Since the stroke of eleven on the evening of 31 December 2020, the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union. Consequently, new rules apply for anyone planning to visit an EU country. Here, we address your questions about your next holiday in Europe.
Do UK Citizens Have to Use the Non-EU Passport Queues Now?
Yes. Say goodbye to the fast-track EU passport control. Moreover, while European Union citizens are unconditionally admitted to EU nations with valid ID, this will not apply to British travellers from 2021. Frontier officials may inquire about your plans and proposed financial support.
Do UK Passports Need to Be Valid for Up to 15 Months to Travel to the EU Now?
UK travellers to the EU will need their passports to have at least six months’ validity remaining on the day of entry and be less than 10 years old. However, a combination of relaxed British policies on passport issuance (holders could carry over up to nine months from their previous passport) and strict EU rules means that a passport expiring in 14 months, 29 days might not be deemed acceptable.
Do I Need a New Passport?
Most British passports carry the words ‘European Union’, which until this year provided automatic admission to other EU countries. Now that Brexit has occurred, these passports will continue to be valid as British travel documents until their normal expiry date. Therefore, you do not need a new passport in order to travel; however, they may become subject to stricter validity rules concerning free movement.
I Am Away in Europe at the Start of 2021, with Two Months Remaining on My Passport. Am I in Trouble?
There is little likelihood that British travellers already in Europe will face repercussions for minor infringements of passport rules.
Do UK Travellers Need to Apply in Advance to Visit the EU?
No. The recent agreement between the UK and the EU permits visa-free travel for short visits—up to 90 days within any 180-day period (excluding trips to Ireland, Croatia, Bulgaria, and other non-Schengen states, for which there’s no limit on the trip duration). Brussels has stated that British visitors will be considered visa-exempt ‘third-country nationals’ initially, meaning they do not need to apply in advance. However, within a year or so, British citizens will be subject to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is set to be imposed no later than 2022.
Will Frontier Formalities Take Longer Now?
Now that Britain has bid farewell to the European Union, UK nationals will not be entitled to use the separate lanes designated for EU/EEA/CH citizens at border crossings and will undergo thorough checks as third-country nationals. If your destination is Ireland, nothing will change as there will be no border checks.
Will EU Citizens Find It Harder to Gain Entry to the UK?
Currently, EU citizens can visit the UK with national ID cards. However, from 1 October 2021, these cards will no longer be accepted. After that point, they will need to present valid passports and travel documents for their trip.
Does This Affect Flights at All?
The current situation has resulted in fewer people traveling to Europe. However, there have been reports of disruption for some expat Britons returning home, stemming from confusion regarding British travellers’ new status as ‘third-country nationals’ and miscommunication regarding ever-changing Covid restrictions.
What About Refunds?
Your consumer rights remain unaffected by Brexit; you can claim a refund or compensation if travel is delayed or cancelled.
Do I Need to Get Another Driving Licence?
No, fortunately, a British driving licence will still be valid for driving and car rental in the EU. Nevertheless, displaying a GB bumper sticker next to your number plate is required.
And Special Car Insurance?
The British Government advises that from the start of 2021, motorists may find it prudent to obtain a ‘green card’—a certificate extending their travel insurance to meet the minimum legal requirements in EU countries. Allow one month to get this from your vehicle insurance company, as per official advice.
Do I Still Get Free Health Care?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which grants British travellers access to medical care under the same conditions as local residents in EU countries, will remain valid until its expiry. After that, a replacement called the GHIC is in the works, with details currently unclear. If you don’t possess an EHIC card yet, you can still apply for one.
Does My Travel Insurance Cease to Be Valid?
Many travel insurance policies require the EHIC to be utilized in Europe. However, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) affirms: ‘The primary role of travel insurance is to provide emergency medical care for people overseas, and this will continue.’ While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is recommended.
Is It Tougher for Me to Take My Pet Abroad?
EU pet passports are no longer valid. However, owners and their pets can still travel within the EU if they possess an animal health certificate (AHC). This certificate will be valid for four months, requiring a new one each time you travel; consult your vet a month prior to your trip.
Are We Back to the Bad Old Days of £2-a-Minute Roaming Charges?
The EU-wide ban on roaming charges will no longer apply to UK mobile phones. Mobile providers are free to impose whatever fees they wish. Nevertheless, the Government has stated it will cap the maximum charge for mobile data usage abroad at £45 per month unless the user explicitly agrees to exceed this amount. However, competition may prevent any drastic price hikes.
Are We Able to Change Sterling – Or Use UK Bank Cards Abroad?
Following the referendum vote, sterling experienced significant fluctuations. Nevertheless, foreign exchange remains profitable for many, and regardless of current market conditions, safe trading is possible for UK currency.
Most Importantly, How Much Wine Can I Now Bring Back from Europe?
Unfortunately, the limit for bringing back wine has been drastically reduced: from 90 litres down to 18 litres (24 bottles). Additionally, 42 litres of beer and four litres of spirits or liqueurs are permitted, along with a maximum of 200 cigarettes at one time.
