Passengers will continue to be able to enjoy the comfort and safety of travel by ferry to and from continental Europe, regardless of the UK’s agreement with the EU post 31 December 2020.

After the transition period there will likely be some changes to travel requirements to the EU which we have highlighted below and in the following sections. The guidance is designed to help you travel with confidence into 2021 and beyond.

The UK Government advises all visitors to Europe after 31 December 2020 to:

• Check your passport has at least 6 months validity
• Ensure you have travel insurance which covers your healthcare
• Check you have the right driving documents and insurance for your vehicle
• Organise pet travel if you are looking to take your pet to Europe with you as you need to contact your vet at least 4 months before you go

Will Brexit affect my booking?

No. Brexit will not affect your booking and you can still travel with confidence with DFDS.

You may need to check the following:

• Your passport has at least 6 months validity
• You have travel insurance which covers your healthcare
• You have the right driving documents and insurance for your vehicle
• Pet travel is organised if you are looking to take your pet to Europe with you as you need to contact your vet at least 4 months before you go

More details about this can be found in the sections below and on the official government website here: https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021

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

Existing red European passports issued to British citizens will continue to be valid for up to ten years (for an adult) from its original issue, or five years for a child.

After the end of the transition period, from 1 January 2021, British travellers will need to check their passport has at least six months validity on their date of arrival in the EU and at least three months validity when they return from the last country visited in the Schengen Area (see list of countries here: https://www.axa-schengen.com/english/schengen-countries.html. This may differ for travel to and from countries that are in the EU but not in the Schengen area.

If you are unsure whether or not your passport is valid, you can use a tool from the UK Government to check its validity: https://www.gov.uk/check-a-passport-for-travel-to-europe

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

There should be no immediate changes to the arrangements that allow EU citizens to travel to the UK with an ID card rather than a passport, but the option of using an ID card will be withdrawn at the end of September 2021 for most EU visitors to the UK. EU citizens who are resident in the UK will be able to continue using their EU ID cards for return travel to the UK until 2026. Travelling with a full passport is, of course, always a safe option.

How can I renew my passport?

If your UK passports is 10 years old or over, or if it has less than six months validity for travel, you will need to renew it before you travel. 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. You may need a visa or permit to stay for longer, to work or study, or for business travel.

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

The trade deal between the UK and the EU which was announced on 24 December confirmed that the UK EHIC card will continue to be valid for emergency medical care in an EU country until its expiry date. After that the UK government says a new Global card will be issued.

We would always advise individuals travelling abroad to ensure they have adequate private travel insurance, as even the EHIC scheme did not cover all medical treatment and associated costs.

Here is a link to the UK Government’s advice on foreign travel insurance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance

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

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

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?

For Brits with a valid UK-issued photo driving licence, travelling for less than 30 days an International Driving Permit will not be necessary, however in some cases driving licences may not be valid by themselves.

This will depend on:

• If you have a paper driving licence
• A licence issued by Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
• How long you are going for

There are three types of IDPs, which are valid in different countries:

• 1926
• 1949
• 1968

Please check on the here which permit you will need.

The cost of the International Driving Permits is £5.50. All IDP applications need to be made via the Post Office.

You will also need to ensure you have:

• A GB sticker displayed on your car
• A green card from your motor insurance company (please check with your insurance provider on how long it will take to receive this)

Full guidance from the Government on driving in the EU after Brexit can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021

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. We recommend contacting your motor insurance provider at least one month in advance of travel.

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

If I am towing a trailer or caravan, will I need a separate green card for the trailer?

Yes, some EEA and EU countries require a separate Green Card as proof of insurance for your trailer, including caravans. If you are travelling with a trailer, contact your insurance provider to get two Green Cards: one for the towing vehicle, and one for the trailer. We recommend requesting these from your insurance provider one month before travel.

Can I still take my pet on holiday with me?

Yes, and ferries are a particularly pet-friendly means of transport often offering dedicated facilities for pet owners.

When the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, the UK will become a Part 2 listed third country in the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

This means the EU Pet Passport will no longer be valid for pets travelling from the UK to the EU. A Health Certificate for your pet will need to be issued 10 days before entering the EU which will be valid for return within 4 months. A new certificate will be required each time you travel.

For pets travelling from the EU into the UK, the EU Pet Passport will still be accepted.

Detailed guidance from the Government on pet travel after the transition period ends can be found here.

Click here for further information on the current PET Travel Scheme: http://apha.defra.gov.uk/external-operations-admin/library/documents/exports/ET159.pdf

Click here for our advice on travelling safely with your dog: https://www.discoverferries.com/thinking-taking-dog-holiday/

Will there be long queues at ports for tourist traffic?

We are confident that passengers travelling to Europe from the UK for leisure purposes will not experience many changes to the way they currently travel through the ferry ports, as long as you have the correct documentation (valid passport, insurance, driving permit etc.)

What about customs entering Europe from the UK?

At EU border control British citizens may have to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay
• use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing

You’ll need to declare cash of £10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency) if you take it between the UK and any other country.

There may also be restrictions on the ability to transport some food items into Europe from the UK.

From 23:00 on 31 December 2020, you can no longer take products of animal origin into the EU in your luggage, vehicle, or person. This includes any products containing meat or dairy, or plants and plant products. There are certain exemptions to this rule for quantities of powdered infant milk, infant food, confectionary, specialised foods and pet feed. If your item is not exempt, please consume or dispose of these items before reaching the EU border, otherwise you may be fined or prosecuted by the EU. 

You will not be able to take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries from 1 January 2021. There are some exceptions, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

From 1 January 2021 EU rules governing data and roaming charges will no longer apply. Some mobile phone providers have said they will continue free data roaming benefits for their customers, so please check with your provider before travelling to the EU.

Note that a new law means that you will now be protected from incurring mobile data charges above £45 without you knowing.

From January 2021 if you are travelling from the UK to the EU and vice versa you will be able to take advantage of duty-free and tax-free shopping on board your ferry.