{"slug":"luxembourg","title":"Luxembourg travel advice","updated_at":"2026-08-11T10:19:44+01:00","reviewed_at":"2026-08-11T09:19:44Z","change_description":"Updated information on European Entry-Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/luxembourg","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. </p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Luxembourg set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://londres.mae.lu/en/service_citoyens.html\">Luxembourg Embassy in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>Luxembourg follows <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm\">Schengen area rules</a>. Your passport must:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>\n    <p>have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area</p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)</p>\n  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.  </p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You can <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area\">travel without a visa to the Schengen area</a>, which includes Luxembourg, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>as a tourist</li>\n  <li>to visit family or friends</li>\n  <li>to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events</li>\n  <li>for short-term studies or training</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-luxembourg-for-work\">requirements for working in Luxembourg</a> are different.</p>\n\n<p>If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.</p>\n\n<p>At Luxembourg border control, you may also need to: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home</li>\n  <li>show proof of your travel insurance</li>\n  <li>show a return or onward ticket</li>\n  <li>prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"staying-longer-than-90-days-in-a-180-day-period\">Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period</h3>\n\n<p>To stay longer, you must meet the Luxembourg government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or permit you need with the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://londres.mae.lu/en/service_citoyens.html\">Luxembourg Embassy in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<p>If you’re in Luxembourg with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.</p>\n\n<p>Read about <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-luxembourg#passports-and-travel\">entry processes if you live in Luxembourg</a>.</p>\n\n<div class=\"call-to-action\">\n  <h2 id=\"new-schengen-entry-requirements\">New Schengen entry requirements </h2>\n\n  <p>The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.  </p>\n\n  <p>This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.  </p>\n\n  <p>On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.  </p>\n\n  <p>You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.  </p>\n\n  <p>EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit. </p>\n\n  <p>If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.  </p>\n\n  <p>Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years. </p>\n\n  <p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system\">information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area</a>. </p>\n\n  <p>If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply\">the EU’s official Travel Europe website.</a> </p>\n\n  <p>If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"additional-border-controls-in-belgium\">Additional Border Controls in Belgium</h2>\n\n<p>Belgium has introduced additional entry checks until December 2025, although these are not currently planned for the Luxembourg-Belgium border. Checks may be carried out on major roads leading into Belgium, motorway car parks, international bus services, international trains and on intra-Schengen flights. Checks may involve verifying travel documents and identification, as well as screening for illegal substances. In Belgium you must carry your passport with you at all times.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"border-controls-at-germanys-land-borders\">Border controls at Germany’s land borders  </h2>\n\n<p>There are temporary border controls in place to travel into Germany. Check the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/germany/entry-requirements\">entry requirements for Germany</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/132/luxembourg#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Luxembourg guide</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://douanes.public.lu/fr/voyages-demenagement.html\">goods you can take into or out of Luxembourg</a> (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-food-into-luxembourg\">Taking food into Luxembourg</h3>\n\n<p>You cannot take <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/animalproducts/personal_imports_en\">meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries</a>. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-money-into-or-out-of-luxembourg\">Taking money into or out of Luxembourg</h3>\n\n<p>Before you travel, <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://guichet.public.lu/en/citoyens/immigration/nouveau-resident-luxembourg/declaration-devises/declaration-paiement-devises.html\">declare cash or travellers cheques</a> if the value is 10,000 euros or more, even if you are just travelling through (transiting) Luxembourg. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.      </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-luxembourg\">Terrorism in Luxembourg</h3>\n\n<p>Terrorist attacks in Luxembourg cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<p>Violent crime is not common in Luxembourg cities. However, violent robberies have happened.</p>\n\n<p>Report any thefts in person to the nearest police station within 24 hours and get a police report crime number for insurance purposes.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-your-belongings\">Protecting your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>Pickpockets operate on buses and in train stations, particularly in the main train station, Gare de Luxembourg. Hotel lobbies in the Findel area are reported to be hotspots for thefts and pickpocketing. To reduce your risk:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>do not keep your passport, credit cards and other valuables in the same place</li>\n  <li>keep your belongings close to you in restaurants and bars</li>\n  <li>avoid being distracted around tourist attractions and ATMs</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"scams\">Scams</h3>\n\n<p>Scammers can target foreign visitors and residents. Be cautious and make sure you have all the information you need before you provide any personal or bank details.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"alcohol-laws\">Alcohol laws</h3>\n\n<p>The minimum legal drinking age is 16. Being drunk and disorderly in public is a criminal offence that can result in arrest for a night and a heavy fine.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs\">Illegal drugs</h3>\n\n<p>Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.</p>\n\n<p>The airport in Luxembourg has excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Luxembourg, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a> and check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.rac.co.uk/driving-abroad/luxembourg\">rules of the road in the RAC’s Luxembourg guide</a>. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.</p>\n\n<p>The Luxembourg authorities strictly enforce road traffic laws. You can get a fine for minor violations.</p>\n\n<p>You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Luxembourg for one year. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence\">update it to a photocard licence</a> or get the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">correct version of the international driving permit (<abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>)</a> as well. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.</p>\n\n<p>Within one year of taking up residence in Luxembourg, you must convert your UK licence into a Luxembourg licence. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-luxembourg#driving-in-luxembourg\">guidance on driving if you live in Luxembourg</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an <abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>.   </p>\n\n<p>You must carry these documents in the vehicle or face a fine:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>driving licence</li>\n  <li>vehicle registration document</li>\n  <li>car insurance certificate</li>\n  <li>road tax</li>\n  <li>MOT certificate</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Carry your passport because it’s easy to cross into neighbouring countries without realising it.</p>\n\n<p>Drink-driving is a serious offence in Luxembourg. The blood alcohol limit for experienced drivers is 0.05% (in England it’s 0.08%). If you’ve had your licence less than 2 years, the limit is 0.02%. You could get a fine and possible imprisonment if you’re caught over the limit.        </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"winter-tyres\">Winter tyres</h3>\n\n<p>Your vehicle must have regulation winter tyres if you drive in winter conditions such as black ice, packed snow, slush, ice sheets or frost. You must add winter tyres or all-weather tyres marked with ‘M.S.’, ‘M+S’, ‘M&amp;S’ or the alpine symbol on all wheels of the vehicle.</p>\n\n<p>All drivers must follow these regulations, regardless of their vehicle’s country of registration. You will get a fine if you do not have the correct tyres.</p>\n\n<p>For more information, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://guichet.public.lu/en/citoyens/transport/transports-individuels/vehicule-motorise/controle-technique-pneumatiques/pneus-hiver.html\">Luxembourg winter tyre regulations</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taxis\">Taxis</h3>\n\n<p>It is safer to use official taxis at clearly marked taxi stands. Official taxis display a price list. Check the rate per kilometre before you get into a taxi – some may charge highly inflated prices. Drivers are allowed to charge extra in the evenings and on Sunday.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.","You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","Before you travel, declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more, even if you are just travelling through (transiting) Luxembourg.","Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.","The blood alcohol limit for experienced drivers is 0.05% (in England it’s 0.08%)."]}
