Getting There

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.

Members of your family, whatever their nationality, may go with you. Non-EU citizens may need an entry visa, depending on their nationality.
Schengen Within the ‘Schengen area’, there are generally no identification checks at internal borders. This area comprises the following countries (as of 1 May 2005): Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Although Ireland is not part of the Schengen Agreement, Irish citizens are entitled to travel freely through these countries.

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.

When travelling within the EU, if you suddenly fall ill or have an accident in another EU country, you (and your family) are entitled to immediate healthcare there. For this, you need the European health insurance card (or the relevant ‘E111’ form), which you should obtain from your home country before departure. This applies only to short periods abroad.

You can buy goods and services for your personal use under the same tax rules as apply to nationals of the country concerned, and take them home with you. 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

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