Are you 18 years old and a resident of one of the EU Member States or third countries associated to Erasmus+? Get ready to explore Europe!
It’s your chance to explore Europe, experience its cultural diversity, and connect with young people across the continent!
The next application round runs from 2 – 16 April 2025. An ‘Apply Now’ button will appear on this page on D-Day!
What is DiscoverEU?
DiscoverEU is an action of the Erasmus+ programme that offers you the opportunity to explore Europe’s diversity, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent. You will be offered a travel pass and travel predominantly by rail. Check out the rules for people living on islands or in remote areas. As a selected traveller, you will receive a DiscoverEU European Youth Card for a wealth of discounts on cultural visits, learning activities, sports, local transportation, accommodation, and food.
How does it work?
To be eligible, you need to:
- be born between 1 July 2006 (included) and 30 June 2007 (included);
- complete the correct identity card (ID), passport or residence card number on the online application form;
- be citizen or resident* of one of the following countries: one of the Member States of the European Union including Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), or one of the third countries associated to the Erasmus+ programme: Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Türkiye.
- you can go solo or add up to 4 friends in your group provided they meet the eligibility conditions above.
- You can also combine travel plans with other DiscoverEU travellers! The DiscoverEU Facebook Group is a good platform to do this. Join the Group now to chat with other participants. Once you are selected, the Erasmus+ National Agencies will help you connect and learn, with the organisation of pre-departure meetings and travellers Meet-ups.
- if you are selected, you can travel for a period of minimum 1 day and up to 30 days between 1 July 2025 and 30 September 2026.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply for your travel pass during the two application rounds taking place each year. The first round of applications is current open from 2 – 16 April 2025! Visit the link here and click on the Apply Now button to start the online application. Register your details, and you will then receive a follow-up email from Discover EU. Use this to confirm your email address and submit more detailed information.
If you want to travel in a group and be the group leader, you must apply first and then provide all your group members with your application code. Group members will have to use this code to join your group online. The code is only valid for one application round, so all group members must apply during the same application period.
To be selected, all group members must be 18 years old, submit their data and be eligible for DiscoverEU.
**All group members are only allowed to apply once. If you submit two applications or more, only the first application registered in the European Youth Portal will be considered. Any other application from you (individually or in group) will not be considered.
How many days can I travel?
Your trip can last for a minimum of 1 day to a maximum of 1 month inclusive and your trip should fall within the period 1 July 2025 (first possible start date) and 30 September 2026 (last possible return date). With a flexible pass, you will have 7 travel days to be used within a 1-month travel period.
How many countries can I visit?
This depends on the option chosen:
- fixed option: the number of destinations is limited to 2 countries (or two cities within the same country);
- flexible option: the number of countries is not limited. However, the number of travelling days is limited to 7; e.g. one can be abroad for up to one month but within this one month not more than 7 travel days can be used for actual travelling (e.g. on a train).
Other Useful Info
- Please do not book any travel passes or flight tickets by yourself, as they will not be reimbursed! Travel passes will be booked, purchased and delivered by the contractor designated by the European Commission. Successful applicants from Ireland will be not only given a free train travel pass but they can also receive a free return flight ticket to a destination they wish – either on the mainland Europe or another island – Cyprus, Malta or Island.
- Check out useful information on Travelling To Europe – Eurodesk Ireland and Supports If Something Goes Wrong When Travelling – Eurodesk Ireland
- If you run into any issues abroad, there are Irish Embassies and Consulates abroad that can help.
- More answers to your questions are here.
If you have questions about DiscoverEU or other European travel opportunities, you can chat online to a trained Youth Information Coordinator or contact us on info@ncycs.ie and we can get back to you.