Travelling after Brexit
Brits are being assured that their travel WON’T be affected in 2020 as UK officially leaves the EU
Research by ABTA has found that 31 per cent of Brits are still confused about how Brexit will affect their holidays now that the UK has officially left the EU and it is no longer possible to revoke Article 50.However the British media are going to great lengths to reassure Brits heading abroad this year that their travel plans won’t be disrupted by Brexit explaining that until the end of 2020, the country will be in a transition period. This transition period means changes to visas, passports and flights when travelling to the EU are unlikely to happen during this period while a deal is being negotiated.Therefore holidays are safe in 2020 during the Brexit transition- and ABTA have confirmed that Brits can rest assured about their EHIC and passports being unaffected.
What is the current rule regarding EHICs?
European Health Insurance Cards were introduced in 2004, protect British tourists abroad when it comes to getting basic medical care without additional costs when in an EU country.This means getting the same healthcare as citizens in that country without being charged. They will remain valid for the duration of the year.They are free of charge from the official website, but Brits are advised to still purchase travel insurance if going abroad.In an event of no-deal in 2021, EHICs could become invalid.
What are the current rules regarding passports?
Passports will also remain valid in EU countries without needing an additional 15 months as was previously advised in a no-deal scenario.Instead, Brits simply have to have a passport that is in date for the duration of the trip before visiting Europe.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, explained: “The UK is primed to enter a new Brexit phase from 31 January, when trade talks begin, and when it does nothing will change when it comes to travel.This means that valid passports can still be used, EHIC cards will still be valid and the same gates can be used at border checkpoints.People can continue to make their travel plans with confidence that things won’t change until at least the end of 2020.”
Other changes regarding visas, flights, mobile roaming or other methods of transport such as trains and cars in the EU will also not come into effect.
What happens at the end of 2020?
If the UK gets to the end of the transition period – December 2020 – without a deal, then no-deal could come into force.EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says agreement on trading relationship between Europe and UK will take longer than a year
Brits who are still worried about their holiday after Brexit can make sure their travel insurance protects them against any changes due to a no-deal.
Good news
It has also been widely reported that travelling to Europe will also remain visa-free after Brexit despite previous concerns and all the confusion over Brexit has in fact resulted in many cheaper holidays.