Can you travel within the EU without a passport?
Passport or ID card, and when border controls apply inside the EU.
Short answer
Yes, EU citizens can travel to other EU countries, and to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, with either a valid passport or a national ID card. You still need to carry one, because countries can bring back temporary border controls, and Sweden, Germany and Denmark all have them in place in 2026.
Why
- Your Europe says you do not normally need to show your passport or ID when crossing the internal borders of the Schengen area.
- Your Europe says that when a Schengen area country applies temporary border controls you must show a valid passport or ID card.
- According to the Swedish Police, a national ID card issued by the Police Authority can be used for travel within the EU and Schengen area.
Details
The Swedish Government says Sweden's internal border control runs from 12 May 2026 to 11 November 2026, and the Police decide where and how checks are done. The European Commission's list shows a new Swedish period from 12 November 2026 to 11 May 2027. The European Commission's list shows Germany with controls from 16 September 2026 to 15 March 2027 and Denmark with controls on the border with Germany. For travel to or from Ireland, Your Europe says you must show your passport or identity card at the border.
Tip
Carry your passport or national ID card on every trip, and check that it is valid on the day you travel.
What may differ
Citizens of countries outside the EU follow different rules. A driving licence is not a travel document, according to Your Europe.
Common misconception
Inside Schengen there are never any ID checks at borders.
What actually happens
Schengen countries can bring back temporary border controls, and then you must show a valid passport or ID card.
People also ask
- Do you need a passport to travel within the EU?
- Can I travel around the EU without a passport?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Your Europe and the Swedish Police before you travel.
Related questions
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Can you bring prescription medicines into Sweden?
You can bring prescription medicines into Sweden if you can show they are yours, for example with a prescription, a pharmacy label or a doctor's certificate.
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Can you bring food, meat and dairy into Sweden?
From other EU countries you may bring any type of food for personal use, but meat and dairy products from outside the EU are generally not allowed.
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How much alcohol and tobacco can you bring into Sweden from outside the EU?
From outside the EU you can bring 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of fortified wine, 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and 200 cigarettes duty free.
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How do I renew a Swedish passport from abroad?
Swedish citizens living abroad can apply for a passport at some Swedish embassies, and most embassies can also hand over a passport applied for elsewhere.