Travelling with food allergies and dietary needs in Europe

Prepare before you go

Travelling with a food allergy, coeliac disease or a specific diet takes extra planning, but it should not stop you enjoying Europe's food. Start by researching typical dishes at your destination and which common ingredients might be an issue. Nuts, dairy, gluten, shellfish and eggs appear in many traditional recipes, sometimes in unexpected places such as sauces, pastries or soups.

If you have a serious allergy, talk to your doctor before travelling about medication, including whether you should carry emergency treatment and how many doses to bring.

Carry a translated card

An allergy or dietary card written in the local language is one of the most useful tools you can carry. It should state clearly what you cannot eat, how serious the reaction is and, if relevant, that cross-contamination is a concern. Show it to staff when ordering, rather than relying on a quick spoken explanation.

Have the card checked by a native speaker or a reputable service if possible. Machine translation is useful but can miss nuances, which matter a great deal here.

Understanding labels and menus

Within the EU, food businesses are generally required to provide information about major allergens, and packaged food lists them on the label, usually highlighted. In restaurants, this information may be on the menu, on a separate sheet or available on request. Do not hesitate to ask.

Vegetarian and vegan options have become much more common across European cities, though traditional or rural restaurants may still have limited choices. Markets and supermarkets are excellent backups for simple, safe meals.

Remember that recipes can vary from one restaurant to the next, even for the same dish. A dessert that was safe in one place may contain nuts in another, so it is worth asking each time rather than assuming.

Travel days and accommodation

Bring safe snacks for travel days so you are never stuck without options at the airport. Carry any medication in your cabin bag, along with a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter.

Choosing accommodation with a kitchen gives you more control, especially for longer stays. Hotels can often accommodate dietary needs at breakfast if you let them know in advance.

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