European Union
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 member states in Europe. Many neighbouring countries participate in specific areas, such as immigration controls and currency.
Travel between member states is generally much easier than crossing other international borders, both for residents and for people from outside the union.
The "Schengen Area" offers even smoother border crossing. Most of the EU countries and a few other ones belong to it.
UnderstandThe European Union was in part motivated by the catastrophe of World War II, with the idea that European integration would prevent such a disastrous war from happening again.
Get inThe EU does not have an all-encompassing immigration policy, and therefore immigration controls are in principle specific to each country.
CustomsFree movement inside the EU does not always apply to your pets. Relevant national rules should be consulted before travel.
Get aroundAlthough the European Union is moving towards standardisation of travel, national laws do still vary and it is important to refer to the article for each country for planning your trip.
BuyThe euro (€; EUR) is the common currency of 21 of the 27 countries that are members of the European Union. These are commonly called the Eurozone. The other 6 countries of the EU retain their national currencies.
VisitThe EU isn't a travel destination in itself, although being regarded as an important project it does open many of its institutions in order to help people learn about it and its objectives.
WorkAn EEA or Swiss citizen can generally apply for jobs in any of these countries under the same conditions like a local citizen (Nordic citizens are free to work also in the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which are not part…
Stay healthyAll EU countries operate public healthcare services that provide medical treatment for free or low cost to all residents. Non-EU residents can also use these systems, although they may have to pay a fee.
CopeYou are covered by the same set of passenger rights when flying:
Stay safeDialling 112 from any phone will connect you to all emergency services, with English-speaking staff available, wherever you are in the EU.
ConnectIf your mobile phone operator is based in the European Union (or Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway), then the default is for roaming to be no more expensive than domestic use.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "European Union" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0