European Union
scheduleUpdated: 2026-10-23 00:59In this guide
infoOverview
The European Union is monitored separately from EASA. This record covers acts published through EUR-Lex and the Official Journal of the European Union, Schengen borders, visas, EES, ETIAS and passenger rights. EASA remains the aviation-safety monitor.
updateLatest changes
Status checked on 22 October 2026: the revision of the air passenger rights rules (Regulation (EU) 2026/2202) was published on 2 October 2026 and applies from 23 October 2027; compensation of 250, 400 and 600 euros and the right to compensation from a 3-hour arrival delay remain. The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational since 10 April 2026. ETIAS still has no announced start date; the European Union will announce the date months in advance on the official website. A relevant new publication creates an item on the dashboard and, for subscribers, a WhatsApp alert.
gavelPassenger rights
EU rules protect passengers in cases such as denied boarding, cancellation and long delays when the flight falls within the European scope. The revision of these rules, Regulation (EU) 2026/2202, was published on 2 October 2026 and applies from 23 October 2027; until then, Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 applies as it stands. The revision keeps compensation of 250, 400 and 600 euros and the right to compensation from a 3-hour arrival delay, gives every passenger one free personal item in the cabin (up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm, or one that fits under the seat in front) and requires the airline to offer anyone accompanying a child under 14 on the same booking a seat next to the child free of charge. Each case depends on the route, the carrier and the circumstances.
accessibleSeniors & accessibility
Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 protects disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility in air transport. Airports and airlines have assistance duties; travellers should check the official procedure and deadlines with the source and carrier.
badgeVisa & entry
EES electronically records entry, exit and refusal data for many non-EU nationals making short stays in the Schengen area. Once operational, ETIAS will be a travel authorisation for covered visa-exempt nationals; it is not a visa. Rules and exemptions depend on nationality, document, residence and destination.
linkOfficial sources
Before you travel: European Union
What's usually asked for — or sorely missed — on arrival.
A medical emergency abroad can run into tens of thousands — and with no policy, it comes out of your own pocket. For the Schengen area it is requir...
🎟 TRENTFLY · 15% OFF Get it ↗With no data abroad you lose maps, translation, ride-hailing and messaging all at once — and your carrier's roaming charges a daily fee for the pri...
See plans ↗A flight to or from Europe delayed over three hours, cancelled, or overbooked? Under EU261 you may be owed up to €600 — most passengers never find ...
Check it ↗⚠️ Informational only — always confirm with the official source (consulate/authority) before traveling.
