The UK exits the EU and EFTA on Friday.
The transition period ends 31st December 2020.
The UK has now issued instructions on Travel to Europe after 1st January 2021 – here.
Travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein will change (for UK nationals and persons travelling on a UK passport) from 1st January 2021.
(1) passports – on the day of travel, the UK passport must :
* have at least 6 months left, and
* be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)
[not Ireland – passports need only be valid for the duration of stay in Ireland]
(2) EHIC – from 1 January 2021 the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card might not be valid (this is not confirmed either way yet). The recommendation is private health insurance.
(3) Driving – extra documents will be required from 1 January 2021 –
* a specific international driving permit (IDP) [not Ireland, and check the country list linked in the instructions].
* a ‘green card’ from the vehicle insurance company
* GB sticker [not enforced in Ireland, this is not mentioned in the UK instructions, but is confirmed by Ireland, and particularly relevant for travellers from Northern Ireland]
(4) Flights, ferries, cruises, Eurostar and Eurotunnel, bus and coach services
From 1 January 2021, the following will run as before:
* flights
* ferries and cruises
* the Eurostar and Eurotunnel
* bus and coach services between the UK and the EU
If flying:
* airport security procedures will not change for direct flights to and from the UK
* there should not be delays at airport security for flight changes in EU airports
(5) Duty free, goods and cash restrictions – check the instructions – not Ireland
(6) Travel disruption compensation – the instructions advise checking the booking conditions
(7) Visas – not needed for tourist trips if the stay is less than 90 days in 180 days.
[tourist visas will not be needed for trips to Ireland]
Business visas may be required – further information is expected.
[business visas will not be required for trips to Ireland]
(8) Border Control – at border control, the following may be required –
* to show a return or onward ticket
* to prove sufficient money for the stay
* to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing
[not Ireland]
(9) Mobile Phone Roaming – from 1 January 2021, the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will end.
A UK law means the subscriber is protected from getting mobile data charges above £45 without notification. Once £45 is reached, an opt in will be required to spend more to continue using the internet whilst abroad.
(10) Business Services and Business Goods – a customs declaration and a business visa may be required, including possibly to attend meetings [not Ireland]. Further information is expected.
The UK instructions list other aspects and links.
[the principals of Cardinal Environment Limited are dual UK/EU nationals]
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