Brexit: Important EU Travel Updates…
NathanNathan Collins is Joint MD at Lichfield’s independent luxury & specialist RB Collection explains important changes which affecting how we travel to the EU from 1st January 2021.
Even if you are not planning on travelling soon, we strongly recommend taking note of the below as some points may require advance planning.
With the news coverage focussing on the global pandemic, little has been said about some important changes to travel requirements for British passport holders post-Brexit from 1st January 2021.
Negotiations are ongoing so keep in mind this information is subject to change.
From 1st January 2021 there are a number of important changes taking place that everyone needs to be aware of, even if you don’t plan on travelling to the EU until later in the year. We have put together this handy guide with our colleagues from the industry, so you have an overview of what we know so far.
We also suggest you keep updated via the government’s own website which has the latest information which may differ from the below as changes take place: https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021. This information refers to EU countries as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
If anything is unclear do not fear – we are happy to offer our friendly advice when planning a trip with us or if already booked so feel free to get in touch.
Travel Insurance
Not an exciting topic, but really important. We always recommend suitable travel insurance for your holiday from the date you book your trip. If you wait until you travel to take out cover you risk losing what you have already paid should you have to cancel. Insurance providers should publish their post-Brexit travel policy and we suggest you check this and make yourself aware of any changes to your policy. Should you require cover, we have a list of providers on our website here which you can browse. All of these offer varying types of Covid cover – at the end of the day you get what you pay for so do read cover levels carefully, so you are confident you understand what situations you are and are not covered for.
Passports – Check issued date (not just expiry) now if departing anytime in 2021!
This is most important for any holiday you have booked to depart during the whole of 2021. We advise you check your issue date as early as possible and then check your expiry date. Should your expiry date be more than 10 years after your issue date, you need to be aware that EU members may use 10 years after issue as your new expiry date, not the actual expiry date on the passport.
As you may know, prior to Brexit, if you renew your passport early, any lost months will be added to your new passport. This is no longer the case, and in fact the EU may no longer recognise any of these additional months.
More importantly, the EU now requires you to have a minimum of 6 months validity on your passport when you travel. Therefore, you need to check the issue date, add 10 years and then ensure you have 6 months remaining for your holiday date (ignoring any additional months after 10 years). It is admittedly confusing but important to grasp. You can read more about this here: https://www.gov.uk/check-a-passport-travel-europe-1-january-2021.
If travelling to Ireland, the above doesn’t apply. You will just need to ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, formerly E1-11), now GHIC Card
**Updated 30/12/20** – These will continue to be valid (previously reported in the media they will not). Once your EHIC card expires, you can apply for a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Further details can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-ehic-european-health-insurance-card/.
Entering other countries
Depending on the member state, you may notice a few changes such as having to use different lanes at passport control. You may also be asked to prove a return ticket and that you have enough money for your stay. These are similar requirements to when entering the USA for example so frequent travellers will be used to such requests, albeit not to the EU.
Visas
For short holiday trips there is no visa requirement to enter the EU from 2021 (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). There are different rules for Croatia, Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria and for those working or studying. These are subject to change, so we always suggest checking the FCDO page for the specific destination before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Travel to Ireland will not change (work is permitted without a visa for example).
When you book a holiday with RB Collection, we will always go over this with you for a stress-free experience.
Driving in Europe (updated 31/1/21)
If you plan to drive to Europe, you will need a ‘green card’ (to prove insurance). This information is due to be updated and so do refer to the governments page here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu-from-1-january-2021. You will still need to carry your UK driving license with you in addition to any additional documents.
The government have now confirmed you will not require an International Driving License nor a GB sticker.
When hiring a car, remember to check if you need a DVLA ‘check code’ also: https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad.
Consumer rights for delays and cancellations
These are unchanged and so the rules regarding compensation for cancelled flights etc will continue.
Mobile phone roaming charges
This is still a grey area. The government’s official info states this ‘may change’. There is a new law which means there is a cap at £45 for roaming charges to protect users however I suggest you check with your provider before traveling for the latest information. the hope is providers will continue EU roaming as an inclusion in packages which will be great news!
Protection against holiday company failure
We always advise against booking bits and pieces of a holiday yourself as you may end up having little or no financial protection at all. This is especially important going forward as we have heard some real horror stories this year!
Always book an ATOL protected holiday, you can read more about this here: https://www.packpeaceofmind.co.uk/. Ensure you receive a copy of your ATOL Certificate when you hand over any money and check the details carefully. This cover will continue after 1st January 2021.
Pet Travel
Unfortunately, Pet Passports are no longer valid from 1st January 2021. There is a new process which takes 4 months, read more here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-from-1-january-2021.
Further updates
Whilst all this information may seem overwhelming, don’t let it stress you out. We will take care of all the details for you and keep you updated accordingly when booking with us. The relevant links above will also help you have the latest information to hand.
Contact us on 01543 258631 to ensure you will be in safe hands next time you book your holiday.
