What does Brexit mean for travel to Europe?
The UK is fast approaching the deadline for Brexit on 31 December 2020.
As the date approaches, it's worth thinking about some of the points below to ensure you continue to enjoy seamless travel experiences to Europe.
As the UK Government is still in ongoing negotiations when it comes to travel policies, it is important to note that the below information is subject to change as new legislation is announced.
Please remember that I will always be on hand to offer further help and advice in the lead up to your travel dates, which is one of the huge benefits of booking with your own personal travel expert.
Passports and visas:
Check the date your passport expires. The UK Government has published a website tool to check the validity of your passport for travel to Europe.
When travelling to the EU on or after 01 January 2021 the UK Government recommends that you have six months left on your passport on the date of your arrival to an EU country. Your passport will also need to be less than 10 years old, even if it has six months or more left. Please click here for more details.
If you need to renew your passport you may wish to do it sooner rather than later to make sure you have it in time for your holiday or travel plans. Full details on renewing your passport can also be found here.
If you are staying for less than 90 days in any 180-day period, you will not need a visa to visit most countries. Do check the entry guidance specific to the country you are visiting, as some may require a visa and/or other documents. Click here.
Health care in Europe and travel insurance:
You won't be able to rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for health care in Europe. We always advise customers to hold appropriate travel insurance, and adequate insurance is a condition of your booking.
If you want to discuss arranging travel insurance with our preferred insurance provider, please get in touch with your Travel Counsellor, or if you require some general guidance on travel insurance, try here. It’s always worth checking that your insurance covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions.
Driving abroad:
UK travellers driving in the EU on or after 01 January 2021 will need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can keep up to date with the latest government advice on driving abroad here.
Please check carefully which permit is required for each country you intend to drive within, as you may need more than one permit to comply with the law.
Also, because travellers will no longer benefit from the EU’s automatic third-party motor insurance cover, you will need a Green Card when travelling on or after 01 January 2021, which insurance firms currently issue free of charge.
Mobile roaming charges:
Check if your mobile phone operator will offer free roaming to avoid potential new charges when travelling to Europe. A new law means you will be notified when you reach a £45 spend, and you will need to opt-in to continue using mobile data.
Disruption:
Consider giving yourself extra travelling time in the event of any unforeseen disruption, for example, when travelling through passport control. Further useful Government information is available here.
The European Commission has confirmed that flights to and from the UK will continue to operate as normal.
For further information, check the latest FCO Travel Advice, and always ask your Travel Counsellor for all the help and support you need.