What documents are required to travel within the EU?

Which documents do I need to have with my during my travels?

Under EU rules, all travellers need a  valid ID card or passport to travel. In order to travel with the travel ticket(s) issued by DiscoverEU, you’ll be required to travel with the travel document you apply with (passport or national ID card).

Are there border controls within the EU?

There are no longer any controls at the borders between 22 EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules, which are part of EU law. All EU countries, except for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom, are full Schengen members. 
The Schengen rules remove all internal border controls but put in place effective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce a common visa policy. Internal border controls may exceptionally be reintroduced for a limited period if there is a serious threat to public order or internal security in a given EU country.
Everyone crossing the external borders of the EU, including EU citizens, is now subject to systematic checks against databases to increase security.
You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when travelling to or returning from the six non-Schengen countries and when entering or leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry it when travelling in the EU because it may be required for identification or security purposes. Before travelling outside the EU, check what documents are required by the non-EU country you plan to visit. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from national authorities.

Visa

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

What are the implications when travelling without a valid travel document?

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 you’re in the EU, your first port of call should be your country’s consulate or embassy.

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.

What if my travel document is lost or stolen?

The EU countries have systems in place to deal with such cases. It is, though, 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.

See the current rules and information (where available) and/or visit the websites of the authorities of the country you are travelling both from and to:

* Information not yet provided by national authorities

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