Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Luxembourg set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Luxembourg Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
Luxembourg follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
- have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
- have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
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.
Visa requirements
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Luxembourg, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
- as a tourist
- to visit family or friends
- to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
- for short-term studies or training
The requirements for working in Luxembourg are different.
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.
Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.
If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.
If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.
At Luxembourg border control, you may also need to:
- show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
- show proof of your travel insurance
- show a return or onward ticket
- prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation
Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period
To stay longer, you must meet the Luxembourg government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or permit you need with the Luxembourg Embassy in the UK.
If you’re in Luxembourg with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
Read about passport stamping if you live in Luxembourg.
New Schengen entry requirements
Plans for the introduction of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including British nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area has been delayed. Information will be updated when available.
Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System.
Border controls at Germany’s land borders
There are temporary border controls in place to travel into Germany. Check the entry requirements for Germany.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Luxembourg guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Luxembourg (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking food into Luxembourg
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
Taking money into or out of Luxembourg
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. 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.
Terrorism
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.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Luxembourg
Terrorist attacks in Luxembourg cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Violent crime is not common in Luxembourg cities. However, violent robberies have happened.
Report any thefts in person to the nearest police station within 24 hours and get a police report crime number for insurance purposes.
Protecting your belongings
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:
- do not keep your passport, credit cards and other valuables in the same place
- keep your belongings close to you in restaurants and bars
- avoid being distracted around tourist attractions and ATMs
Scams
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.
Laws and cultural differences
Alcohol laws
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.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Luxembourg, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Luxembourg guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
The Luxembourg authorities strictly enforce road traffic laws. You can get a fine for minor violations.
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 update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.
Within one year of taking up residence in Luxembourg, you must convert your UK licence into a Luxembourg licence. See guidance on driving if you live in Luxembourg.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
You must carry these documents in the vehicle or face a fine:
- driving licence
- vehicle registration document
- car insurance certificate
- road tax
- MOT certificate
Carry your passport because it’s easy to cross into neighbouring countries without realising it.
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.
Winter tyres
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&S’ or the alpine symbol on all wheels of the vehicle.
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.
For more information, see Luxembourg winter tyre regulations.
Taxis
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.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
If you ask for a SAMU (‘Service d’Aide Medicale Urgente’), a doctor will come with an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Luxembourg.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Luxembourg
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Luxembourg where some staff will speak English.
Health insurance cards
To get medically necessary state healthcare in Luxembourg, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
- how to apply for a GHIC
- how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
- who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
- what treatment counts as medically necessary
A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
- changes to travel and accommodation bookings
- additional standard costs for treatment
- medical repatriation to the UK
- treatment that is ruled non-urgent
- private healthcare
- private clinics
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Luxembourg.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Luxembourg
Ambulance: 112
Fire: 112
Police: 113
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
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The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Luxembourg on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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