Will there be long queues at ports for tourist traffic?
We are confident that passengers travelling from Europe to 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.)
When travelling to the United Kingdom and from there back to Europe, there may therefore be longer waiting times at border checkpoints due to customs checks.
Bringing goods into the UK
You can bring some goods from abroad without having to pay UK tax or ‘duty’ (customs charges), as long as they’re for your own use.
If you’re coming:
- from a European Union (EU) country you can bring in an unlimited amount of most goods
- from outside the EU you can only bring in a certain amount without paying duty or tax - up to your duty-free allowance
Bringing goods into the EU
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.
Merchandise in baggage
There will be a new process at airports, roll on roll off ports and Eurostar terminals from January 2021. This will allow traders to declare merchandise in baggage being imported from the EU to the UK in advance.
Controls on cash
Individuals travelling from the EU to the UK with £10,000 or more in cash will need to make a declaration. Find out about taking cash in and out of the UK.