Leitrim teenagers urged to apply for free EU travel pass

Midlands North-West MEP Nina Carberry has called on young people across the constituency to apply for a free EU travel pass.

The free travel pass scheme is being run as a competition through the Erasmus+ programme, which will allow 40,000 successful ticket holders to travel for free across Europe, while also receiving discounts for accommodation, food, sports, and cultural events across 36 European countries.

READ MORE: Pictures: Leitrim town hosts impressive Samhain parade to celebrate Halloween

Successful ticket holders will have the opportunity to travel for free across Europe for up to 30 days between March 2026 and May 2027.

The competition is open to anyone aged 18 — born between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2007. Those who are interested in winning a free travel pass can apply now, with the closing date set for 13th November 2025.

The competition is open to any citizen of an EU country, or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Türkiye.

Carberry, who is a member of the European Parliament’s Budget Committee, has recently spoken about the need to protect funding for Erasmus+ into the future, as it provides young people with opportunities to travel, study, and experience different cultures across the Schengen zone.

READ MORE: Taoiseach 'certainly never did me any favours; absolutely not!' says Leitrim councillor

Those with a disability or a health problem that makes travel challenging will receive assistance and support.

To apply for the travel pass, eligible applicants must complete a short quiz about the EU through the European Youth Portal, where the full details of the competition can be found.