Travel after 31 January 2020
UPDATED: 31 January 2020
The UK has now entered a transition period after Brexit on 31 January 2020 that is valid until the end of December 2020.
During the transition period you can continue to travel as you do now.
Common questions about travel after 31 January 2020
Will flights still operate?
Yes, everything will stay the same until the end of December 2020 and flights will continue as normal.
Will ferries and cruise ships still sail?
Ferry services and cruises will still sail as in any case the majority of the rules under which they operate are not based on EU rules, but are international.
Will trains from the UK to the EU still operate?
Trains from the UK to the EU will continue to operate as usual.
Will I need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?
No. UK travellers won’t need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit.
Passports
Valid passports can still be used. You do not need to have six months left on your passport to travel to the EU. Your passport does however need to be valid for the whole of your trip.
European Health Insurance Card and travel insurance
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows any EU citizen to access state medical care when they are travelling in another EU country. In the event of a Brexit deal, UK registered EHICs will still be valid throughout 2020.
We advise business travellers to make sure they have appropriate travel insurance, whether they have an EHIC card or not, as there are limitations to EHIC.
When travelling in the EU and beyond, it is important you take out travel insurance and check that it covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions. If you have an annual policy, make sure you check the Terms and Conditions and contact your insurance provider if you’re not sure.
Driving licences
As long as you have a full UK driving licence, you don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU. This has not changed following 31 January 2020. An International Driving Permit will not be required, and you do not need a GB sticker or a Green Card for car insurance.
Data roaming
Under EU rules, the cost of making calls, sending messages or using the internet on your phone in the EU is the same in the UK.
SOURCE: THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH TRAVEL AGENTS, 17 JANUARY 2020
Visiting Europe after 1 January 2021
Travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein will change from 1 January 2021
The impact on travel beyond this transition period is not yet clear, but we have been told to expect that when travelling to any of the above countries, you may need to:
• Check your passport before you travel – you’ll need at least 6 months validity, but no older than 10 years
• Get travel insurance which covers your healthcare – your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may not be valid
• Check you have the correct driving documents – you’ll need an International Driving Permit, which you can acquire from the Post Office
Please note: You will still be able to claim compensation for flight delays over 3 hours as these EU laws are bilateral
SOURCE: GOV.UK, 31 JANUARY 2020
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