How does Brexit affect my travel plans?
UK citizens can still travel to all EU countries (as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) as a tourist without needing a visa. However, some important things have changed
Do I need a new passport?
No. However, if your passport has less than six months to its expiry date or is more than 10 years old, you can be turned away from any EU country (excluding Ireland but including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City) on arrival. So check your passport expiry date right now. If you need to order a new one, the best time to do it is also right now.
I have a valid EHIC/GHIC card. Do I still need travel insurance?
Yes. Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) cards do not replace travel insurance, they complement it. They offer state-provided medical treatment for chronic or existing illnesses, routine maternity care and emergencies whilst you’re in any EU country (plus some others countries.) Just make sure you get COVID-19 travel insurance with healthcare cover too!
If your EHIC card is expired or lost, apply for a free GHIC on the NHS website. It takes two minutes, it’s all done online, and you only need your national insurance number along with the usual details. The GHIC replaces and does exactly the same as the EHIC, which is being discontinued.
How long can I stay in the EU for? Do I need a visa?
You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For example, if you entered the EU on January 1, you’d need to leave by April 1, and you wouldn't be allowed back until June 30, and then would have to leave again before October. Visiting multiple countries in the same 90-day period is allowed. For business trips, working or studying, you may need a visa or permit to stay for longer.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to come into force at the end of 2022, which means that UK travellers will need an official visa waiver in order to visit countries within the EU. This will apply to anyone entering or transiting through an EU country on a British passport between the ages of 18 and 70 and will cost €7. It will be required for trips of up to 90 days for both tourists and business travellers and will need to be obtained at least 96 hours before departure. Once you have the waiver, it will last for three years, so you won’t need to keep renewing it; just when it runs out or if you get a new passport.
Will travelling to the rest of the world be different?
No, but you’ll still need to adhere to each destination’s entry requirements, just like before. If you’re not sure about what’s required to enter a certain country or countries (especially post-COVID-19), please get in touch!
Will my holidays be more expensive?
Not necessarily. The UK was a member of the EU but never the eurozone, so nothing has changed in that the key to prices is, as always, the strength of the British pound against the euro and the dollar. The euro/sterling rate is crucial because Brits take so many holidays in eurozone countries like France, Spain and Italy. Further afield, prices in destinations including the US and Dubai depend on the dollar/sterling rate, and many other countries are locked to US dollars.
Put simply, a weak pound will make your holiday more expensive and a strong pound will make your money go further.
Are there any other things I should know?
Yes. You'll no longer be able to use EU fast-track passport control, so it may take longer than usual to get through customs. When you arrive in an EU country (except Ireland), be prepared to show your return ticket. You could also be asked to show that you have enough money for your stay. You'll be able to drive in Europe as long as you take your driving licence, log book (V5C) and valid insurance documents (contact your insurer six weeks before you travel to get a green card that will prove you have insurance) if you are taking your own car.