Posted on Thursday, 2 January 2020

Both the European Commission and the UK government have made it clear that Britons will be able to go on travelling once Britain leaves the EU, with EU citizens enjoying the same rights. This is important since Europe remains the most popular tourist destination for Britons.

With a departure date set for January 31, Brexit appears, just about, to have been "done" - although in fact many years of negotiating lie ahead. How these negotiations impact travel remains to be seen, but ostensibly, UK citizens should be able to visit Europe much as they do today.

Before 31 January 2020

In the weeks before Brexit day, you will be able to travel to EU countries as you do now.

After 31 January 2020

If the Withdrawal Deal is fully passed by the Houses of Parliament, as expected, the UK will enter a transition period. This means you will be able to travel as you do now, until the transition period ends on 31 December 2020.

Under the Withdrawal Bill, there will be no extension of the transition period.

Questions about travel to and from the EU after Brexit

What about driving in Europe?

In the event of a 'no-deal', you may need an International Driving Permit to drive in the EU. There are three different types of IDP:

1926 IDP

1949 IDP

1968 IDP

Check which permit type you might need here: https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit

What about flights?

Flights will operate as they do now until the end of the expected transition period (31 December 2020). After this, both the UK and the EU have agreed flights will continue as they do now.

What about cruise ships and ferries?

Most such vessels already run under international law, not EU law - and so are unlikely to be impacted by Brexit (although there is the possibility of severe delays at ports, particularly if there is a 'no deal').

What about coaches?

Coach services to and from the EU will run as usual - although again, there may be severe delays if there is a 'no deal'.

What about trains?

Train services are expected to run as they do now. However, be aware of any updates from your travel provider.

Will I need a visa?

UK citizens will be allowed to visit the EU for up to 90 days per 180 day period without a visa - so long as EU citizens are afforded the same rights by the UK.

How much validity should my passport have?

The British government recommends you have at least six months validity on your passport from the day you arrive in the EU.

What about the European Health Insurance Card?

At present, UK citizens are entitled to state care free of charge if they fall ill, or have an accident, in an EU country. This will continue until December 31 2020. If there is a 'no deal', this reciprocal system will end.

What about travel insurance?

As always, it is critical to take out comprehensive travel insurance before you leave the UK. This will be even more important if there is a 'no deal', since the EHIC travel system will no longer benefit UK citizens.

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