travel documents for EU/EEA citizens

Travelling inside eu/eea, travelling to and from a country outside eu/eea.

• Risk evaluations

Border control at sea 

Identity checks are enforced on passenger ships, control of goods .

Border control can be performed when travelling to or from Sweden. Whether or not border control is performed, and the level of control, differs according to

• the traveller's citizenship,
• if travelling to or from an EU/EEA country,
• if travelling to or from a third country (a country outside EU/EEA).

Specific rules apply to family members of EU/EEA citizens. Spouses and children who are non-EU citizens, Your Europe  

UK citizens are no longer EU citizens. Meaning the same rules apply for them and their family members as for other third country nationals. Certain transition regulations apply for UK citizens who applied for residence status before the deadline.

Applicable laws

Foreign citizens' right to enter and stay in Sweden is regulated by the Alien's Act (2005:716), the Schengen Visa Code (EU) 810/2009 and the Schengen Border Code (EU 2016/399).

• For Nordic citizens a valid driver's licence issued in a Nordic country is usually sufficient when travelling inside the Nordics, but it is recommended that you travel with a passport or national ID card. Please observe that you as a traveller are responsible for documenting your citizenship.  
• For citizens from other EU/EEA countries a valid passport or or national ID card is required.
• When travelling outside EU/EEA, a passport is in general required.   

Your Europe - Travel documents for EU nationals

National ID card

A national ID card is an identification document issued by an assigned agency in an EU country only to EU/EEA citizens, containing information about citizenship. The card can be used when travelling to and from countries inside EU/EEA. Please note that other kinds of id cards are not valid travel documents. 

EU/EEA citizens can travel to and from Sweden with a national ID card documenting citizenship, when travelling inside EU/EEA. 

The Schengen area consist of most EU countries and the general rule is that no ordinary border controls shall be performed when travelling between the countries, regardless of the traveller's citizenship. The EEA countries Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland, as well as Switzerland, is also part of the area.

Special regulations apply when travelling to and from the EU countries Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania which are not part of the Schengen area. When travelling to and from these countries, a basic border control will be performed, but border crossing will be allowed without a passport if the traveller is an EU/EEA citizen and holds a valid national ID card. 

Temporary internal border controls  

Temporary border controls can be performed during extraordinary circumstances. Sweden has since 2015 done temporary border controls at the land border with Denmark, Norway and Finland and on intra-EU/EEA traffic in airports and harbours, since the Swedish government still sees a continued threat against the general order and internal security. This means that border control can be performed, but are not always done. Swedish Police will check that persons entering Sweden have the right to enter and stay in Sweden, as well as holding a valid travel document. Swedish Police decides where and when border control is to be performed. The decision needs to be renewed on a regular basis. 

While border controls inside the Schengen area has been generally abolished, border control at the external borders have become stricter.  

Border controls are always performed when travelling to or from a country outside EU/EEA, even for Swedish citizens and EU/EEA citizens. Border crossings over a so called external border is regulated by the Schengen Border Code which is common for the entire Schengen area. External borders can only be crossed at specific border crossing points during opening hours. 

To be controlled at external borders:

• Ensure that the travellers holds the documents required, and is also eligble for entering EU, or when exiting that the maximum legal time period in Sweden or the Schengen area has not been extended. 
• Evaluate if the traveller is at risk of criminal activity in Sweden or EU/EEA.
• Evaluate if the traveller is a threat to general order and security. 
• Check if the traveller can document a plausible reason and conditions for the intended visit, and hold sufficient funds for the stay, and hold a return ticket or money to buy one. 
• That the traveller is not registered in SIS. 

SIS is the Schengen Information System, which contains information about individuals who are denied entry to EU, and about individuals, vehicles or objects which are wanted, like cancelled travel documents. 

Risk evaluations 

Border control will evaluate the risk for illegal migration and threats to the general order or security upon entry or exit. Even risks for human trafficking and non-sanctioned travels without the legal guardians permission (child abductions) is taken into consideration when a minor's right to entry or exit is evaluated. 

The entry and exit control officer is not allowed to discriminate anyone based on gender, ethnic background, religious beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation. As a result, the evaluation that an individual or group of individuals is to be selected for second line control, can not be based on e thnicity alone. 

Whether a border control at sea is to be performed or not depends on which country the vessel is going to or where it enters from. Individuals onboard a leisure vessel travelling directly to or from an EU country is not subject to border control and as a result, do not need to report at a Swedish border crossing point. 

Information in Swedish about Border control at sea Swedish Coast Guard

Pleasure boat entry-exit form (to complete digitally) (pdf, 1 MB) Pleasure boat entry-exit form (print and complete by hand) (pdf, 95 kB)

From 28 March 2022, most passengers over the age of 18 travelling with passenger ships to Sweden from another country, will have to present a valid identification. This identity check will be done by the carrier and is not considered border control. If a border control is to be performed it will be done by the Swedish Police or the Swedish Coast Guard upon entry to Sweden. Questions regarding identity checks or which identity documents are accepted for boarding, need to be posed to the carrier. Or to the   Swedish Transport Agency   which is responsible for checking the carriers' lists. This will be in effect until   30 June  2023. 

Swedish Police   is responsible for controlling   persons   crossing a Swedish border.   Swedish Customs   is responsible for controlling   goods   being imported or exported across a Swedish border, and their controls are done independently from border controls by Swedish Police. 

If you enter Sweden with pets you need to contact the Swedish Board of Agriculture which are responsible for import and export of animals . Dogs, cats and ferrets from Ukraine used to be exempted from the ordinary import regulations, but as of 1 September 2023 this is no longer the case. Since ordinary regulations are enforced, animals which are not eligible for import to Sweden will be rejected at the border. 

Swedish Customs can answer questions about their controls Swedish Board of Agriculture's information about import of dogs, cats or ferrets to Sweden Swedish Board of Agriculture's information about pets from Ukraine

Related links

Utlänningslag (2005:716) (in Swedish)

Schengen Border Code (EU 2016/399)

Polismyndighetens föreskrifter om gränsövergångsställen (FAP 272-2) (in Swedish) (pdf, 29 kB)

Schengens informationssystem (SIS)

Swedish Migration Agency

Swedish Coast Guard

Swedish Customs

Your Europe - Spouses and children who are non-EU citizens

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What are you looking for?

Eid: the card with an electronic identification function for citizens of the european union and european economic area nationals.

The new eID cardsample eID card, © Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community

On 1 November 2019, the Act on a Card with an Electronic Identification Function for Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area (eID-Karte-Gesetz, or eIDKG) entered into force. As of 1 November 2021, eID cards can also be issued by Germany’s missions abroad.

The new eID card: general information

Who can apply for an eid card, documents you will need to apply, validity and fees, useful links and information:.

With the eID card , citizens of the EU and European Economic Area nationals can deal with official or business matters by using the online function of their identity card or their electronic residence permit.

Please note that the eID card with an electronic identification function is designed specifically for the provision of digital services. The card is not intended to replace an approved and valid passport or identity card, especially when travelling. The eID may therefore under no circumstances be used as an official travel document.

● Citizens of the European Union and

● of the other countries in the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway)

● not German citizens

● at least 16 years old.

To apply for your eID card, you will need to completely fill out and present an application form along with a valid identity document issued by your home country, e.g. a passport or a national identity card.

Your address will be stored on the chip of the eID card. You will therefore need to present proof that you are habitually resident abroad, e.g. a residence permit, a residence registration certificate or a lease. If necessary, you may be requested to present additional documents.

Requests for the issuing of an eID card must be submitted in person at the German Embassy. For this, you must make an appointment through the online booking System. For further information and details on necessary appointments please refer to the website of the German mission in your Country of residence .

The eID card is valid for 10 years and the issuing fee is 37 euro.

The validity of eID cards cannot be extended. You can however apply for a new eID card before your previous card expires. To do so, you must demonstrate that you have a justified interest in a new Card.

• Act on a Card with an Electronic Identification Function for Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area (eID-Karte-Gesetz, or eIDKG)
• Information on the eID card is available on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community
• Further information on the eID card is available on the portal of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community
• Brochure of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community
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type: Article

The new eID card for citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) was introduced on 1 January 2021.

Source: Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community

Its legal basis is the “ Act on a Card with an Electronic Identification Function for Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area ” (eID-Karte-Gesetz – eIDKG), which came into force on 1 November 2019.

With the new eID card you can identify yourself on the internet, at vending machines (i. e. to confirm your age) and the self-service terminals in public authorities - in an easy, quick and secure way.

To do this, you use the electronic identification (eID) function of the eID card. Technical basis for the eID function is the same as it is in the German ID card.

The new eID card – some facts

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area that are not Germans can apply for an eID card.

Please note that the eID card for citizens of the EU and the EEA with eID function is intended only for use of digital services. It does not replace the recognized and valid foreign passport or identity card for identification, e. g. when travelling. The eID card therefore can never be used as an official travel document.

The eID card is issued to you for a period of ten years and for a fee of € 37.00.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

The validity of your eID card cannot be extended.

Before your eID card expires, you may apply for a new one if you can demonstrate a legitimate interest in having a new one issued.

In Germany, you can apply for an eID card at the identity card authority of your local municipal office.

If you are not resident in Germany, you can apply for an eID card outside Germany since 1 November 2021 at the German missions abroad designated by the Federal Foreign Office.

Necessary documents

To apply for your eID card, you need the valid identity document issued by your home country, e.g. a passport or a national identity card.

Your address is also stored in the chip of the eID card. If you live and are registered in Germany, the responsible eID authority (Bürgeramt) knows your address. If you have just moved to Germany, you must register with a German registration office. You can find out which documents are required for registration from your registration office.

If you do not have a residence in Germany, you will need to provide other proof of your residence. You can enquire at the relevant German mission abroad (embassy or consulate) about which documents are required.

This information is visible on the eID card

Front of the eid card.

On the front of the eID card the following data are visible.

on the left

• logo of the eID function

on the right

• serial number
• surname and forename(s)
• date of birth
• date of expiry
• card access number (CAN)

Here you can use your eID card

Public or private service providers that wish to make registration procedures easier and more secure for you offer the eID function.

With your eID card, you can use digital administration services on the administrative portals of the federal and state governments and set up your own user account for the electronic proof of identity.

Some companies, such as mobile telecommunications providers and financial service providers, also offer you the use of the eID function.

Example of the digital services with eID identification that are offered in Germany by authorities and businesses are listed here .

Much more applications you will find on the German site of the Personalausweisportal .

More and more authorities of EU member states also offer digital services that may be used with the German eID function. This option will be indicated on their websites.

On-site reading with the eID card

Another function of your new eID card is the so called on-site reading. Please note that for using the on-site reading at first you have to identify yourself at the point of sale by using your valid passport or official photo ID. This is different from using the German ID card for on-site-reading.

More information on on-site reading you find here.

Broschure: The eID card for citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area type: Download ​ , Date: 15 December 2020

In December 2020, the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community published a new brochure providing information about the eID card for citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area. On 16 pages, you will find the most important information about your eID card with eID function briefly and clearly explained.

PDF, 442KB, accessible file

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European ID Cards: Changes at the UK Border from 1st October 2021

It is estimated that almost a third of EU, EEA and Swiss nationals currently travel to the UK using national identity cards, rather than passports. However, on 01 October 2021 , the rules governing entry to the UK with an EU, EEA or Swiss national identity card will change.

Up to and including Thursday 30 September 2021, all EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can use their national identity card to enter the UK. However, from Friday 01 October 2021, this will no longer be possible for most EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. Instead, a valid passport must be shown at the UK border. The passport must be valid for the entire duration of the traveller’s stay in the UK.

While this change will apply to the majority of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, some exceptions apply. Certain EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may continue to enter the UK using only their national identity cards, up until at least 31 December 2025 . This will only apply to you if you fall into one of the categories below:

You have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you have been granted either pre-settled status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can enter the UK by showing the identity document linked to your online status. This could be your passport, or your national identity card.

Before you travel, you should ensure that you update your online account with all valid travel documents (such as passports or national identity cards) that you hold and intend to use for travel, to avoid any unnecessary delays at the border. You can check, or change, the identity document linked to your status under the EU Settlement Scheme on the GOV.UK website .

You have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, but not yet received a decision

On 25 August 2021, the UK government updated its guidance to confirm that EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who applied to the EU Settlement Scheme before the 30 June 2021 deadline, but have not yet received a decision, can continue to use their national identity card to enter the UK after 01 October 2021, while they are waiting for the decision on their application.

If your application is pending, UK border guards will be able to check your pending status automatically at the border using the documents registered, so your travel in and out of the country will not be affected while your application is being processed. 

You have an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit

If you have an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit , you may continue to enter the UK after 01 October 2021 by showing an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card.

You have a Frontier Worker Permit

If you have a permit under the Frontier Worker Permit Scheme , you may continue to enter the UK after 01 October 2021 by showing an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card.

You are an S2 Healthcare Visitor

If you have been authorised to receive planned healthcare in the UK under the ‘S2 arrangement’ , or you’re accompanying or joining someone who is, you may continue to enter the UK after 01 October 2021 by showing an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card.

You are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa

If you work for a company based in Switzerland and have a Service Providers from Switzerland visa, you may continue to enter the UK after 01 October 2021 by showing a Swiss national ID card.

British and Irish citizens

If you are a British citizen and have a Gibraltar identity card, you can continue to use this to travel to the UK after 01 October 2021.

If you are an Irish citizen and have a passport card, you can continue to use this to travel to the UK  after 01 October 2021.

Non-EEA citizens

Please note that if you’re a non-EEA family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you will need to show your valid national passport. You cannot use an Article 10 or Article 20 residence card issued by an EEA member state to enter the UK.

If you are a non-EEA citizen, you must travel with a valid national passport.

Other Documents That EU or Swiss Visitors May Need to Show at the UK Border

Whether you are entering the UK with a national identity card or a passport, there may be other documents that you will need in order to enter the UK as a Visitor .

Contact Our Immigration Barristers

EU, EEA or Swiss nationals who wish to visit the UK and wish to discuss their visit with one of our immigration barristers should contact us on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

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New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

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Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

What you need to know about crossing the UK border and visiting the UK.

What you need to enter the UK

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Other types of cards

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Irish citizens can continue to use a passport card to travel to the UK .

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You need a valid national passport, and one of the following:

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There are different document requirements if you are travelling to the UK within the CTA.

Business travel to the UK

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Under the UK ’s new points-based immigration system , you can continue to visit the UK without applying for a visa. In most cases you can stay for up to 6 months. You may participate in a wide range of activities including business-related activities such as meetings, events and conferences. You may enter the UK multiple times during that period but you may not live in the UK by means of frequent or successive visits.

As a business visitor, you cannot:

• do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
• do a work placement or internship
• sell directly to the public or provide goods and services

Read more about visiting the UK on a business trip and check whether you need to apply for a visa to carry out your intended activities.

Check the Visitor Rules and see the full list of business and academic activities you can do as a visitor to the UK .

Read more about what you can do when visiting from Ireland or one of the Crown Dependencies and check whether you need to apply for a visa.

Working in the UK or sending employees to work in the UK

If you require EU , EEA or Swiss citizens to work in the UK for longer than 6 months, they need to apply for a visa. Find out more about working in the UK .

If you employ or intend to employ an EU , EEA or Swiss citizen who commutes to the UK , see the guidance for frontier workers .

Trading with the UK

EU business can find out more about trading with the UK .

Commercial goods (merchandise in baggage)

You must tell customs (‘declare’) if you are bringing commercial goods into the UK in your accompanied baggage or small motor vehicle. Commercial goods are things to sell.

You need to make a full customs declaration if you are bringing commercial goods that are any of the following:

• above the total value of £1,500 into Great Britain
• above the total value of £873 into Northern Ireland
• excise , restricted or controlled goods
• weigh above 1,000 kilograms

Check the rules on merchandise in baggage .

Professional qualifications

Find out how to get your EU , EEA or Swiss qualification recognised in the UK .

School travellers entering the UK

Schools in france.

You can visit the UK using the France- UK school trip travel information form .

This allows:

• children who are EU , EEA or Swiss citizens to enter with their national identity card instead of a passport
• children who are citizens of other countries to enter without a visa, even if they would normally need one to visit the UK

Schools in other countries

All schoolchildren need a passport to visit the UK .

Children who are citizens of other countries may also need a visa - check if you need a UK visa .

What you can bring into the UK

Read the updated guidance on:

• how you bring horses to and from the UK
• how you bring endangered plants, animals or their products to and from the UK

Bringing your pet to and from the UK

Find out about pet travel to Europe .

Bringing goods into the UK

Some rules have changed when you bring goods for your own use from the EU to the UK . Find out more about bringing goods into the UK .

Controls on cash

Individuals travelling from the EU to the UK with £10,000 or more in cash will need to make a declaration. Find out about taking cash in and out of the UK .

Healthcare in the UK

EEA and Swiss citizens visiting the UK should check the guidance on healthcare for the latest information on access to NHS healthcare.

Driving in the UK

If you have a non- uk licence.

Visitors with a non- UK driving licence can drive in the UK . You do not need an international driving permit ( IDP ).

If your vehicle is not insured in the UK

If you have vehicle insurance issued in the EU , Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland, you should carry an insurance green card or other valid proof of insurance.

To be valid, other proof of insurance must be a document issued by the vehicle insurance provider which includes the:

• name of the insurance provider
• number plate or other identifying particulars of the vehicle
• period of insurance cover

Contact your vehicle insurance provider before you travel.

If your vehicle is insured in a country outside the EU , Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland, what you’ll need to do will depend on if your country is a member of the green card system .

If your country is a member, you will need to carry a green card.

If your country is not a member, your vehicle will need UK vehicle insurance .

Using your mobile phone in the UK

How much you pay for calls, texts and mobile data in the UK and the EU will depend on your operator. Please check before you travel.

Updated the section on school travellers with information on the France-UK school trip travel information form.

Updated 'School travellers entering the UK' as the List of Travellers scheme is no longer in operation.

Updated to remove information about travelling to England during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Updated information on use of ID cards to enter the UK if you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

Updated information for Irish citizens travelling to the UK from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies.

Those with an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen national ID card who have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme will be able to use it to enter the UK whilst they wait for the decision on their application.

Added information for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 but not yet received a decision. Added guidance for Gibraltar identity card holders. Added guidance for Irish citizens.

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Table of Contents

For booking your Europe trip

When traveling within europe, other questions to ask, if you want to pack a new credit card for your next trip to europe.

So you’ve finally started planning a trip to Europe. You’ve figured out which countries you’d like to visit, you’re itching to try on that new beret you just purchased, and you’re wondering — what is the best credit card for Europe travel?

The U.S. credit card market is overflowing with cards competing for your attention, which may make it seem confusing when it comes time to actually, well, buy anything. We break it all down to find out the best travel credit cards for Europe, both before and during your trip.

The best time to figure out your travel credit card strategy is before you actually begin to buy anything for your trip. Why? Because travel rewards credit cards offer some of the most lucrative sign-up bonuses .

With a large trip to Europe on the horizon, you’ll ideally want to give yourself enough time to earn the bonus and wait for the points or miles to be deposited into your account (so that you can redeem them for hotels, flights and more).

» Learn more: Why you should get your new travel card 6 months ahead of your trip

Travel credit cards

If want to purchase airfare, hotel rooms, train tickets, a rental car or gas, you’ll want a credit card that maximizes returns on all of these. In this case, your best bet is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually, the card earns 5x points on flights, 10x points on hotels and car rentals, and 10x points on Chase Dining purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards® .

With a broad definition of what counts as “travel,” the Chase Sapphire Reserve® also earns 3x points on other travel worldwide, including dining at restaurants, via delivery services or takeout. Since the card earns 1x points on all other purchases, it can give Europe-bound travelers some serious value.

In addition to great bonus categories, this card also features premium benefits to ease your travel experience, including Priority Pass airport lounge access and a Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck fee credit.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a hefty annual fee of $550 , which may be off-putting to some. In that case, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers the same broad definition of travel and 2x bonus points per dollar while charging only a $95 annual fee.

» Learn more: How to maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Once you get to Europe, you might actually spend more on dining and activities than travel. Take a look at the best credit cards to use during your trip.

No foreign transaction fee credit cards

First and foremost, you’re going to want to find a credit card that doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees . These fees can add up to 3% onto your bill simply for using your card outside the U.S. Thankfully, many credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

If you already have a credit card, you can check if it charges foreign transaction fees online. Otherwise, there are plenty of cards that’ll waive these fees, including our top pick for bonus travel rewards , the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

Entertainment rewards credit cards

Odds are that once you’re abroad, you’re not going to sit around in your accommodations all day. Whether you’re heading out to the Mona Lisa or spending the day at Disneyland Paris, you’ll want a credit card that’ll maximize every dollar you spend. If you’re willing to pay the $95 annual fee, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card will give you a generous 4% cash back on entertainment — and it counts plenty of things as entertainment. These include tourist attractions, movie theaters, amusement parks, theatrical promoters, aquariums, zoos, bowling alleys and even dance halls.

If you’d rather skip the annual fee entirely, you can still earn rewards with a card like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card , which offers a respectable 3% cash back on entertainment without costing you a dime.

» Learn more: A guide to travel credit cards for beginners

Restaurant rewards credit cards

Depending on how you travel, you may spend a lot of money dining out.

If you already used one of the Chase Sapphire cards to book the trip, you’re covered on eating out as well. This is because the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offer 3x bonus points per dollar on dining. Basically, if you want to spend on only one card before and during your Europe trip, pick a Chase Sapphire card.

If you’re simply looking for the maximum amount of earnings on your restaurant spend, the American Express® Gold Card with a $250 annual fee may look appealing to you. This card earns 4x points on dining worldwide, but American Express cards may not be accepted as widely as Mastercards and Visas in Europe. It’s better to have one of the Chase cards (Visa) or the Capital One Savor cards (Mastercard) just in case a restaurant you dine in doesn’t accept AmEx. Terms apply.

» Learn more: What are travel points worth and why do they matter?

Before you make your selection, ask yourself these questions.

What benefits do you already have?

It may not make sense to immediately jump to the conclusion that you need a new credit card. Instead, look at your current points strategy. Do you already have a card with no foreign transaction fees? Do you have enough points to book the flight or hotel?

For example, if you already have a Chase Sapphire card, you might consider getting another card in the Chase trifecta . You could earn a chunk of points through a sign-up bonus on another card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards®, then transfer those points to your Sapphire so you can redeem them at the higher rate for travel.

» Learn more: Cash back vs. travel: How to choose credit card rewards

How many credit cards are you willing to get?

We’ve recommended several different credit cards that excel in certain categories. If you’re not averse to multiple credit cards, you can really maximize the points you’ll earn during your trip by applying for a few different cards to get before your trip.

If not, you’ll want to pick a single card whose bonus categories most closely overlap with your predicted travel expenses.

Keep in mind the unwritten Chase 5/24 rule , which may curb the number of credit cards you can be approved for in a 24-month period.

What kind of annual fee are you willing to pay?

The credit cards with the most perks come with the highest annual fees. If you want all the bells and whistles (high earning rates, lounge access, Global Entry membership, etc.), you’ll likely need to shell out for a card with a high annual fee.

» Learn more: How to pick a premium travel credit card

How long do you have until your trip?

If you’re nearly ready to travel, you likely won’t have time to get more than one credit card, let alone spend enough money to earn multiple welcome bonuses. Consider this before applying for any credit cards.

How confident are you in your booking?

If you're worried your plans may change or go awry, travel insurance might help. This optional standalone insurance can be purchased separately from your other travel expenses.

But you might not even need to pay out-of-pocket for trip insurance because many credit cards offer travel insurance as a built-in benefit to customers who pay for travel expenses on that card.

Sometimes, though, not even trip insurance will guarantee a refund. Unless you’ve purchased a Cancel For Any Reason policy , which is usually more expensive, you’re only entitled to a refund if you cancel for a covered reason.

There are several ways to slice and dice the question of which credit card is best for a European vacation.

If your goal is to redeem travel rewards for your vacation, apply for a new credit card at least six months in advance .

If your goal is to earn rewards on your travel expenses, consider applying for a travel credit card ahead of booking your accommodations and flights.

Advanced travel credit card users might further optimize their wallets by including cards for specific in-country travel expenses, like entertainment or dining, and that are widely accepted overseas.

Above all, get a card that won’t ding you with foreign transaction fees.

The information related to the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Identity documents required to travel by air.

Verified 01 April 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Wallis and Futuna Islands

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland (outside EU), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein (outside EU), Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (outside EU)

What applies to you ?

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To Cyprus and Ireland

To another eu country, to iceland, liechtenstein, norway or switzerland, to another country.

Your situation depends on your nationality:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The airline verifies the identity of each traveler, adult as minor .

You must therefore submit one of the following documents:

• French national identity card

You can also use your driver's license, if you are recognizable in the photo.

Warning  

The family booklet or proof of application for an identity card or passport do not include a photo. They will therefore be refused.

To travel in overseas , you must have an identity document valid . An identity card is enough.

However, if you are transiting through a foreigner country, you must have a valid passport . So if you go to Saint-Martin, you have to have a passport.

• National identity card

You can also use your French driver's license, if you are recognizable in the photo.

To travel in overseas , you must have an identity document valid .

If you have to transit through a foreigner country, you must have a valid passport . So if you go to Saint-Martin, you have to have a passport.

Other nationality

You will need to submit one of the following documents:

• Residence permit

If you have to transit through a foreigner country, you must have a valid passport . For example, if you go to Saint-Martin, you must have a passport.

in case of a check in the country where you are going to travel (police check for example), you have to prove your identity. You will need a national identity card or a passport valid .

If you are traveling to a country of the European Union not included in the Schengen area , the police are checking your identity.

You must submit a document valid .

one minor   traveling without his parents must have in addition a exit permit signed by one of his parents.

The family booklet or proof of application for an identity card or passport do not include a photo. They are therefore refused.

You will need to present your passport .

The necessary identity documents are the responsibility of specific conditions .

The police and the airline check the identity of each traveler, adult as minor .

If you are traveling to another country of the European Union included in the Schengen area , the police can check your identity.

A minor traveling without his or her parents must also possess a exit permit signed by one of his parents.

You must present your passport .

If you are traveling to a country of the Schengen area not a member of the European Union However, the police can do an identity check at the borders.

You must therefore submit one of your following documents:

In case of a check in the country where you are traveling (police check for example), you must prove your identity. You must therefore have a national identity card or a passport valid for this eventuality.

one minor traveling without his parents must have in addition a exit permit signed by one of his parents.

You must therefore submit your passport .

A passport application voucher does not include a photo and is therefore refused.

The police and the airline check the identity of each traveler, both adult and minor.

You must have a valid passport , whatever you are major or minor .

Some countries require that the date of validity of the passport is past the return date of the trip. Check the rule on the embassy website.

You may also need other documents (visa for example).

Find out more about Travel advice on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by consulting the file of the country concerned.

You can also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting.

Who shall I contact

• Foreigners Embassy or Consulate in France

a minor traveling without his parents must have in addition a exit permit signed by one of his parents.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

For information on the conditions of entry in the country of travel

Statute and miscellaneous references

Order of 20 November 2015 on civil aviation security measures: Article 2

Documents that can be requested by a company for a flight in France

Order of 11 September 2013 on civil aviation security measures: Annex

Online services and forms

Know the documents required to travel to Europe

Can you travel with an ID card over 10 years old?

With what documents can a French minor travel abroad?

With what identity documents can a Frenchman travel overseas?

Travel abroad: for which country should a Frenchman apply for a visa?

Travel to the USA: what are the formalities (passport, Esta, visa...)?

Is the driver's license an official ID?

Additional topics

Traveling abroad

Identity card

Authorization to leave the territory (AST)

Travel documents - EU citizens

European Union

Map of the Schengen area

All of Europe

Countries that accept or refuse an identity card older than 10 years

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Fact sheets (by country) - Duration of validity of the identity card

Ministry of the Interior

Travel advice

How to choose a card for European travel

Key takeaways.

• Make sure your credit card will be widely accepted at your destination, with capabilities for chip-and-PIN transactions.
• Save money by going with cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees and offer travel insurance protection.
• Some cards also offer welcome bonuses that could offset your costs and credits for the Global Entry program that can expedite your entry into the U.S. when you return from your trip.

Europe continues to be a top travel destination for 2024, but even though inflation in the U.S. is slowing , it’s still a factor when it comes to European travel expenses . That’s why it’s all the more important to remember that your dollars (and points) can often go a lot further abroad.

Whether traveling during the high season or snagging off-peak discounts, you can enjoy all the best that Europe offers without breaking the bank. But why just lean on a strong dollar when you can tack on additional savings with your credit card? From covering airfare and hotels to protecting your biggest travel expenses, the right credit card can make your trip cheaper and more convenient.

But with so many card options, it’s easier said than done. Luckily, we have you covered with questions you should ask and the features you should look for as you choose a card for traveling to Europe.

How to choose the best credit card for European travel

The right travel credit card will save you money while making it easy to accumulate and redeem rewards. The following steps can help you narrow down your choices and find the best travel card to add to your wallet before you head to Europe:

1. Compare cards that are widely accepted

First, make sure any credit card you take to Europe is widely accepted. The Visa and Mastercard networks, for example, offer wider acceptance abroad than Discover and American Express.

While you can certainly bring your Amex and Discover cards, it’s best to pack a backup. That way, you won’t get stuck in a stressful situation where you can’t pay for something because your card isn’t accepted.

Does your card have chip-and-PIN capability?

If you use your credit card in Europe, you might be surprised when the cashier asks for a PIN. Chip-and-PIN credit cards are more common in Europe and considered more secure than the chip-and-signature cards we have in the U.S. But not to worry — lots of popular U.S. credit cards are equipped with this technology. They include the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , Citi Premier® Card and Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card .

To find out if your credit card is chip-and-PIN enabled, call your issuer and ask if you can set up a PIN. Many rewards credit cards allow you to set a PIN on activation. The last thing you want during your trip to Europe is for your card to be rejected because you don’t have PIN capability. Find out ahead of your trip and set it up, if possible.

2. Prioritize cards with substantial welcome bonuses

If you’re headed to Europe, consider picking up a new credit card offering a lucrative welcome bonus. Whether you want to cover some of your travel expenses or use your travel spending to meet credit card spending requirements , the timing could work out to your advantage.

A hotel credit card in particular can help you cover a few hotel nights. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card * is an excellent pick, because it comes with an intro offer of up to 250,000 bonus points for five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each night) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first three months from your account opening. The card’s $95 annual fee is reasonable, especially if you’re saving hundreds of dollars on hotel bookings.

An airline credit card welcome bonus can save you even more money by covering the cost of airfare to Europe. For example, the United℠ Explorer Card * offers 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. This bonus could cover one or more round-trip tickets to Europe depending on fare class and travel dates.

Transferable rewards earned with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Citi Premier can provide even more flexibility, allowing you to transfer your points to frequent flyer programs with the issuer’s partners. According to Bankrate’s latest valuations , transferring points to high-value partners is one of the most lucrative ways to get the most out of your points.

The Citi Premier bonus is among the highest for transferable points, offering 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. You can use those points for flights to Europe through transfer partners like:

• Avianca for LifeMiles
• Air France/ KLM for Flying Blue miles
• Turkish Airlines for Miles&Smiles
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club for Virgin Points

Virgin Atlantic has one of the cheapest award tickets to Europe, starting at just 10,000 miles each way in economy class.

3. Make sure the card’s rewards structure offers bonus points on travel and dining

Like most people who travel abroad for vacation, you might be tempted to splurge a little during your trip to Europe. You’ll want a credit card that will reward you generously for these purchases. Your biggest expenses will likely be travel and dining, which is why a card like the American Express® Gold Card would be ideal to bring along. The card earns 4X points on dining worldwide and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through the Amex Travel portal.

If you’re looking for even higher rewards potential, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers 10X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel. You’ll also earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases. So whether you’re planning to shop till you drop or splurge on hotels, you’ll earn generous rewards with this card.

4. Avoid cards with foreign transaction fees

Earning lots of points during your Europe adventure should be a priority, but not if you have to pay 3 percent or more in foreign transaction fees . You can avoid these pesky fees by opting for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees .

Most travel rewards cards, like the popular Sapphire Preferred Card and the Venture Rewards Credit Card, waive these fees, allowing you to earn points and protect your purchases without an added cost.

But you don’t need to commit to a travel rewards card with a high annual fee to get this perk. Some of the best no-annual-fee cards — like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card — also offer no foreign transaction fees when you use your card abroad.

Most importantly, you’ll want to be aware of popular credit cards that don’t waive this fee, like the Citi Double Cash® Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited® *. Avoid the penalty for using your credit card abroad by skipping these cards in favor of ones that waive the fees.

5. Get a card that improves your travel experience

Your credit card should be helpful not just when you’re shopping in Europe, but also while you’re dealing with the hassles and headaches that come from navigating airports, public transportation and more. The following questions can help you prioritize a card that makes traveling less stressful :

What kind of travel protections does this card offer?

Many people who travel internationally, including to Europe, buy travel insurance to protect their trip. And it’s a good idea: If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to illness or other covered reasons, insurance will reimburse any non-refundable travel expenses. This layer of protection can save you thousands of dollars in an emergency.

But you don’t have to pay for this safety net if you have the right credit card in your wallet. Quite a few credit cards include travel protection such as trip interruption or cancellation coverage, trip delay reimbursement, travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and primary rental coverage.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers some of the most comprehensive coverage available if you charge your travel expenses to the card, including:

• Emergency evacuation and transportation coverage of up to $100,000 per trip
• Primary auto rental collision damage waiver of up to $75,000 for theft or collision damage
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance of up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip
• Lost luggage reimbursement of up to $3,000 per person
• Trip delay reimbursement of up to $500 per ticket

By choosing a card with robust, built-in travel protections, you can at least have peace of mind that you’ll be covered if not everything goes smoothly during your trip.

Will you get a Global Entry fee credit from this card?

Having Global Entry can make your return home from Europe much more pleasant. This trusted traveler program gets you expedited entry into the U.S. While everyone else stands in a long line at passport control, you can skip to the Global Entry kiosk, scan your passport and get waved through in a matter of minutes. If you have Global Entry, you’ll also be enrolled in TSA PreCheck, which gets you into an expedited line for security screening in the U.S. where you keep your shoes and light jacket on.

The Global Entry application fee is a downright bargain at just $100 for five years. However, you can get this fee reimbursed with certain credit cards . They include the Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire Reserve and United Explorer Card. The Global Entry application fee credit alone offsets the first year’s annual fee on a couple of these cards. While it’s not the only benefit you should consider when choosing a travel credit card for European sightseeing, enough credit cards offer it that it’s worth being mindful of.

Will this card make airport travel easier?

Navigating new airports is often one of the most stressful parts of vacationing abroad, especially if you’re visiting large hubs like those in Paris, Madrid, Istanbul and London. Many premium travel credit cards offer airport lounge access that can make it easier to relax at an airport while you’re waiting on your next flight. These airport lounges can include everything from free food and kids rooms to shower amenities and full-service bars.

The best cards for airport lounge access when it comes to European travel will typically include airline-specific lounge access or access to a broader program like Priority Pass . With Priority Pass Select, you’ll have access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide as opposed to those just tied to one airline.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is widely considered a top choice for luxury travel benefits, and its robust international airport lounge access is one of the main reasons why. With this card, you’ll get access to:

• The Centurion Network, which includes Amex Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges
• Delta Sky Club lounges, when flying Delta
• Lufthansa lounges, when flying Lufthansa
• Priority Pass Select, which is the credit card-specific version of Priority Pass

Keep in mind that while the Amex Platinum beats out plenty of other cards when it comes to airport lounge access, it also comes with a hefty annual fee of $695. This fee likely won’t be worth it unless you plan on traveling frequently and have the annual spending to offset the fee.

European Disability Card approved by the European Parliament

The European Disability Forum celebrates the news, but regrets one bureaucratic barrier.

Yesterday, 24 April, the European Parliament approved the content of the provisional agreement on the European Disability Card and European Parking Card, which had been reached in February. The agreement was approved with 613 votes in favour, 7 against and 11 abstentions. The report on the extension to third-country nationals was also approved. 

European Disability Forum’s statement 

The European Disability Forum (EDF) celebrates this moment; however, it regrets that “bureaucratic barriers will delay the publication of the text (and, therefore, the start of the countdown to implementation) until after the European elections”. 

In a statement released yesterday, the EDF says that “while the political process is now finished, there are some delays regarding the legal editing of the text and its legal translation to the 27 EU languages. We have advocated for prioritising this file in the translation because the deadline for implementation – for the Cards to be a reality – will only start after publication of the text.”  

You can read EDF’s full statement here . 

• European Union

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