Guidance for travellers as EC warns no-deal ‘increasingly likely’

A no-deal Brexit on 12 April is becoming “increasingly likely”, the European Commission has warned. The commission said it had completed its preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit, but warned it would nonetheless cause “significant disruption for citizens and businesses”. Here is what the European Commission says will change.

Will there be additional border checks?

n UK citizens travelling to the EU will face extra border checks. Guards may ask travellers for information including the duration and purpose of their trip, as well as an explanation of how they intend to support themselves while in the bloc. UK citizens will need a passport issued within ten years preceding the date of travel which also remains valid for three months after the planned trip is over. The commission has proposed that UK nationals will be able to travel visa-free for trips to the EU of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, provided the UK allows EU citizens to do the same.

Will luggage be subject to additional customs checks?

n The EU will impose customs checks on those entering the bloc from the UK and travellers will not be allowed to carry some goods across the border. Meat, cheese, milk, plants, plant products and some animals will not be allowed into the EU from the UK, as well as cash exceeding €10,000.

Will there be access to healthcarewhentravelling?

n Healthcare access using the 0 New restrictions on pets travelling between UK and EU

European Health Insurance Card for both UK citizens in the EU and EU citizens in the UK will no longer be available in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The commission advises people consider taking out private travel insurance.

Will UK and EU driving licences remain valid?

n EU countries decide which international driving licences to recognise at national level. UK citizens planning on driving in the EU should check the rules in the member state they are travelling to.

Will pets be able to travel between the UK and EU?

n Pets travelling from the UK to the EU must be chipped, vaccinated against rabies, tested for rabies, comply with rules on infections and diseases and be accompanied by identification documents.

Will EU mobile data roaming laws continue to apply?

n Companies will no longer be bound by EU restrictions on roaming fees for mobile calls, texts or data. UK citizens in the EU may be subject to a surcharge when using phones.