European Tourism

Coordination of measures restricting free movement in the EU related to the coronavirus pandemic

The EU Council agreed on 13 October on EU-wide coordination of measures restricting free movement related to the coronavirus pandemic.

EU states look to coordinate COVID travel measures

The EU adopted Tuesday a common framework on travel measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with recommendations to help states take decisions based on the epidemiological situation region by region.

Joint Statement: Europe needs predictable and harmonised approaches to travel rules under COVID

In her State of the Union speech on 16 September, Commission President von der Leyen said:

COVID: Europe needs a coherent, responsible approach to free movement of people

As the COVID crisis subsides, and countries across Europe start to reopen their borders, we are concerned that the approach hitherto has been fragmented and creates confusion in the public and among commercial operators in the tourism and retail sector.

EU plans for relaunch of European tourism

The EU cranked up plans to relaunch tourism in Europe Monday with the launch of 'Re-open EU', an online platform with information on borders and available transport and tourism services in Member States.

Re-open EU

The European Union and its member states are planning for a safe re-opening of Europe. This interactive tool provides you with the information that you need to confidently plan your European travel and holidays, while staying healthy and safe. The information is frequently updated and available in 24 languages for your convenience.

Brussels looks to remove travel restrictions to EU on 1 July

The EU announced Thursday that it is making concrete preparations for the lifting of travel restrictions with countries whose health situation is similar to the EU's and for resuming visa operations.

Water quality 'excellent' in 85 pct of Europe's beaches: EU survey

85% of swimming sites across Europe monitored in 2019 met the EU's stringent 'excellent' quality standards, according to this year's European bathing water quality assessment published on Monday.

European bathing water quality in 2019

Bathing is an extremely popular and important leisure activity in Europe. This annual assessment of European bathing sites shows how well environmental protection measures are implemented, allowing people to make informed decisions on where to go to best enjoy Europe’s inland and coastal bathing sites.

Brussels prepares reboot of 'vital' tourism industry

The European Commission presented a package of guidelines and recommendations Wednesday to help EU countries gradually lift travel restrictions and allow tourism businesses to reopen after months of lockdown.

Tourism and transport package - background guide

The European Commission presented on 13 May a package of guidelines and recommendations to help EU Member States gradually lift travel restrictions and allow tourism businesses to reopen, after months of lockdown, while respecting necessary health precautions.

Brussels reaches data-sharing agreement with Airbnb, Booking on short-term lets

A landmark agreement with Airbnb, Booking and others on data sharing, reached Thursday by the EU Commission, will allow Eurostat to publish data on their short-stay accommodations across the EU.

Green light for talks on EU-Japan Passenger Name Record agreement

The EU Council gave a green light Tuesday for the start of negotiations with Japan on an agreement to enable the transfer of Passenger Name Record data from the European Union to Japan.

New EU visa rules

New EU rules on short-stay visas apply worldwide from 2 February 2020. They make it easier for legitimate travellers to apply for a visa to come to Europe, facilitating tourism, trade and business, while providing more resources for countering irregular migration risks and threats to internal security.

20,000 young people set for free EU travel passes

Around 20,000 18-year-olds are set to receive a travel pass under the fourth and latest round of DiscoverEU, the opportunity to explore Europe which attracted some 75,000 applications from across Europe.

DiscoverEU - background guide

Around 20,000 18-year-olds are receiving a travel pass under the fourth and latest round of DiscoverEU, which attracted some 75,000 applications from across Europe.

Free EU travel passes for 20,000 young people next summer

18-year-olds in the EU have until 28 November to apply for the latest round of DiscoverEU travel passes, launched Thursday, which give them the opportunity to travel across Europe for free.

EU, UN and Smurfs help clean up world's beaches

EU staff joined hands with local communities, and the Smurfs, on beaches across Europe and the world on Thursday, as part of the #EUBeachCleanUp campaign to clean up marine litter.

EU Beach Clean Up 2019

Every year millions of tons of trash end up in the ocean. By 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the sea. Therefore, the European Union, the United Nations and the Smurfs are teaming up. For clean oceans and clean beaches. EU and UN offices all across the world will organise beach cleanup events together with local organisations, schools, etc.

Airbnb decides to conform to EU consumer rules

Following its negotiations with Airbnb, the EU Commission announced Thursday that the accommodation platform had improved and 'fully clarified' the way it presents offers to consumers.

EU's Emergency Travel Document ready for take-off

EU ministers gave final approval Wednesday to consular protection for unrepresented EU citizens in third countries by simplifying the issuing of safe and widely accepted emergency travel documents.

EU issues 20,000 more euro-travel passes for 18-yr-olds

18-year-olds in the EU have until 16 May to apply for 20,000 DiscoverEU travel passes, the Commission announced Thursday, for the opportunity to explore Europe between 1 August and 31 January.

States confirm update of EU's common visa policy

EU states confirmed a plan to modernise the EU's common visa policy Wednesday, adapting the rules to growing security concerns, the challenges of migration and new opportunities offered by technological developments.

Free ticket for 18-yr-olds in EU to discover Europe

Following the success of the first round of DiscoverEU, the Commission announced Wednesday it will launch a second competition for free tickets for students to travel around Europe on 29 November.

European Youth Portal - Information and opportunities for young people across Europe

The European Youth Portal offers European and national information and opportunities that are of interest to young people who are living, learning and working in Europe. It provides information around eight main themes, covers 35 countries and is available in 28 languages.