Seven things you need to know about travel to Europe after Brexit
Most of us in the UK haven’t had much reason to think about travelling to Europe over the past year. But in 2021, as vaccines start being rolled out, you may well be considering a trip to your go-to city or beach break. You may even be mulling over a holiday in an emerging destination you’d never have even thought about visiting before. Anything goes post-pandemic, right?
But wait – remember Brexit? In January 2020, the UK left the EU – sort of. Right up to the end of the year, we were in a transition period, and owing to lots of other major stuff happening, it very much flew by. But at 11pm on December 31, Brexit properly took effect. And quite a lot has changed.
While there’s still plenty of uncertainty surrounding the UK’s future relationship with the bloc, we know for sure that the rules governing travel are going to change. So if you’re planning a trip? Here are the most important things all Brits should know about travel in Europe from January 2021.
1. You should probably check your passport
Until now, all UK citizens with a valid passport have been able to travel freely throughout Europe. As of January 1, however, you may need to renew your passport much earlier than you might think. On the day you travel, your passport must have at least six months left before it expires, or you might not be able to travel to any EU countries, or the EEA states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. (The old rules still apply for travel to Ireland.)
You can check if you need to renew your passport before travelling using this tool from the British government, and you can apply for a new one here. Make sure you renew it at least a couple of months before you’re planning to travel, as it may take several weeks to process applications in busy times (including right now).
2. You can no longer apply for an EHIC
Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will remain valid until its expiry date, but you can no longer apply for a new one. On January 11, the UK government launched a replacement scheme, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will entitle you to necessary state healthcare for free or at reduced cost in Europe and other countries with reciprocal arrangements such as Australia and New Zealand. You can apply for one on the official GHIC website.
For the moment, the GHIC won’t cover healthcare in the EEA states – so if you are travelling to Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, then you should make sure to take out private travel insurance with adequate healthcare cover. If you suffer from a l ong-term illness or have existing injuries, you may need to go to a specialist insurance company to ensure you are covered.
3. Free mobile roaming is a thing of the past
The guarantee of free mobile roaming throughout the EU and the Schengen area came to an end on December 31. Check with your phone operator to find out if you any charges you may incur in the country you’re travelling to – most aren’t planning to reintroduce charges.
Unlike in the pre-roaming days, a new law does also protect you from racking up huge data charges without you knowing. Once you hit £45, you’ll have to ‘opt in’ to spend any more on internet while still abroad.
4. Border checks may feel a little different
At border control, you will now need to use separate lanes from EU citizens when queuing. Officials may also be more inquisitive than before, asking you to provide a return or onward ticket and prove that you have enough money for the length of your initial stay.
5. Your driving licence will still be valid – but you’ll need a ‘green card’ proving you have insurance too
Despite reports British drivers would soon have to apply for an ‘international driving permit’ before travelling to the Continent, according to the terms of the Brexit deal, UK licences will still be valid within the EU. However, if you are bringing your own car, you’ll also need a ‘green card’ (proving you have car insurance cover when driving abroad) and a GB sticker. Drivers travelling from Northern Ireland to the Republic will also have to bring a ‘green card’.
6. Visas are now required for longer stays
If you’re a tourist, you won’t need a visa for short trips to most EU and EEA countries. You will be able to stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. To stay for longer than 90 days, you will have to get a visa or travel permit.
The EU has set up this short-term stay visa calculator to help travellers calculate how much longer they can stay in Europe. Visit the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s ‘travel advice’ pages to find out the application process for each country.
The rules for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania will be different: visits to those four countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland, meanwhile, hasn’t changed at all since January 1 (and you can still work there).
From 2022, Brits will likely have to apply in advance to visit the EU. As part of the new Etias (European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme), you will have to pay €7 for a three-year pass, and before every trip, specify the country you will first arrive in, as well as provide the address of your first night’s stay.
7. You might not be able to travel to Europe at all until UK infection rates drop
As of December 31, when the Brexit transition period ended, the UK is no longer exempt from border restrictions that bar travel from outside the EU and the EEA. Since January 1, there have been several reports of British holidaymakers being turned away from airports across the bloc.
Up to 13 Brits have been turned away at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, according to Dutch border force officials. This was because their trips were ‘non-essential’ and the UK is now subject to ‘third-party’ travel restrictions, a spokesperson told the Guardian. Others have been turned away at airports in Germany.
Only a dozen or so countries with low transmission rates are currently exempt from the rules against travel from outside the bloc. EU commission officials say there are no plans to include the UK alongside the likes of Australia, Japan and South Korea, where cases are significantly lower.
Were the UK to be officially confirmed as a ‘third-party’ country, individuals would only be able to enter the bloc in for certain work reasons (for example, if they are diplomats, care workers, aid workers, seasonal farm workers or transport workers), as well as for study, transit and urgent family reasons.
Many of these arrangements may change, so check back soon for the latest updates on travel to Europe.
An email you’ll actually love
Get into a relationship with our newsletter. Discover the best of the city, first.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
Awesome, you’re subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
The best things to do in Europe
31 things to do in Europe at least once in your life
- Things to do
Get around with our ultimate guide to the best places to go and sights to see in Europe.
An email you’ll actually love
Get into a relationship with our newsletter. Discover the best of the city, first.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
Awesome, you’re subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Travelling to Europe after Brexit: what you need to know
Like it or loathe it, Brexit is set to reframe the UK’s relationship with the wider world – with a direct impact on the travel industry. How exactly this takes shape depends on the terms of any trade deal that the UK secures with Europe, following its departure from the European Union (EU) last month.
Below, we’ve pulled together the most likely scenarios for how Brexit will change travelling requirements for UK and international citizens. The outlook is constantly shifting, so we’ll update this piece to keep pace with events. This piece was last updated in February 2020.
The situation with Brexit right now
Brexit, the UK’s departure from the EU, was voted for in a June 2016 referendum and was originally due to happen on 29 March 2019. This deadline was extended twice to 31 January 2020. Prime Minister Boris Johnson negotiated the terms of a new withdrawal agreement, and this passed into law last month (at the end of January 2020), following the majority win of his Conservative government in the UK December election.
This means the UK has now left the EU, and has entered a transition period that ends on 31 December 2020. During this period, the UK won’t be a member of the EU politically but virtually all EU rules and regulations will continue to apply.
The priority for the UK now is to negotiate a trade deal with the EU by the end of the transition period in December 2020. If it fails to do so, the UK will enter a no-deal Brexit.
How does this affect your travel plans?
Little will change between now and December for travellers coming to and from the UK. But what happens beyond that depends on the terms of the future relationship mapped out in negotiation talks.
It’s in everyone’s interests to protect the tourism industry, and keep it running as smoothly as possible. The worst outcome is that the UK cannot secure a trade deal but – for now at least – that risk has subsided.
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) says it’s working to ensure that the public can continue to travel with the same rights and freedoms as they have today. Any potential changes here will mostly affect UK and EU citizens, as opposed to those travelling from further afield.
One big area up for debate is reciprocal healthcare between the UK and the EU. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) currently allows reduced cost or free state healthcare for UK and EU citizens travelling in European Economic Area countries and Switzerland. This remains valid to December 2020, but it’s not yet clear what will happen when the transition period ends.
The same goes for EU identity cards: they remain valid for travel to the UK for now, but it’s not yet guaranteed that they will work after December. Those who travel to work between the UK and the EU (for example, seasonal ski staff) may also find their rights affected via any trade deal or lack thereof.
Trade talks will also focus around a comprehensive air service agreement to protect European flights. This will help firm up contingency plans drawn up by airlines and associated industries to avoid any delays in the event of a no-deal
The pound is also likely to be affected by the process of UK-EU talks, and any deal agreed. Any downturn is bad news for UK travellers, but good news for everyone else.
How exactly all this pans out depends on the terms of a deal agreed over the course of the following months. If a deal is not reached, the outlook is more unclear. However, measures are already in place to contain any impact on the tourism industry.
Is it OK to travel after Brexit?
In a word: yes. The uncertainty around Brexit has caused a lot of confusion, but ultimately, you shouldn’t shelve your plans for a European escape.
Now that the UK has left the EU, and entered a transition period, nothing will change in terms of how you travel until that period ends on 31 December 2020.
This means that flights, ferries, trains and other routes will continue to operate between the UK and Europe. Providers across the industry are taking bookings as usual, and all normal passport, visa and insurance rules apply – regardless of where you’re travelling from.
What happens after December depends on the terms of any trade deal agreed between the UK and the EU. Meanwhile, a weak pound is actually an incentive for international visitors to get in while the going’s hot (so to speak).
By all means travel, then, but do so with the following knowledge tucked under your hat…
How will Brexit affect passport requirements for Europe?
As a British citizen, the UK government advises that you should have at least six months left on your passport in order to guarantee travel to Europe after Brexit kicks in on 1 January 2021. It also has to have been issued within the previous 10 years. If you’re from the UK, you can see whether your passport is valid for travel after Brexit using this by checking this info portal.
Citizens from other countries will continue to require a valid passport to enter the UK and travel onwards to Europe. Check with your country’s embassy for more details.
How will Brexit affect visa requirements for Europe?
According to the European Parliament, UK travellers won’t need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit. So as a UK citizen, you’ll be able to stay in the EU for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa, providing you aren’t working or studying there.
Currently, citizens from a number of countries including Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Japan can travel to the UK without a visa. This is unlikely to change after Brexit, but the situation is fluid: check with your country’s embassy for the latest advice.
However, requirements for both UK and international visitors will change under the enactment of ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) in January 2021. This visa waiver system will be a requirement for British citizens and 60 other nationalities who can currently visit Europe visa-free.
Travellers from these countries will need to complete an ETIAS application before they visit Europe. ETIAS has been developed to improve security and border control, but the UK’s inclusion in it depends on the terms of any trade deal that is negotiated.
How will Brexit affect flights to and from the UK?
Halting flights is not in anyone’s interests, so airlines have already got back-up plans in place to keep travel as consistent as possible under EU and UK law – even in the event that a trade deal fails. This means it’s very unlikely that passengers will be stranded, or flights grounded, if a no-deal Brexit happens after the transition period ends on 31 December.
Flights between the UK and Europe are expected to continue operating under contingency plans, and the UK government and European Commission have both given assurances that this will be the case.
However, these measures would only be temporary, and it’s unclear how long they would last. The industry will need to work hard to ensure both regular routes and reasonable prices are maintained in a Brexit era, for UK and worldwide visitors.
The travel industry is currently working with the UK government and EU member states to make a comprehensive air service agreement part of any deal on the table. British aviation companies are pushing to to operate flights between the UK and EU without barriers, although the EU has argued that UK airlines cannot have the same rights and benefits as an EU member state.
How will Brexit affect Eurostar routes?
Eurostar says it’s maintaining services on its existing basis, timetables and terms and conditions following Brexit. It’s working with border authorities on both sides of the Channel to ensure services operate as normal, whether or not the UK leaves with a deal on 31 December.
How will Brexit affect ferry and coach routes?
Ferry routes operate under international maritime rules, meaning they will continue to sail as usual. Coach journeys to European countries are also expected to operate, and companies are taking bookings as normal.
Will Brexit cause delays at ports and borders?
If the UK exits Europe without a trade deal on 31 December, queues and delays at passport control are likely in the short-term. The government predicts that EU entry points such as St Pancras, Folkestone and Dover will see increased immigration checks and traffic bottlenecks under a no-deal scenario, while border checks at UK and EU airports may also cause delays. This could be an issue for both UK travellers and international visitors using the UK as a gateway to Europe.
The European Commission has put forward measures to avoid additional screening of UK passengers when they’re transferring to onward flights at EU airports.
Will Brexit change requirements for travel insurance?
Yes: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) remains valid for now but it’s not clear whether it will continue to be after 31 December. The UK and EU are currently working on an agreement for reciprocal healthcare but it may not happen.
This makes it all the more important for Britons travelling to Europe and Europeans travelling to the UK to get good healthcare insurance. EHIC covers pre-existing medical conditions, whereas many insurance policies do not.
Travellers from beyond Europe should purchase comprehensive travel insurance as before, but check the policy to ensure it covers both the UK and Europe (given they are now separate entities).
What impact will Brexit have on the exchange rate?
The economy likes certainty, and so we can expect the exchange rate to fluctuate in response to any developments over trade negotiations this year. This follows a pattern we’ve already seen: the pound fell to its lowest level since 1985 amid Brexit chaos last year, but picked up again when the UK left the EU at the end of January. If the UK fails to reach a deal with the UK by December, its value will plummet once again.
This is good news for international visitors coming to the UK; tourism numbers have already soared in recent years, as visitors rush to take advantage of the weak pound. However, it’s less helpful for UK citizens travelling to Europe, for obvious reasons. If that’s you, here are some savvy currency tricks you can use to reign in spending abroad and minimise the hit. The pound’s value may rise if a Brexit deal is secured, depending on how that happens.
How will Brexit affect smartphone roaming charges?
At the moment, EU citizens including the UK don’t have to pay for additional roaming charges when travelling to another EU country. This will continue to apply until the end of the transition period on 31 December.
It may well continue beyond that, and also in the event of a no-deal, since the decision ultimately comes down to phone operators. Most UK networks have indicated that they will not bring back charges, regardless of how trade negotiations turn out. The government has also pledged to introduce a law that will cap roaming charges at £45 a month.
If you’re travelling from further afield, you may want to purchase a prepaid SIM card or data bundle, in order to avoid the usual international data fees.
How can I protect myself from the potential fallout of Brexit?
Basically, you can sit tight on any travel plans made to 31 December 2020, when the UK’s transition period for EU withdrawal ends. Nothing will change between now and then. But if you’re making plans beyond that, make sure whoever you are travelling will refund you in case of any Brexit-related problems, delays or cancellations.
In the event of that Britain exits the EU without a trade deal on 31 December, plan ahead and leave more time for possible delays – especially if you’re travelling immediately afterwards. Also seek advice and updates from official channels wherever you can.
If a no-deal happens and you’re travelling as a UK citizen to Europe, research currency tips that will help the poor exchange rate stretch further. If you’re travelling to the UK and Europe from further afield, try to order only as much cash as you need in the UK – so you can avoid exchanging pounds for Euros.
Whatever happens, and wherever you’re travelling from, check the small print of your insurance policy. You want to be covered in both the UK and Europe, and for pre-existing medical conditions. Bear in mind you may also need to complete an ETIAS visa application after 31 December 2020.
If you’re travelling as a UK or EU citizen after 31 December 2020, be aware that your EHIC card for free or reduced healthcare may not work, and you’ll need six months’ validity on your passport.
We’ll let you know more on all the above details as they are clarified.
Recap: How does Brexit affect UK citizens travelling to Europe?
You can travel as normal until December 2020; then follow government advice.
If there’s no deal, make sure you have at least six months’ validity on your passport, and get comprehensive travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions. Check with your network for advice on roaming charges and be strategic about how you travel in order to sidestep possible border delays.
Whether or not there’s a deal, you’ll probably need to apply for a three-year ETIAS card in order to travel to Europe in 2021 and beyond. Keep posted for further advice on this.
It’s also worth noting that Brexit will affect UK driving licences and the current Pet Travel Scheme, meaning both driving abroad and travelling with pets may become more expensive/difficult to do in post-Brexit Europe.
Recap: How does Brexit affect worldwide citizens travelling to the UK and Europe?
Travel as normal until December 2020; then follow advice from your country’s embassy.
If there’s no deal on 31 December, contact your travel operators for news or advice on any potential delays that will affect your movements between the UK and Europe. Your passport requirements are unlikely to change, but you may well need to fill out an ETIAS visa application for travel to certain EU countries. Check with your embassy or tour operator before you travel.
Buy comprehensive travel insurance and make sure it covers both the UK and Europe.
Travelling to Europe after Brexit: final thoughts
No-one can predict exactly what will happen with Brexit, but you shouldn’t let it get between you and your dreams of a European adventure. The travel industry is buoyant, and providers across all spheres (hotels, transport, customs) are working to make the transition as smooth as possible.
For now, nothing will change with travel until the transition period ends in December 2020 – and more guidance will be issued in the meantime. A no-deal spells more uncertainty, but even in this scenario, immediate travel between the UK and Europe is likely to be subject to delays rather than anything else. It’s very unlikely that, if you’re travelling in Europe during a no-deal Brexit after 31 December 2020, you’d find yourself stranded.
Wherever you’re travelling from, the best thing you can do is stay aware and up-to-date with developments. Leave plenty of time to check ahead on visa and passport requirements, and scour the small print of your flight/train/boat bookings to ensure you’re covered in the case of any Brexit-related cancellations.
So, go ahead and make good on that wish-list escape to Europe: just stay tuned as you go.
Do I need a visa to travel in Europe after Brexit?
A BREXIT DEAL has been struck between the UK and the EU.
The deal will include changes to travelling abroad – and we’ve explained whether this means you will need a visa to go on holiday in Europe.
⚠️ Read our Brexit live blog for the latest news & updates
We’ve explained everything you need to know about getting a visa for your holiday in Europe following the Brexit deal news Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Will I need a visa to go on holiday to Europe?
Brits will not need to have a visa to travel to Europe even with the new deal so your two week holiday will be unaffected.
However, if you want to stay much longer than you will need to apply for a visa.
The new rules only allow you to stay for up to 90 days out of 180 days, even if this is in different countries across the EU.
Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania – if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total.
This has affected families with holiday homes, who are now restricted on how long they can stay there.
Brits won’t need a visa if going on holiday to an country in the EU, as long as they stay less than 90 days out of 180 days Credit: Getty – Contributor
Will I need a visa to work or study in Europe?
If you want to stay longer, for example to work or to study then you will need to get a visa, which depends on each country.
You will also need to show you have enough money to cover your trip, as well as proof of a return ticket or ticket for onward travel.
How much does a visa cost?
A work or study visa differs in price depending on the type and the country.
The Shengen visa, which costs €80 (£72) for adults, is not allowed for this.
Working and studying visas can cost hundreds of euros depending on the process.
Most read in News Travel
Watch as passenger is fined £84 for luggage – despite it fitting in size-checker
I work on a cruise – people say it’s glam but my cabin’s tiny & has no windows
Man books stepchildren in economy on flight while putting his own in first class
I was locked up by police for a simple mistake on a popular budget holiday
Which also explained what to know about renewing your passport following the Brexit deal announcement.
While your new passport will be blue, burgundy passports are still valid as long as they have more than six months on them.
Here are some of the other changes to your holiday in Europe including new driving and insurance regulations.
More from The Sun
Watch as passenger is fined £84 for luggage – despite it fitting in size-checker
NO CLASS
Man books stepchildren in economy on flight while putting his own in first class
SUITE DEALS
Travelodge Black Friday sale has rooms from £6.25pp a night
BAD STATE
I was locked up by police for a simple mistake on a popular budget holiday
Follow The Sun
Services
©News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. “The Sun”, “Sun”, “Sun Online” are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers’ Limited’s Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. View our online Press Pack. For other inquiries, Contact Us. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)
Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/
Source https://www.timeout.com/uk/travel/brexit-eu-travel-passport-visa-new-rules-january-2021
Source https://www.flashpack.com/solo/travel/travelling-to-europe-after-brexit-no-deal/
Source https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/13559176/europe-visa-holidays-brexit-deal/
Redactor