Entering Luxembourg: Schengen, passports, the EES and ETIAS (2026)

Luxembourg is a member of the EU and of the Schengen area — and the village of Schengen, where the agreement was signed, is in Luxembourg. Here is what you need to enter, how the new Entry/Exit System works, and where ETIAS stands in November 2026.

Updated · 4 min read

The Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg, where the nationality law is voted
Photo: Cayambe, CC BY-SA 3.0, resized.

Rules change. This page summarises the official EU position as of November 2026. Always check the official site travel-europe.europa.eu — and beware of unofficial “ETIAS” websites that charge fees.

Schengen in one paragraph

Between Schengen countries there are normally no border checks: if you arrive in Luxembourg by train from France, Belgium or Germany, nobody checks your passport at the border (carry it anyway — controls can be reintroduced temporarily). Checks happen at the external borders — for example when you fly into Luxembourg from London, Istanbul or New York.

D’Grenzen an Europa ginn ëmmer méi ofgeschaaft

Literally: Borders in Europe are being abolished more and more.

Fiert dëse Bus op Schengen?

Literally: Does this bus go to Schengen?

Meaning: The Moselle village that gave the agreement its name — a nice day trip.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

A valid national identity card or passport is enough. You can live and work in Luxembourg under EU free-movement rules. If you move here, see which language to learn first.

Non-EU travellers: the Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EES is fully operational across all Schengen countries since 10 April 2026. It applies to non-EU nationals coming for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). At the external border:

  • your passport details are recorded;
  • your facial image and fingerprints are collected;
  • your entry and exit dates and places are logged — replacing passport stamps.

You do not apply in advance. You can speed things up by pre-registering your data within 72 hours before arrival in the official Travel to Europe app (where the country of entry supports it).

ETIAS: not yet in operation

ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU travellers (for example from the UK, the US, Canada or Australia) to 30 European countries. According to the official ETIAS website, ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications are collected; the EU will announce the start date several months before launch. When it starts, you will apply online, pay a €20 fee, and the authorisation will be linked to your passport for three years (or until the passport expires).

  • Travellers who need a visa (for example Indian nationals) will keep needing a visa and will not need ETIAS.
  • Approval is needed before boarding, so once ETIAS runs, apply well ahead.
  • Only use the official site or app — the EU warns against fraudulent third-party websites.

Fir anzechecke muss de däi Pass weisen

Literally: To check in you have to show your passport.

Meng Elteren hunn hir Päss erneiere gelooss

Literally: My parents had their passports renewed.

Arriving by air, train or car

Luxembourgish for the trip

A few sentences from the official dictionary, each with its native recording — the kind you will use on the platform and on the bus. More in Luxembourgish on the bus and the train.

Ech kommen aus England

Literally: I come from England.

Ass dës Plaz nach fräi?

Literally: Is this seat still free?

Ech hu mer e Billjee kaaft, fir mam Zuch op Léck ze fueren

Literally: I bought a ticket to go to Liège by train.

Meaning: Billjee (ticket) comes from French billet. The verb is kafen — kaaft is its past participle.

Also useful on the road, each with native audio: good morning, good evening, yes and no, nice to meet you — and the words for food, times and dates, the weather and money.

The verbs you need on any journey: fueren (to go by vehicle), huelen (to take), ukommen (to arrive), waarden (to wait), bezuelen (to pay) and reesen (to travel).

Staying longer, studying or working in Luxembourg? Those are not short stays — the Luxembourg government portal Guichet.lu explains residence rules. For the language side of settling in, see is Luxembourgish worth learning? and the language level for citizenship.

Moving to Luxembourg, or crossing its borders every week? The country runs on Luxembourgish, French and German, and a little of each goes a long way. On Edluxio you can book 1-to-1 online lessons with independent teachers — native speakers for languages, and professionals from many fields — and practise the conversations you will actually have. Book a trial lesson; if your first lesson isn’t right for you, you get a full refund.

The sentences you need when you travel

16Word’s Travel track has 100 real situations — the train, the taxi, the hotel, the pharmacy — with 16 sentences each, in Luxembourgish, French, German, Portuguese and many more. The first situation is free.

Keep travelling

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxembourg in the Schengen area?

Yes — and the Schengen Agreement takes its name from the Luxembourg village of Schengen on the Moselle, where it was signed in 1985.

Is the EES in operation?

Yes. The European Commission states that the Entry/Exit System has been fully operational in all Schengen countries since 10 April 2026.

Do I need ETIAS to visit Luxembourg?

Not yet. As of November 2026 the official ETIAS website says ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are collected. The start date will be announced months in advance.

How much will ETIAS cost?

The official site gives an application fee of €20; the authorisation will be valid for three years or until your passport expires.

Is there a passport check on the train from France or Belgium?

Normally not, because both are Schengen countries — but carry your ID or passport, as temporary checks can be reintroduced.

Was this guide useful?

Official sources

Keep going