Post-Brexit Travel: What UK Travelers Need to Know

One of the delights awaiting travelers on the other side of the current round of lockdowns is the impact of the UK leaving the European Union on travel plans. While not seismic, you shouldn’t expect to have to spend a week in a disused airfield in Kent before being allowed to cross the Channel (we hope). There’s certainly plenty to get your heads around.

The Good News for Travelers

British and European travelers will all still be able to drive on each other’s highways. The two-way exchange of tourist traffic between continental Europe and the UK is one of the more obvious mutually beneficial aspects of the relationship between the EU and its British ex-partner.

Immediately post-Brexit, there’s no need for Brits to obtain visas to enter the Schengen Zone. Once the Eurotunnel or ferry has discharged you and your vehicle and you’re through border controls and customs, you are free to roam from the southern tip of Spain to the eastern frontiers of Poland and the northern expanses of Norway, provided you leave again within 90 days.*

Driving Regulations

Driver’s licenses won’t be an issue, provided your license has a photo ID. If you don’t possess a license with photo ID, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Vehicle insurance should be arranged in advance to cover anywhere you plan to travel. Additionally, a “green card,” an international certificate proving your insurance coverage, should be acquired from your insurer before traveling. Interestingly, a green card can now be printed at home and is not required to be on green paper. Lastly, ensure that your vehicle logbook (V5C) accompanies you. The UK Government site provides extensive information on this, including guidance on when displaying a “GB” sticker is necessary.

Healthcare Considerations

While not directly related to driving, visitors from the UK should also ensure their health cover is current. The UK Government has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), offering similar coverage to the EHIC but under a new name. EHIC cards remain valid until they expire. When applying for a replacement, British nationals will receive a GHIC. Like the EHIC, the GHIC provides the same health coverage as national residents in state health services, so it is advisable to carry it alongside travel insurance. It is essential to apply for the GHIC via the official NHS portal.

Remaining Implications

While the initial news is positive, there are changes to note. Previously, British travelers enjoyed free movement across the EU; however, they are now limited to stays of 90 days within a 180-day period. Even though this is sufficient for many travelers, it significantly impacts second-home owners accustomed to spending entire winters in warmer regions. Moreover, passports must now be valid for six months on the day of travel, in contrast to previous regulations that allowed passports to be valid up to their expiration date. Upon entry into the EU, UK travelers will be treated as third-party nationals and may face questioning, including requests for proof of onward travel. Consequently, the use of fast eGates may no longer be available.

In 2022, additional changes are expected when the EU launches ETIAS, a visa waiver scheme akin to the USA’s ESTA. UK nationals will need to enroll in ETIAS, including paying a €7 fee, which is a continuing contribution to the EU’s operational budget. Please note that the scheme is not yet operational.

Recent high-profile police searches have resulted in British arrivals at European ports having meat and dairy products confiscated due to the EU ban on products of animal origin from outside its territory. Fortunately, there are numerous shops and sandwich outlets within the Schengen area. Moreover, there are small personal allowances for items like powdered baby food and pet food. However, if you habitually load up your car with groceries before heading to the Continent for a holiday, you must ensure that you leave any meat and dairy behind to avoid confiscation and delays.

Conclusion

Of course, these developments affect both sides. European visitors (other than Irish nationals, who travel freely) can enter the UK for up to six months, provided they enter using a passport rather than ID documents, and the passport is valid for the duration of their stay. An EU driver’s license is sufficient, along with a green card, meaning no International Driving Permit is required.

*Norway, not being part of the EU, is still a Schengen state. Schengen covers 26 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Norway. Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania are in the EU but not in Schengen.