Brexit FAQs

The UK will leave the EU on 31 January 2020 and move into a transition period until 31 December 2020 at the earliest.

During the transition period, travel arrangements will not change. Your passport and EHIC card will still be valid and you will not need a visa to enter an EU country. If you have a pet passport that will also still be valid and there will be no additional mobile roaming charges when travelling in the EU.

The UK will still be in the EU’s economic zone: the single market and the customs union, so will continue as it has previously

We will, of course, monitor the developing situation and update our guidance accordingly.

Will Brexit affect my booking?

NO. Brexit will not affect your booking. All travel arrangements will stay the same until the end of the transition period (31 December 2020 at the earliest.)

Latest information can be found here on how to prepare and what steps you may need to take.

https://www.gov.uk/prepare-eu-exit/going-and-being-abroad

Will my current passport be valid for travel to Europe after Brexit?

YES. Your current passport will still be valid for travel to during the transition period and after we have left the EU. However, as always you should check the issue date of your passport before you book.

To check the time remaining on your passport, go to: https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/check-a-passport

Can EU citizens still travel to the UK with an ID Card?

YES. In the short-term, however ID cards are likely to be withdrawn over time. Travelling with a full passport is a safe option. For the European Commission's current travel proposal, go to: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/brexit_files/info_site/travelling.pdf

How can I renew my passport?

The easiest and quickest way to renew your passport is to use one of the online services: https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport

Will I need a Visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?

NO. British Citizens will not need visas for short term stays of up to 90 days, in a 180 day period.

Will the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) still be valid?

YES. The EHIC card will continue to be valid for the duration of the transition period. Individuals should ensure they have adequate private travel insurance, to cover all medical treatment and costs.

For more information go to: https://www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card

Will I need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) visa?

From 2021, UK visitors travelling to the Schengen area will need to complete an online application prior to travel. This is the ETIAS visa – valid for 3 years and allowing unlimited entries into Europe during that time.

For more information go to: https://www.etiasvisa.com/

What is the Schengen area?

The Schengen area is a collection of 26 European states that have abolished all passport and border controls, allowing free movement between them for EU citizens.

Travel by British passport holders to all of countries in the Schengen area will be affected once we have left the EU.

For a list of these countries, go to: https://www.axa-schengen.com/english/schengen-countries.html

Will I need to apply for an International Driving Permit to drive in Europe?

NO. You will not need to apply for an International Driving Permit after 31 January 2020. For more information and guidance on driving in the EU go to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-to-drive-in-the-eu-after-brexit

What about my European driving insurance?

Regardless of Brexit, you should always check that you are covered to drive in Europe with your insurance provider. It may be necessary to obtain and carry a Green Card, demonstrating the validity of your insurance when driving abroad. These are provided by your insurance company, often at no cost.

Further information on Green Cards from the AA can be found here: https://www.theaa.com/about-us/newsroom/insurance-news/drivers-might-need-green-cards-again

Can I still take my pet on holiday with me?

Yes; it is likely that the current pet passport arrangements for dogs, cats and ferrets would continue under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

If not, and the UK is excluded from the scheme however, your pet may need different certification or additional checks.

For more information, go to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the rules for travelling to EU countries with your pet will change. You should start the process at least 4 months before you travel.

For more information, see: https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/pet-passport

Will there be long queues at ports for tourist traffic?

Additional checks will apply mainly to the freight/commercial sector and British passport holders travelling to Europe for leisure purposes, should not experience many changes to the way they currently travel through the ferry ports.

What about customs entering Europe from the UK?

There may be a change in customs requirements which could result in the need to declare some goods purchased in the UK, as well as restrictions on transporting some food items into Europe from the UK.

For more information, go to: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/brexit_files/info_site/travelling.pdf

And entering the UK from Europe?

There should be no additional checks or longer waiting periods at border controls than currently experienced.

During the transition period, data free roaming will still be in place across the EU. However, from 2021 surcharge free roaming when you travel to the EU may no longer be guaranteed.