The deal is done and until the end of the year the UK is in a transition period – here is what you need to know about how it might affect your upcoming travel plans.
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UK Visas During Brexit Transition
Until the end of the year UK citizens will be free to travel to countries in the EU – this includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – with just a passport.
After the transition UK residents will be allowed to travel without a visa for 90 days out of 180 as long as they do not plan to study or work while overseas. Keep your ears open for the new visa-waiver system being introduced in the EU in 2021 called The Etias (European Travel Information and Authorisation System).
UK Passports During Brexit
Your UK passport will be valid until its expiry date. One thing to note is that after the transition period you will not be permitted to travel unless there is at least 6 months left on your passport.
Travel Insurance for EU
To our customers: “Regarding Brexit, policies already purchased will be unaffected by any regulatory changes as cover would have already been authorised. We would contact our EU customers if there are likely to be major changes to their policy terms when they come to renew. We do already have policies available to customers living all over the World, so we would not expect to be in a position where we could not offer cover at all to EU residents, even if it needed to be via our International products.”
EHIC – European Health Insurance Cards
Again, these will be valid until the end of 2020. The Government has always advised that travellers get travel insurance with comprehensive medical cover, regardless of whether not they have an EHIC – after the transition period this will be even more important. Read more about the difference between an EHIC and Travel Insurance here.
Pet Passports and Brexit
These will remain valid during the transition – but – if you are planning to travel with your pet to the EU for the first time this year you will have to visit your vet. Pet passports will no longer be valid from 01stJanuary 2021 regardless of the expiry date.
Passport Control at Borders
UK citizens should continue to use the EU/EEA passport gates until the end of the year.
Travelling to and from Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey
British and Irish citizens can still enjoy freedom of movement within The Common Travel Area.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles – passenger rights
EU regulations that apply to trains, ferries, coaches and buses are incorporated into UK law, so there will be no change there.Passenger rights for air travel will not be affected during or after the transition.
Driving in the EU During Brexit Transition
Until the end of 2020 there’s no need for any additional paperwork – for a full picture of what it might look like from 01 January 2021 take a look at our post on Driving in Europe Post-Brexit.
Mobile Data
You’ll still be able to enjoy zero roaming charges during the transition.
Duty Free
Nothing will change during the transition.
Beyond the Transition Period
From 01stJanuary 2021, UK rights will depend on the future UK-EU relationship, which is yet to be negotiated. Things that are likely to be affected include:
- Driving in Europe – it is likely extra paperwork will be needed.
- Duty Free – might be subject to import rules.
- Pet passports – UK might become a “listed country” which makes travelling with pets from outside the EU a bit easier.
- Mobile Data – Roaming charges are likely to be applied, but maybe with a capped charge limit.