Rules on travelling to and from European Union countries will change on 1 January 2021.
That’s because an agreement between the UK and EU to keep many things the same – for 11 months after Brexit – comes to an end by then.
A post-Brexit deal between the UK and the EU has now been reached, with lots of new rules on trade and in other areas.
Can I go on holiday to the EU after 1 January?
At the moment, no.
Because of Covid, travellers from most non-EU countries can’t visit except for essential reasons.
After 31 December, the UK will no longer be treated like a member of the EU, so becomes subject to these rules.
The only non-EU countries exempt from these restrictions are those with very low infection rates, such as New Zealand.
The EU could choose to exempt the UK and individual EU countries could create a “travel corridor” with the UK, allowing restriction-free travel.
When the pandemic ends, you’ll be able to travel to all EU countries – plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – as a tourist, without needing a visa.
How long can I go for?
You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
So, an Easter weekend in Spain, followed by a June fortnight in Italy, would be covered by your 90-day limit.
The rules for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania are different. You could make a 90-day trip to any of them and still not use up your 90-day allowance for other EU countries.
You may need a visa or permit to stay for longer, to work or study, or for business travel.
From 2022, UK nationals will have to pay for a visa-waiver scheme in order to visit many European countries.
Will I need a new passport?
No. Your current passport will be valid as long as:
It is less than 10 years oldAnd has six months left before it runs out
The six-month rule won’t apply for visits to Ireland, because it is part of the Common Travel Area.
If you need a new passport – which will be a different colour – the government says you should apply in plenty of time.
What about health insurance?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles about 27 million UK citizens to state-provided medical treatment if they fall ill or have an accident in EU countries, as well as a number of others.
All EHIC cards issued before the end of 2020 will be valid until their expiry date. EHICs last for five years (the expiry date will be on the front of your card).
After that, the UK will issue a new card. The government says it will be called the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), but there are no further details yet on how to obtain it.
Like EHIC, the new card will cover chronic or existing illnesses and routine maternity care as well as emergencies.
The government’s advice, however, says you should still buy travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go on holiday.
What queue can I use at passport control?
You’ll no longer be able to use EU fast-track passport control and customs lanes.
When you arrive in an EU country (except Ireland) be prepared to show your return ticket. You could also be asked to show that you have enough money for your stay.
It could also take longer to cross the UK border.
Will I face mobile phone roaming charges?
The guarantee of free roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway ends on 1 January 2021.
You should check with your mobile provider to see if you’re likely to face extra charges when you travel. The four main UK operators have said they have no plans to reintroduce roaming fees.
The EU and the UK agreed to cooperate on international mobile roaming, but there nothing in the new post-Brexit trade agreement that would stop travellers being charged for using their phone in the EU and vice versa, in the future.
The government has passed laws to protect customers, including:
A £45-a-month cap on using mobile data abroad (then you must opt-in to use more)Requirements for customers to be informed when they’ve reached 80% and 100% of their data allowance.
Will I be able to drive in Europe?
Yes, but you’ll need to take your driving licence, log book (V5C) and valid insurance documents.
You will need to contact your insurer six weeks before you travel to get a green card that will prove you have insurance that covers you in Europe.
Most drivers will not need to buy an International Driving Permit, with the exception of those with paper licences (not photocards) and those with licences issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, who will need one for some European countries.
What are the rules on driving in the EU after transition?
Are pet passports still valid?
Pet passports issued in Great Britain will not be valid for travel to the EU from 1 January 2021. A new system will apply from that date.
From 1 January 2021, pets travelling from Great Britain to the EU will need to have an animal health certificate (AHC). The same rules will apply if you are taking your pet to Northern Ireland.
AHCs will be issued by a vet, will be valid for four months and must be obtained 10 days before travel.
AHCs will be valid for a single trip into the EU, onward travel within the EU and re-entry to Great Britain.
Your pet must have been microchipped and have had a rabies vaccination. It will also have to have a treatment against echinococcus multilicaris (a type of tapeworm) for entry into Finland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta.
Can I buy duty free?
Passengers from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) travelling to EU countries can take advantage of duty-free shopping from January 2021.
Current duty-free limits on tobacco and alcohol, which apply only to non-EU countries at the moment, will also increase in the new year.
But there’ll no longer be tax-free airport sales of goods like electronics and clothing.
