Free trips around Europe for 18-year-olds: DiscoverEU applications are now open

The European Union has reopened applications for the DiscoverEU program, which gives 18-year-olds the opportunity to travel across Europe for free. In 2026, 40,000 travel passes are available, and trips can last up to 30 days. Find out who is eligible to apply and how to get a pass

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The European Commission has announced a new round of applications for the DiscoverEU program, which offers 18-year-olds a free travel pass to explore Europe. In 2026, 40,000 tickets will be available, and winners will be able to plan their own itinerary or choose pre-planned themed routes. Participation requires a short selection test, and applications are accepted only during a limited period in April. In addition to free travel, participants receive access to discounts on accommodation, transportation, and cultural events.

Earlier, we shared where to go on vacation as early as June 2026.

Who can participate in the DiscoverEU program?

Not everyone can apply for the free trip—the program has strict age criteria and basic selection requirements. It’s important to verify that you meet the application requirements so you don’t miss out on the opportunity.

In 2026, participation is open to young people born during a specific period. This means that the program is effectively aimed at 18-year-old participants.

You can apply if you:

- Were born between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008

- Are willing to take a short online test

- Are able to travel through Europe during the specified period

Selection is based on test results. Tickets will be awarded to participants with the best scores until the quota of 40,000 passes is exhausted.

In our previous article, we discussed Europe’s 5 best hiking trails with incredible views.

When and how to apply for DiscoverEU?

The application period is limited, so it’s important not to miss the deadline. The registration window lasts only a few weeks, and once it closes, you can no longer apply.

In 2026, applications are open from April 8 to April 22, 2026. You can apply online via the program’s official platform. The process takes little time but includes a mandatory selection stage.

To participate, you must:

- Fill out the application on the DiscoverEU website

- Take a short test

- Wait for the selection results

After that, a ranking of participants is formed. Passes are awarded to those with the highest scores until the quota is filled.

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What do participants receive, and how does the trip work?

Program winners receive not just a ticket, but a full opportunity to plan a trip across Europe at minimal cost. The format is quite flexible and allows you to tailor the trip to your own interests.

The main bonus is a free travel pass, which allows you to travel across Europe for a limited period. At the same time, participants determine the route and format of the trip themselves.

What the program includes:

- The opportunity to travel for up to 30 days

- Travel period: from July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027

- Typically, the trip lasts up to one month

- Up to 7 days can be used for active travel between cities

Participants can create their own itinerary or choose from pre-planned themed routes, such as cultural itineraries focusing on architecture, art, music, or design.

In addition, winners receive a special discount card that helps them save money while traveling. It covers transportation, accommodation, food, cultural events, and other services, significantly reducing overall costs.

You can learn more about the world’s best cities for tourists in 2026 by following the link.

Additional support and important details

The DiscoverEU program offers not only standard participation conditions but also additional support for those who may face difficulties while traveling. This makes it more accessible to various groups of young people.

Participants may receive special assistance if they:

- Have a disability

- Have health issues

- Are in a difficult financial situation

For such applicants, additional expenses may be covered or special arrangements may be made to ensure a comfortable trip.

It is also important to consider a few practical points:

- The trip must be taken within a specified period after winning

- The itinerary can be changed and adapted to your needs

- Some expenses (such as accommodation) must be covered by the participant

Thus, although transportation is free, the trip will not be entirely free—it is advisable to plan your budget in advance.

We remind you! Train routes can turn an ordinary trip into a full-fledged visual journey — from Alpine glaciers to tropical forests and red deserts. Using eye-tracking technology, researchers determined which routes hold the gaze the longest. Read more about the 15 most attractive train journeys in the world and their rankings in the 2026 rating.

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