Transport and Travel
Travel in stress-free style
Isn't it great how we no longer have to queue for hours at border crossings all around Europe? Travelling on the continent is so easy these days. That's because of the EU, which has not only made it easy to cross borders, but gives us rights and protections in every kilometre we travel.
As an EU citizen, you enjoy the same rights and freedom of travel in the other 26 EU countries as you do at home in Ireland, whether you are travelling on holidays or for work. Borderless travel means going from Spain to France is almost as easy as popping to Kilkenny from Laois.
The EU wants to make travelling around Europe as easy, efficient and straight-forward as possible for all of us. So European policy focuses on all areas of travel and transport, including:
- Road, rail, air and water travel
- Transport safety and security
- Passenger rights
- Developing sustainable transport systems
No visas, no customs, no problem!
As a direct result of EU policy, Irish citizens can:
- travel to any country in the EU without restrictions or a visa
- travel to countries like the US using the visa waiver programme
- shop in any EU country without having to pay customs charges
You've got rights
It's so annoying when a flight is delayed or your bags go missing. At least it's some consolation that EU laws guarantee you certain rights as an air passenger, such as the right to accommodation or food if a flight is delayed. And you are entitled to claim up to €1,100 for lost or damaged baggage.
Leave your worries behind
The European Health Card, which replaces the old E111 form, entitles Irish citizens to free or very cheap emergency health care in any EU state while travelling there, so you don't have to worry about health care bills if you fall ill or have an accident abroad.
Help in emergencies
No matter where you are in the EU, you can dial 112 in an emergency and speak to an operator in English.
No hidden extras
EU consumers have the right to full price transparency when booking travel packages or purchasing air tickets online and the right to equal access to air fares, regardless of the airline or the passenger's home country.
Help is at hand
As an Irish citizen, you are entitled to free, confidential advice on consumer issues, including air travel, package holidays and international mobile roaming from the European Consumer Centre (www.ecic.ie).
Alternatively, if you have a query about your rights or where to complain, you can call the pan-European helpline, Europe Direct. The number is 00800 6 7 8 9 10 11 and you can call free of charge from anywhere in Europe.
Travel and transport in Europe: looking forward
EU policy is constantly being made better so travelling in Europe easier for all of us. Soon, you can expect even more improvements, including:
- Costly mobile phone roaming charges will be phased out over the next two years under new EU legislation.
- By 2011, EU citizens will be able to take their fully vaccinated and chipped pet on holidays anywhere in the EU, using the pet passport scheme.
- New European legislation will also protect the rights of disabled people and those with reduced mobility when travelling by air, water or bus/coach.
- The EU is focusing on developing Intelligent Transport Systems, which apply the latest technology to make all forms of transport more efficient, more sustainable and easier to use.
- When travelling, you'll soon be able to spend your euro in even more places, with nine more countries working to get their economies in shape so they can join the Eurozone.
- As the EU expands, so will your visa-free travel opportunities.
Learn more
Watch EU videos on travel and transport matters
Transport - Keeping Europe moving
Transport – Citizen's Corner
Rights for disabled/reduced mobility passengers
European Consumer Centre
EuropeDirect