Your guide to travelling in Europe from January 1
Driving, insurance, pets and mobiles
PEOPLE in the UK make nearly 66 million visits to the EU each year, whether that’s hitting holiday hotspots, visiting friends and family, doing business or road tripping off the beaten track.
As the UK has now left the EU, everyone needs to take action to prepare for the new relationship, with the rules around travel to change from January 1, 2021.
While this summer has seen a boom in staycations, more of us might be keen to holiday in the EU next year, subject to official travel advice, so now is the time to check the requirements and make sure you’re ready.
Avoid unexpected delays or problems by checking your passport will be valid, getting the appropriate travel insurance and making sure you have the correct driving documents.
Many mobile phone operators have indicated they will not charge for roaming, but as the guarantee of free roaming will end, it’s best to check with your provider.
There are more things to do if you’re travelling for business – for example, going to meetings and conferences, providing services (even with a charity), and touring art or music – so check gov.uk/transition for more information.
And if you want to take a pet to the EU next year you need to start planning now. Anyone travelling with their cat, ferret or dog (including assistance dogs) from January 1 should contact their vet four months beforehand to get the latest advice.
From January 1 you will have to replace your pet passport with new documentation to enter the EU. The UK Government is working with the European Commission to ensure a similar arrangement to now. UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “We continue to be in contact with vets to highlight this issue and they are expecting pet owners to consult with them and plan ahead.”
You may not be able to take your pet to the EU from January 1 if it hasn’t been microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, and had its blood tested at least 30 days after the vaccination. You must also obtain an animal health certificate (AHC), showing proof of the microchipping date, vaccination history and successful rabies antibody test.
Afsaneh Parvizi-Wayne, founder of femcare brand Freda, plans to take her dog Honey to Germany next year to visit her brother. The two-year-old cockapoo’s vaccinations are up to date, but Afsaneh wants to be completely sure she and Honey are ready to go.
“I’ve been checking the Government website to see what’s needed after December 31,” she says.
Adele Pember runs petfriendly travel platform Dog Furiendly and is planning a European road trip next year with Charlie, a Jack Russell/Chihuahua cross who’s seven, and one-yearold crossbreed Minnie.
“With the changes, we need to plan further ahead ready for our dream holiday,” says Adele. “We’ll get them up to date with vaccinations early next year, then set a date for their blood test later in the year.”
Once your pet has had a blood test, the vet will give you a copy of the results. You’ll also need an AHC from the vet no more than ten days before you travel. You don’t need a repeat blood test for every trip if your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, but you will need a new AHC, so book a vet appointment in advance.