The govt has introduced a new marketing campaign to inform British citizens about the possible improvements to European journey soon after 31 December 2020, which marks the finish of the Brexit transition period.
Launched on 18 September, the public details marketing campaign is developed to “help British travellers get ready for variations when checking out Europe from 1 January 2021,” according to the freshly merged Overseas, Commonwealth & Development Business (FCDO).
“The campaign launching right now will assist British nationals get ready for visits to Europe by bringing together all the info they require to know in one particular position so they can approach in advance and get on with their excursion,” Minister for the European Neighbourhood Wendy Morton stated of the marketing campaign, which characteristics the slogan: “Going to Europe following 12 months? Verify, transform, go.”
But what adjustments have been confirmed? Here’s almost everything you will need to know.
Passports
The most significant and most headache-inducing travel transform issues passport validity.
At the moment, British passport holders can journey inside the European Union up until eventually the working day their passport expires. This will no longer be the scenario – from 1 January, Brits need to have at the very least six months left on their passport and it requirements to be a lot less than 10 many years outdated.
The marketing campaign advises travellers to use the governing administration passport checker (gov.british isles/checkpassport) to see regardless of whether travel documentation desires to be renewed just before a journey. The new procedures do not use to Ireland.
Receiving in (and remaining in)
At present, border command brokers in EU countries can only check out your passport to be certain that they consider the doc belongs to you – they can not ask queries about the place you intend to remain and for how extensive, or how considerably funds you have to hand.
But from 1 January, the authorities warns: “At border management, you might have to have to: exhibit a return or onward ticket show you have enough income for your remain use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing.”
British travellers are also suggested they can only keep in EU nations around the world, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland for up to 90 days in a 180-day interval – any much more than that and they may well want a visa or permit.
Mobile roaming
From 1 January, British isles travellers no lengthier have guaranteed absolutely free mobile roaming – which implies calls, texts and info are billed at the neighborhood price – even though visiting EU countries. The govt says: “Check regardless of whether your cell cellular phone organization has improved its cellular roaming costs just before travelling to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. You could be charged for making use of your cell machine in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if your operator has reintroduced roaming rates.”
A new legislation usually means that Brits are protected from acquiring mobile facts fees earlier mentioned £45 without consenting.
The moment you achieve £45, you will need to opt in to commit additional so that you can carry on making use of the net when you are abroad. Your telephone operator will explain to how you can do this.
Ehic
Prior to 1 January, British travellers could utilize for a cost-free European Well being Insurance policies Card (Ehic), which gave them the correct to obtain point out-provided healthcare during a momentary continue to be in one more EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
But, according to the governing administration marketing campaign, Ehics “may no extended be legitimate from January 2021” – inspite of former Brexit Secretary David Davis obtaining certain folks that the authorities was “looking to see if we can get a continuation of the Ehic plan as it now exists” and promising, if not, to offer a related scheme “unilaterally”.
Travellers are advised to consider out appropriate journey insurance with health and fitness address in advance of travelling to the EU.
“You may not have entry to free emergency professional medical therapy and could be charged for your health care if you do not get health address with your travel insurance policies,” says the authorities.
Driving
The new policies might mean you will need to get hold of driving documents for each and every nation, these kinds of as an Worldwide Driving Permit, if travelling by automobile in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
“You could get a wonderful or your auto could be seized if you travel without having the suitable files,” says the governing administration tips.
If you are driving your own British isles-registered auto, you also need to have to put a GB sticker on the back of your car, even if your selection plate previously shows GB with a Euro image.
“You could get a fine if you do not have a GB sticker when you will need just one,” says the FCDO.
Animals
Want to just take your pet overseas? Get in there early – you must get hold of a vet at minimum 4 months right before departure to organize pet vacation vaccinations and paperwork.
“If your pet or aid dog does not have the right paperwork, you will not be ready to choose it with you,” reads the tips.