Mayo young people invited to apply for free EU travel pass

Young people in Mayo are being encouraged to apply for a free European travel pass, with just one week remaining before the deadline.

Nina Carberry, MEP for the Midlands-North-West constituency, has urged eligible teenagers to take advantage of the initiative, which is being offered through the Erasmus+ programme.

A total of 40,000 travel passes are available, allowing successful applicants to travel across Europe for free between July 2026 and September 2027. The scheme also includes discounts on accommodation, food, cultural activities and sports events in 36 European countries.

The competition is open to young people born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008, with the closing date for applications set for Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Speaking this week, MEP Carberry described the scheme as a unique opportunity for young people.

“This is a wonderful chance for those turning 18 to travel across the continent, develop a better understanding of other cultures and European history, and improve their language skills,” she said.

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Applicants must complete a short EU-themed quiz via the European Youth Portal, where full details of the competition are available.

MEP Carberry, who sits on the European Parliament’s Budget Committee, also highlighted the importance of continued investment in programmes like Erasmus+ as discussions continue on the EU’s next long-term budget.

The initiative is expected to attract strong interest from across Mayo, offering young people the chance to explore Europe and gain valuable life experience.