Young People to Receive 40,000 Free Travel Passes for Schengen's 40th Anniversary

TALLINN - To mark the 40th anniversary of the Schengen area, the European Commission is offering 40,000 young people the opportunity to discover Europe for free with a DiscoverEU travel pass.

Young people born in 2007 are eligible to apply for the pass by completing a short quiz about the EU on the European Youth Portal.

Between March 1, 2026, and May 31, 2027, successful applicants will have the chance to travel for free for 30 days across 36 countries. They will also receive a discount card for public transport, culture, accommodation, food, sports, and other services.

Pass holders can design their own itinerary or draw inspiration from existing travel routes, such as the New European Bauhaus route. This route includes stops in beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive cities that align with the New European Bauhaus initiative.

The DiscoverEU Green Route guides young travelers to the most sustainable and eco-friendly destinations, featuring winners of the European Green Capital award and cities participating in the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities mission.

DiscoverEU's green travel tips help participants plan their journey in an environmentally sustainable way.

The application period for the DiscoverEU passes opened on Thursday and will close at noon on November 13.

Applications are open to residents of the European Union and third countries associated with the Erasmus+ program. Participants with disabilities or health issues can receive support for their journey through the DiscoverEU inclusion action, which is part of the Erasmus+ program. This support includes the option of traveling with a companion.

The European Commission launched the DiscoverEU program in June 2018 following an initiative from the European Parliament. It is now integrated into the Erasmus+ program (2021-2027).

Since 2018, more than 1.6 million candidates have applied for a travel pass, with 391,000 passes awarded. DiscoverEU has helped young people gain a better understanding of other cultures and European history, as well as improve their language skills.

A recent DiscoverEU post-trip survey revealed that for 63 percent of respondents, it was their first international train journey. For many, it was also their first time traveling without parents or a guardian, and most felt the experience helped them become more independent. More than two-thirds stated that they would not have been able to afford the trip without the DiscoverEU pass.

To help promote the initiative, participants are invited to become DiscoverEU Ambassadors. The official #DiscoverEU participant group, where young travelers can connect to share experiences and tips, has over 110,000 members.