18-year-olds can apply for a free pass to explore Europe

Young people turning 18 in 2026 have until 15 October to apply for DiscoverEU, a European initiative that lets selected applicants explore different countries, cultures, and heritage sites with a travel pass.

The DiscoverEU initiative says applications opened on 1 October and will close at 11am UK time on 15 October, which is noon in Brussels.

This scheme is part of Erasmus+ and is open to people born between 1 January and 31 December 2008 who are citizens or legal residents of an EU Member State or another eligible participating country.

Eligible countries outside the EU include Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Türkiye, as well as overseas countries and territories associated with the European Union.

How to apply

Applicants must complete an online form, provide their citizen card, passport, or residence permit number, accept the required declaration, and answer a questionnaire.

Those applying as part of a group will only need the designated group leader to complete the questionnaire.

Applicants who are eligible can travel for up to seven days within a one-month period, with trips taking place between 1 March 2027 and 31 May 2028.

Travel alone or with friends

DiscoverEU allows participants to travel independently or join a group of up to four friends.

Everyone must meet the eligibility requirements, and group members must enter the code their group leader provides when submitting their applications.

Those selected will also receive a DiscoverEU discount card, providing access to reduced prices on accommodation, cultural activities, sports, local transport and other services.

Additional assistance is available for participants with disabilities or health conditions that may make travelling more difficult.

Erasmus+ national agencies may also organise meetings and events to help selected participants connect before setting off on their journeys.

Successful applicants will automatically become DiscoverEU ambassadors and will be encouraged to share their experiences on social media or through presentations at their schools and in their local communities.

Further details, including information about the application process and previous participants’ experiences, are available in the official DiscoverEU information sheets.