The biggest non-COVID-19 related news of the year in Europe is that the U.K. officially left the European Union as of 11 p.m. on 31 January 2020.
Inevitably, this has meant some changes when travelling from the U.K. to Europe when it comes to things like driving, medical care and what passport you’ll need. Indeed, we’ve covered this extensively within our blog with a wide range of articles covering everything you need to know.
But what about non-nationals wishing to visit the U.K. from abroad? Let’s take a look at how the changes might affect you or your clients?
I am an EU, EAA or Swiss Citizen
The changes for EU, EEA or Swiss citizens wishing to travel to the U.K. are subtle but definitely worth knowing before planning your next trip.
Will I need a visa?
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you will not need to apply for a visa to travel to the U.K. This applies to holidays and short trips. The U.K. government has put in place a new points-based immigration system that must be consulted when longer stays are required for work or study purposes. In such cases, you may have to apply for a visa.
Will I need my passport or can I still travel with my ID card?
From 1 October 2021, citizens who normally travel using their EU, EEA or Swiss national ID cards will no longer be able to do so for entry into the U.K. A valid passport will be the only form of identification accepted when entering the U.K. The passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule for those who have the following:
- Settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- EU Settlement Scheme family permit
- Frontier Worker permit
- S2 Heathcare status
- Swiss Service visa
These exceptions will remain in place until at least 31 December 2025.
How long can I stay?
In most cases, visitors from the EU, EEA or Switzerland will be able to stay in the U.K. without having to apply for a visa for up to six months. During that time you will be able to carry out business meetings, events and attend conferences, should that be required.
Will I be able to drive in the UK?
Yes. You will still be able to drive using your non-U.K. driving license. An international driving permit (IDP) will not be required.
Can I drive my own, foreign-registered car in the UK?
If your car is registered in a country that is registered in the green card system, you will need to make sure you carry your green card with you. If your country is not a member of the green card system, you will need U.K. vehicle insurance to drive in the U.K.
I am a Non-EU or American Citizen
Brexit has not changed the way that non-EU citizens are able to travel to the U.K. Whatever restrictions were in place pre-Brexit are the same as of 1 January 2021.
Can I still travel freely between the UK nations?
Travelling between the U.K. nations — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — will remain exactly the same as it was pre-Brexit. There will be no physical land border checks at crossings.
Will I still be able to travel across the Northern Irish / Ireland land border?
Yes. There will be no immigration controls at the border.
Will passport and visa restrictions apply when travelling to the Channel Islands?
Guernsey, Jersey and the smaller Channel Islands are part of the U.K.’s Common Travel Area (CTA), which means the same restrictions would apply on entry as they would if arriving in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
The changes to travel brought about by Brexit mainly affect U.K. citizens wishing to travel to the EU.
The main change for those wishing to travel to the U.K. applies to EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who will not be able to use their IDs to travel to the U.K. as of 1 October 2021. Non-EU citizens, including travellers from the U.S., will be able to travel to the U.K. the same way as they could pre-Brexit.
To help you navigate the changes of business travel, we’ve created the brand-new Traveller Toolkit. This invaluable online resource is packed full of easy-to-use guides and checklists for every stage of every journey. We detail exactly what you need to know and do before, during and after your trip.
You’ll also find innovative and interactive virtual trips, which walk you through each step of being at the airport, on the train and in the hotel. You can even check the travel restrictions and health status of your destination with our comprehensive COVID-19 Country Tracker, updated five times daily to ensure you have the very latest information to help keep you and your travellers safe.
Travel is changing. But with common sense and a good TMC behind you, travellers should have the confidence to once again take to the skies. It’ll soon be business as (un)usual.