When the transition period comes to an end on 1 January 2021, there will be significant changes to travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.
Did you know that you may need to renew your passport early to travel in the EU?
You may need to renew your British passport earlier if you’re traveling from 1 January 2021. When you travel, your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months and be less than 10 years old. If these requirements are not met, you may not be able to travel to the majority of the Schengen Area member states. These rules do not apply to Ireland as it is part of the Common Travel Area; you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Did you know that you are no longer protected by statutory healthcare when traveling in the EU?
Following the end of the transition period, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives you access to state healthcare in the European Economic Area for free or at a reduced cost, will no longer be valid. Those with pre-existing medical conditions may be disproportionately affected by this as the EHIC currently covers such conditions whereas many travel insurance policies do not.
Did you know that traveling without a visa will be limited in the majority of EU member states?
If you’re a tourist, you will be able to travel to most EU countries – as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein – without a visa for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. However, visits to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania will not count towards the 90-day total. A visa or permit may be required to stay for longer, to work or study, or for business travel.
Did you know that you may have to provide extra documentation at border checks?
There will also be fairly substantial changes to border and passport control. At border checks, you may need to: show a return or onward ticket, show you have enough money for your stay and use separate lanes from EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens when queuing (no longer able to use EU-fast passport control and customs lanes).
Did you know that you may lose your free mobile roaming in the EU?
There will no longer be the guarantee of free mobile roaming in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway on 1 January 2021. Changes to roaming charges depend on your mobile provider, however, the four main UK operators have said they have no plans to reintroduce roaming fees. The government has also passed laws to protect customers, including the introduction of a £45-a-month cap on using mobile data abroad and requirements for customers to be informed when they’ve reached 80% and 100% of their data allowance.
Did you know that you will need new documentation to drive in the EU?
New rules regarding the documents you need to drive in Brexit will be enforced following the end of the transition period. In the new year, the new documents you will need are: a green card, your certificate of motor insurance, and the logbook for the vehicle. You will also need an International Driving Permit for longer trips.
Did you know that current pet passports may become invalid?
The existing pet passport scheme that currently operates in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will no longer apply from 1 January 2021. The government has applied to join a short list of countries where dogs, cats, and ferrets can enter the EU in a similar way to now. If they are not successful, however, the rules would become a lot more complicated.
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