If you’ve ever traveled within Europe, you know that one of the biggest perks of being in the European Union (EU) is the ease with which you can hop from one country to another. For example, we’ve done several fun day trips, like traveling from Budapest to Vienna, and it’s always been an absolute breeze. But the question is: Once you’re in one EU country, can you freely travel to others?
The short answer is yes—you generally can! We outline why below – but please remember that there may be specific or individual circumstances that impact you, so do check in to it yourself.
1. Freedom of Movement Within the EU
The EU is built on the principle of freedom of movement, meaning citizens and residents of EU countries can travel, live, and work freely within the member states. This applies not only to EU citizens but also to citizens of non-EU countries who hold valid residence permits in an EU country.
So, once you’re in an EU country, you don’t need a visa to travel to other EU countries. You can simply board a train, hop on a flight, or drive across the border, much like moving between states in the U.S.
2. Schengen Area: No Border Controls
A huge advantage of traveling within the EU is the Schengen Area, a group of 27 European countries that have abolished passport controls at internal borders. When you travel between Schengen countries, you don’t have to go through passport checks—making it super easy to cross borders.
For example, when we traveled from Budapest to Vienna, there were no passport controls as we crossed from Hungary into Austria. Whether by train or car, you just show up and go. This is one of the key benefits of being in the Schengen Area.
3. Exceptions to the Rule: Some EU Countries Aren’t in Schengen
While most EU countries are part of the Schengen Area, there are a few exceptions. Countries like Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and Cyprus are technically part of the European Union but not yet part of the Schengen Area (though some are working towards joining).
That said, even though they don’t have open borders with other EU nations, you can still travel freely to these countries from other EU states—just expect some passport or ID checks at the border.
On the the other hand, there are also some countries – like Iceland – who are not officially in the EU, but at in the Schengen Area!
4. Traveling by Train, Plane, or Car
One of the best things about traveling in the EU is the variety of ways to get around. On our trip from Budapest to Vienna, we took the train—comfortable, fast, and easy. There’s no need to worry about long immigration lines or complicated paperwork. Trains, buses, and even budget flights make it incredibly easy to explore multiple countries in one trip.
If you’re traveling by car, you can simply drive across the border, and as long as your documents are in order (passport, ID card, or residence permit if needed), you won’t encounter many barriers.
5. Important to Note: Health Insurance and Travel Documents
Even though you can move freely within the EU, it’s always important to make sure you have the necessary documents. Citizens of the EU typically only need an ID card to travel between countries, while non-EU citizens may need a passport or residence card, depending on their nationality.
Also, don’t forget about health insurance. While EU citizens are covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for travel to other EU countries, if you’re not from the EU, you’ll need travel insurance or check if your health insurance covers you abroad.
6. Recent Changes Post-Brexit: UK Travelers
With the UK leaving the EU (Brexit), UK citizens are no longer able to freely move between EU countries like before. They must go through passport control, and in some cases, may need additional documentation like visas depending on the length of stay or purpose of travel. However, if you’re a UK citizen with EU residency, you can still travel as you would within the EU.
Final Thoughts
Yes, once you’re in an EU country, traveling to other EU countries is generally incredibly easy. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip, like our journey from Budapest to Vienna, or hopping between multiple countries on a longer vacation, the EU offers a unique freedom to explore diverse cultures and cities without the usual travel headaches.
So, next time you find yourself in a European city, why not take advantage of the short distances and jump on a train, plane, or bus to explore another destination? The freedom to travel is one of the EU’s biggest perks, and it’s something that makes European travel so special.
Have you done any cross-border day trips in Europe? Share your experiences in the comments or drop us an email!
