How the deal will impact on everyone’s day to day lives...
THE Brexit deal between the United Kingdom and European Union will come into force on Friday — but how will that affect you?
Will my grocery shop rise in price?
There will be no tariffs on products sold between the UK and the EU, allowing companies on both sides to trade in a similar way. This should prevent price rises on goods and keep supermarket shelves stocked.
Can I travel to the Republic of Ireland?
The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland avoids a hard border on the island, while the Common Travel Area, which allows citizens of the UK and Ireland to move freely to live, work and study in the two jurisdictions, will continue.
Cross-border buses and rail transport services will continue to be available.
What of travel to countries on mainland Europe?
You will need to have at least six months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe, but this does not include the Republic of Ireland.
You will need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
British passport holders will no longer be able to use the EU passport queue at airports and borders.
Will I be charged when using my mobile phone abroad?
Free mobile phone data-roaming will end but UK customers may notice little change.
The four main providers in the UK — EE, O2, Vodafone and Three — have said they have no plans to reintroduce roaming charges.
Will my European health insurance card still work?
All cards issued before the end of 2020 will be valid but only until the date of their expiry.
The UK is to issue a new card called the global health insurance card which, like the European health insurance card, covers chronic or existing illnesses and routine maternity care as well as emergencies.
What if I am posting a parcel to an EU country?
People posting a parcel from Northern Ireland to somewhere in the EU do not need to attach a customs declaration form, but one will still be necessary for parcels going to non-eu destinations.
What of fishing in Northern Ireland?
The UK will take back 25% of the EU’S catch over the next five and a half years, and will have full control of its waters after that. Northern Ireland will be included in all further trade deals that are struck by the wider UK.
Can my business continue to trade with Irish businesses?
From this Friday, the UK will no longer be part of the EU’S Single Market and Customs Union. This, however, does not apply to Northern Ireland.
The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland means that Northern Ireland is legally part of the UK customs territory, but subject to certain provisions on EU law.
Under the Protocol, no new check or controls will apply to goods moving between Ireland and Northern Ireland in either direction.
However, goods coming from Britain will be checked at our ports.
Will duty-free make a comeback?
People travelling to Ireland from Britain and vice-versa will be able to buy tax-free alcohol, tobacco and perfumes in airports and ports from Friday.
The new duty-free rules will not apply to people travelling between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
What if I have plans on getting married in an EU member state from January 1?
Contact the local authorities in the EU country where you plan on getting married — your travel agent or wedding co-ordinator will be able to fill you in.
In the majority of EU countries, your marriage will be recognised in the UK if you follow the correct process according to the law of that country, and if it would be allowed under UK law.