Students planning to travel across European Union countries need to be aware of various customs regulations and travel requirements. This guide outlines the essential information for students to ensure smooth border crossings and compliance with EU regulations as of May 2025.
Visa Requirements
EU/EEA Students
– No visa required: EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals can travel, study, and work freely in any EU member state with just their national ID card or passport.
– Registration: For stays longer than 90 days, you may need to register with local authorities, depending on the host country’s specific requirements.
Non-EU/EEA Students
– Short stays (up to 90 days): Many countries require a Schengen visa for tourism or short study visits.
– Study visa/residence permit: Required for courses lasting more than 90 days.
– Supporting documents: Typically include acceptance letter from educational institution, proof of financial means, health insurance, and accommodation arrangements.
Customs Regulations
Personal Belongings
- Study materials: Books, laptops, and educational equipment for personal use are generally exempt from customs duties.
- Declaration requirement: If bringing valuable equipment (high-end laptops, cameras, etc.), consider getting an ATA Carnet or keeping purchase receipts to prove you owned these items before entering the EU.
Cash & Currency
- Cash declaration: When entering or leaving the EU, you must declare cash amounts of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies).
- No restrictions: On the amount of money you can bring, as long as it is properly declared.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
- Strictly prohibited: Narcotics, counterfeit goods, endangered species products.
- Weapons & self-defense items: Generally prohibited or strictly controlled.
- Food products: Meat, dairy, and plant products from outside the EU are typically restricted to prevent disease spread.
- Medications: Prescription medications are allowed for personal use with proper documentation (doctor’s note, prescription).
Duty-Free Allowances (when arriving from non-EU countries)
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco.
- Alcohol: 4 liters of wine AND 16 liters of beer AND 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol OR 2 liters of alcoholic beverages less than 22%.
- Other goods: Items up to a value of €430 for air and sea travelers, €300 for land travelers.
Health Requirements
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) / Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
- EU/EEA students: Should carry a valid EHIC for access to necessary healthcare during temporary stays.
- UK students: Should apply for a GHIC which replaced the EHIC after Brexit.
- Non-EU students: Required to have comprehensive travel or health insurance that covers the Schengen area.
COVID-19 Considerations
- As of May 2025, most emergency travel restrictions have been lifted, but students should check the latest requirements for their specific destination as some countries maintain certain health protocols.
Digital Requirements
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
– ETIAS Requirement: Starting soon, ETIAS will be mandatory to enter and stay in 30 European countries — the 29 Schengen states plus Cyprus. Be sure to obtain your ETIAS before beginning your trip.
– Studying with ETIAS: ETIAS allows you to study in these countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. If your program is longer, you’ll need to apply for a student visa instead.
– Application Requirements: To apply for ETIAS, you’ll need:
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A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay and issued within the last 10 years
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An email address
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Completion of an online application form
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Payment of a €7 fee
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– Official Website: There is only one official ETIAS website, where you’ll complete your application.
– Validity: Your ETIAS will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. It allows for multiple entries during this time.
– Not a Visa: ETIAS is not a visa. It’s a travel authorisation, similar to systems used by the U.S. (ESTA), Canada (eTA), Australia (ETA/eVisitor), and the UK (ETA).
– Avoid Scams: Over 100 unofficial websites are offering information about ETIAS. While some may be legitimate, others may not be. If you choose to use a third party to apply, make sure it’s a trusted intermediary.
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- A digital system to register non-EU travelers entering and exiting the Schengen Area is being implemented, replacing manual passport stamping.
Student-Specific Benefits
Student ID Cards
- International Student Identity Card (ISIC): Provides discounts on transportation, museums, and cultural attractions throughout Europe.
- European Youth Card: Offers various discounts for young people under 30.
Transportation
- Rail travel: Consider Eurail or Interrail passes for extensive travel across multiple countries.
- Public transport: Many cities offer student discounts with valid student identification.
Country-Specific Requirements
While EU regulations provide a common framework, individual member states may have additional requirements. Students should always check specific regulations for their destination countries.
Useful Resources
- 2024 edition of Travelling in Europe!
- European Union Immigration Portal
- ISIC (International Student Identity Card) website
- Your university’s international office
Conclusion
Planning ahead and understanding customs regulations will help ensure your student travel experience across Europe is smooth and hassle-free. Always check the most up-to-date information before traveling, as regulations may change.
Note: This information is accurate as of May 2025. Regulations may change, so it’s advisable to check the official European Commission website before traveling.
