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EU Opens Applications for 40,000 Free Interrail Passes for 18-Year-Olds

The DiscoverEU scheme promotes low‑carbon train travel for new adult travelers.

Overview

  • The European Commission, which opened applications Wednesday at noon Brussels time, set the deadline for noon on April 22.
  • Eligible candidates are those born between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, from EU member states and Erasmus+ partner countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey.
  • Applicants apply online with an ID number and complete a short quiz on the European Youth Portal, with national Erasmus+ agencies supporting selected travelers before departure.
  • ANSA reports winners may travel for up to 30 days between July 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027, though some outlets describe a pass limited to seven travel days within one month.
  • ANSA says the Commission will allocate passes by applicant ranking until quotas are filled, while other reports describe a lottery, and national quotas include 4,994 passes for Italy.