All you need to know for post-Brexit travel
Nigel Thompson looks at the preparations we should make before travelling... whether we end up with a deal or no-deal
IF THERE’S one thing we do know about Brexit and travel, it’s that we’re waiting in a threeyear-long check-in queue with a suitcase full of uncertainty.
But whether we have a deal or no-deal on October 31, or an extension, holidaying Brits must crack on with preparing to leave the EU.
If the Government agrees a deal in the special Parliament session held today, the UK will enter a transition period and we can continue to travel as we do now.
With no deal, the Government and the European Commission say we will still be able to travel, as there is either contingency legislation in place or the travel services are covered by international law.
Here’s our essential guide to key deal/no-deal changes to be aware of, covering advice from UK travel association ABTA and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
TRANSPORT
FLIGHTS: With a deal, nothing changes until the end of December 2020 and flights continue as normal. Without a deal, the Commission has said UK airlines will still be able to operate to the EU under contingency legislation. The Government has offered similar assurances for EU airlines. Airport security procedures will not change. FERRIES AND CRUISE SHIPS: They will still sail as the majority of the maritime rules under which they operate are not EU but international. COACHES AND TRAINS: No changes are expected.
PASSPORTS
You should check now if you need to renew yours.
Without a deal, on the day you travel to the EU, you’ll need your passport to have at least six months’ validity left and be less than 10 years old (even if it has six months or more left).
If you do not renew it, you may not be able to travel to most EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
It usually takes three weeks if you need to renew your passport, though there is a premium service if needed.
These rules do not apply to travel
to Ireland and you can use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
At border controls, you may need to show a return or onward ticket, w you have enough money for your stay and use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens.
Cash of £10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency) will need to be declared at customs if you take it between the UK and any other country.
VISAS: You won’t need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit for short-term business or leisure trips, even if the UK leaves without a deal.
HEALTH CARD AND INSURANCE
EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD: The EHIC allows any EU citizen to access state medical care when travelling in another EU country. In the event of no-deal, UK registered EHICs will no longer be valid. INSURANCE: You are strongly advised to have appropriate travel insurance, whether you have a valid EHIC card or not, as the EHIC has limitations anyway.
Check any insurance policy you buy covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions. If you have an annual policy, make sure you check the terms and conditions and contact your provider if you’re unsure about anything they list.
COMPENSATION
Your consumer rights will not change after Brexit, so if your trip is cancelled or delayed, you may be able to claim a refund or compensation. Check your booking’s terms and conditions to find out more.
Some travel insurance policies only cover certain types of disruption, so check your provider’s T&Cs to ensure you have the cover you need if your trip hits trouble.
If a travel company fails, package holidays are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL scheme. This protection will remain after Brexit, deal or no-deal.
If you’re not on a package, you’ll need to claim on your travel insurance or the credit card you paid with (always buy a holiday or flights on a credit card, not a debit card, to get Consumer Credit Act Section 75 protection).
DRIVING LICENCES
As long as you have a full UK driving licence, you don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU. With no-deal, this will change in some countries and you may need to apply for an International Driving Permit. Different countries require different permits, so you should check carefully on the gov.uk website which permit is required for each place you intend to drive to, as you may need more than one permit to comply.
If required, International Driving Permits cost £5.50 and are available directly from the Post Office.
The Government is also advising that you will need a GB sticker for your car when driving in the EU after Brexit happens.
GREEN CARDS: With no deal, UK citizens driving their vehicle within the EU will be required to obtain and carry a physical Green Card in order for UK car insurance to be applicable in the EU.
These cards would be issued by insurers and there may be a small administration fee levied. It’s recommended you contact your car insurance provider at least one month in advance of travelling.