Your Rights

Basic Rights

• As an EU citizen, you have the right to enter any EU country without having to comply with special formalities.
• All you need is a valid passport or identity card. Your identification can be checked for validity, but you cannot be asked questions about the purposes and duration of your trip.
• Your right to travel may be restricted only on grounds of public policy, public security or public health.

Your Family

• Members of your family, whatever their nationality, may go with you. Non-EU citizens may need an entry visa, depending on their nationality.
• Within the ‘Schengen area’, citizens are enabled to cross internal borders without being subjected to border checks. This area comprises the following countries (as of 19/12/2011): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Lichtenstein, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Malta. Although Ireland is not part of the Schengen Agreement, Irish citizens are entitled to travel freely through these countries.

Air Travel

• If you are denied boarding, your flight was cancelled, you experienced long delays or your baggage was lost, you may be entitled to compensation under EU law and you can complain to the relevant enforcement body.

Healthcare

• If you suddenly fall ill or have an accident in another EU country while on a temporary stay there, you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system. For this, you need the European Health Insurance Card, which you should obtain from your home country before departure. There is no charge for the card.

Purchases for Your Personal Use

• There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for resale. Taxes are included in the price you pay and no further payment of tax can be due in any other EU country. However, this does not apply to the purchase of new cars. For tobacco products and alcohol, evidence may be required that the goods are for personal use in certain circumstances.
• Further information can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/travellers/within_eu/index_en.htm