DiscoverEU 2026 Opens Applications for 40,000 Free Travel Passes

DiscoverEU offers the chance to visit several European countries in a single trip, plan your own itinerary, and hit the road with friends. According to a statement from the European Commission, a new application round has opened for young people who will turn 18 in 2026. Winners will receive travel passes for their upcoming trip, but they’ll need to arrange their own accommodations, meals, and most other expenses. Here’s who can participate and how to apply.

In our previous article, we discussed how to choose safe accommodation, avoid mistakes, and book a hotel without unnecessary expenses.

Planning a trip abroad and want to protect yourself from unforeseen situations?

Travel insurance from Visit World will cover medical expenses, flight delays, and lost luggage in any country. Get a policy online in a few minutes and travel with confidence!

What is DiscoverEU, and what do the winners receive?

DiscoverEU is a European Union initiative under the Erasmus+ program that gives young people the opportunity to travel across Europe, primarily by train. Approximately 40,000 travel passes are planned to be distributed during the fall 2026 application round. They will be awarded to candidates who pass the selection process, taking into account country-specific quotas.

Winners will receive:

1. A travel pass for traveling around Europe—up to 7 days of travel within a single month

2. A DiscoverEU discount card—for accommodations, cultural events, sports activities, local transportation, and other services

3. Pre-trip support—preparatory meetings and the opportunity to meet other program participants

DiscoverEU does not include a pre-arranged tour with hotels and guided tours. Participants choose their own itinerary and plan their stops. The trip must include at least one foreign country that meets the program’s eligibility criteria. Additional assistance is available for people with disabilities or health conditions that make traveling difficult.

In a previous article, we wrote about the 7 most beautiful train stations in the world in 2026.

Who can apply for DiscoverEU 2026?

The fall application round is open to people born between January 1 and December 31, 2008, inclusive. If you are still 17 at the time of application but will turn 18 by the end of 2026, you also meet the age requirement.

Participants must be citizens or residents of one of the following countries or territories:

- The 27 member states of the European Union, including their outermost regions

- Overseas countries and territories associated with the EU

- Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, or Turkey

EU citizenship is not required: residency in a country on the list is sufficient grounds for participation. A tourist visa alone does not qualify you. You must provide your ID card, passport, or residence permit number on the application form. After selection, the organizers will verify your information using supporting documents.

You can travel independently or in a group of up to five people. Each group member must meet the age and other requirements, but friends’ citizenship and place of residence may differ. According to DiscoverEU rules, those who have already booked a pass in previous rounds cannot receive one again.

In a previous article, we discussed 10 routes across Europe where rail travel is faster than air travel.

How do I apply and go through the selection process?

You must complete the application on the European Youth Portal by October 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Brussels time. Once the application period closes, you will no longer be able to submit your application.

The procedure consists of several steps:

1. Check that you meet the eligibility criteria.

Enter your date of birth, citizenship, and country of residence.

2. Choose between individual or group participation. Confirm your email address and enter your personal information, including your ID number.

3. Answer five test questions about the EU and European youth initiatives. Then complete an additional question that requires an approximate numerical answer.

4. Describe your travel plans. This information is required for statistical purposes and does not affect the selection outcome.

5. Review and submit the application form. Save the application code from the confirmation email—you’ll need it to check the results.

In a group, only the group leader answers the test and the additional question. Friends use this code to register and enter their own information before the application period closes. Each person may submit only one application in this round.

Candidates are ranked first by the number of correct answers on the test, and then by the accuracy of their answer to the additional question. The time of submission becomes a deciding factor only when results are tied at the quota cutoff. Once submitted, answers cannot be changed.

Results are scheduled to be announced in January 2027. Participants will receive an email notification and will be able to check their status on the portal using their application code. In addition to the main list, a reserve list will be formed: candidates on this list will have a chance to receive a travel pass, particularly if any of the winners decline.

Learn more about the 4 most beautiful train routes in 2026 by following the link.

When can you travel, and how does the travel pass work?

Winners of the fall round will be able to embark on their journey from March 1, 2027, through May 31, 2028, inclusive. Within this period, you must choose a trip lasting up to one month. Receiving the pass does not mean it can be used continuously throughout the entire specified period.

The pass allows for up to seven days of train travel. This does not limit the entire trip to seven days: you can stay in your chosen cities between trips. For example, you can spend a few days in Vienna, then continue your route to Prague or Berlin. You should check specific routes when planning your trip.

The primary mode of transportation for DiscoverEU is rail. Other modes of transportation are permitted in certain cases, particularly for participants from islands or remote regions. Air travel may be allowed as an exception if no alternative route is available. The pass does not entitle you to free use of any mode of transportation of your choice.

After the results are announced, the program operator will contact the winners and provide instructions on how to obtain the travel pass. You should wait for these instructions before booking your trip.

We previously reported that direct trains are running again between Finland and Sweden.

What expenses do you need to cover yourself?

The free travel pass does not cover the full cost of the trip. Before choosing a route, you should calculate your daily budget, including accommodations and meals.

Participants are generally responsible for paying for the following:

- Accommodations—hostels, hotels, or rented apartments

- Meals and daily expenses

- Insurance, except in specific cases covered by the program

- Local transportation not included in the travel pass

- Tours, admission tickets, and additional services

For trains requiring seat reservations, there is a separate provision: the program allows you to make up to four reservations free of charge through the designated system. This option does not apply to first class, sleeper berths on night trains, or routes not available in the reservation system. Any additional costs must be factored into your personal budget.

There are also exceptions regarding other expenses. DiscoverEU covers the cost of obtaining the necessary visa, as well as health insurance if it is required to obtain the visa. Additionally, the 250 applicants with the highest scores will be offered one free night at a partner hostel. For group applications, this offer applies to all participants. Advance booking is required, and availability is limited.

To estimate the actual cost of your trip, first check accommodation prices in your chosen cities and any surcharges for specific trains. A shorter route with a few longer stops may better fit your budget than daily travel.

No matter how well thought-out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or problems with luggage can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

Take out a policy online at Visit World and enjoy your trip without any unnecessary worries!

We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline