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After the withdrawal agreement is implemented, the requirements required to travel from the UK to the EU will change and will be stricter. So, to anticipate and prepare for them, here is a guide for when travelling to the EU after the transition period is over.
The UK voted to leave the European Union on June 23rd 2016, but did not formally leave until the 31st of January of 2020. During this period both sides have negotiated the terms of UKs withdrawal, however they are still negotiating additional arrangements. That is why now, and until the end of 2020, a transition period has been established in which the current rules on trade, travel and business for the UK and EU will continue to apply until the new regulation is implemented the 1st of January of 2021.
We will refer to the European Union as the 27 countries that constitute the political and economic union, plus Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland. So, if you are planning on travelling to the EU after the transition period is over you should check a few things beforehand.
The first thing that you should do is check when your passport expires, since on the day of your travel your passport must be less than 10 years old and have at least 6 months left till it expires. If your passport does not meet these requirements you will be not be able to travel to the EU. Therefore, you might have to renew your passport a process which usually takes around 3 weeks.
These rules do not apply if you are travelling to Ireland. You can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
The second thing worth checking is your travel insurance coverage since once the transition period is over the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will no longer be valid and UK citizens will have to pay for their medical bills.
Another thing to check is your driving documents since you might need and international driving permit to drive in some countries. If you are travelling with your own vehicle, you might also need a ‘green card’ or valid proof of insurance and a GB sticker.
When travelling with pets you should start organising and contacting your vet at least 4 months before starting your journey, as from the 1st of January of 2021 the existing pet passport scheme will suffer modifications.
Additionally, it might be important to find out the roaming charges, if any, of your phone operator. As from the 1st of January of 2021 the guaranteed free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU will end.
Lastly, when travelling to the EU as a tourist you will not need a visa. You will be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, you might need a visa or permit to stay longer, to work or study, of for business travel. You may also be required to show, at border control your return or onward ticket and demonstrate you have enough money for your stay.
These are the main things that should be checked before travelling to the EU. However, these may change as the final negotiations between the UK and the EU take place.
Written by Sara Caselles Gayà.
Read more about Immigration Law.
