Time is running out for youth to seize a fantastic opportunity for free travel across the continent of Europe.
Proposed by the European Parliament, the DiscoverEU initiative—part of the popular Erasmus+ program—offers thousands of free travel passes.
DiscoverEU aims to help young people explore the continent’s stunning beauty and diversity, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant history from the north of Scandinavia to the South of Spain, Italy, and Greece. It’s a chance for youth to connect with other young people from various regions across Europe, become more independent, and strengthen a sense of European identity at a time of division and isolationism.
Successful applicants of the Discover EU initiative receive a travel pass primarily intended for rail journeys, allowing them to ride across Europe’s extensive train network for up to 30 days. While train travel is encouraged to support sustainable transport under the European Green Deal, options like ferries or buses are also available where necessary, especially for those on islands or in remote areas across the European Union.
In addition to the travel pass, participants receive a DiscoverEU European Youth Card, unlocking numerous discounts on cultural visits, including museums and archaeological sites, learning activities, sports, local transport, accommodation, and even food across Europe. The program also provides dedicated support and assistance to ensure that young people with disabilities or health problems can travel without difficulty and that their conditions do not prevent them from exploring Europe.
The current application window closes on April 16, 2025, at noon Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Eligibility for this program is specific: applicants must have been born between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2007 (inclusive), making them 18 years old.
Importantly, they must be a legal resident or citizen of an EU Member State or a third country associated with the Erasmus+ program, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Turkey. Applicants residing in Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) associated with the EU are also eligible to apply.
Unfortunately, following Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the Erasmus program, so British citizens cannot apply.
The online application requires information such as name, date of birth, nationality/residency, and a valid ID, passport, or residency card number. Applicants must also complete a brief quiz testing their general knowledge about the European Union and its youth initiatives. Applications can be submitted individually or as a group of up to five, provided all members meet the age and residency criteria.
Those selected will receive their travel pass for a journey between one day and one month, scheduled between July 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. The pass holders can choose when and how to use the pass.
With the deadline less than a week away, eligible 18-year-olds are encouraged to act quickly. This is a unique opportunity for young Europeans to embark on an unforgettable adventure, broaden their horizons, and experience Europe firsthand.
