How Brexit travel will change

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(CNN) – After four years of confusion, the time has finally come.

The UK officially cut ties with the European Union last night as the Brexit transition period ended at 11pm UK time.

Brexit has not been an easy road politically and the UK – which voted 52-48 in 2016 to leave the EU – is entering the new year more divided than ever.

But what does that mean for travel?

It all depends on whether your passport is the UK, the EU or elsewhere – and which currency zone you are from.

For some travelers, the refueling pound means that a trip to the UK looks very attractive.

But things are about to change for UK and EU nationals.

Can British nationals now travel to Europe?

Yes, in the long run. Short term – possibly or probably not. Most EU countries currently have borders closed to citizens from outside the bloc because of Covid-19. Now that the UK has “third country” status, citizens have lost the right to travel freely within the EU. There is now technically no difference between a British citizen who wants to visit France and a US citizen – who has, of course, been banned since March – hoping to do the same.

However, as EU states remain sovereign nations, each country has control over its own borders and can make an exception for British citizens if they wish. It may take a while to see how this turns out as arrivals from the UK are currently banned from most of Europe, thanks to the new variant of Covid-19, first identified in the south of England.

Most EU countries have imposed Covid-related restrictions on access from the UK until at least January 6. Only then can we get some clarification as to whether or not countries will make exceptions for Britons once the current health crisis starts to ease.

There may be some surprises. For example, Germany has already included the UK in its permitted travel list (although entry from the UK is currently banned until at least January 6 due to the new variant of Covid-19).

Greece also currently allows travelers from the UK, and has not indicated that this will change.

However, Britain’s historic ally, Portugal – which launched a “Brelcome” campaign last year and pledged “Portugal will never leave you” – has announced that UK nationals will no longer be admitted from January 1, except for essential travel. Belgium and Norway have said the same.

France, Italy and Spain have not made any announcements yet, although travel from the UK by non-residents is currently banned to all three due to the Covid variant.

How about the other way around?

EU citizens can travel to the UK without too many problems. The UK never closed its borders during the pandemic. Anyone can enter as long as they have a visa or visa waiver – all you need to do is fill out a passenger locator form and isolate yourself for 10 days on arrival (or five days if you use the ‘Test to release’ scheme) unless from a country on the “travel corridors” list.

Will it be cheaper to visit the UK?

Probably, but of course it depends on which currency zone you are from. The pound crashed in June 2016 when the referendum was announced, and has yet to work its way back to pre-Brexit levels against the euro and dollar.

However, it’s not as bad (or good, depending on your point of view) as it used to be – after another historic crash in March, when the pound sterling fell to a 30-year low against the dollar and an 11-year low. years against the euro. at the start of the latest round of negotiations (exacerbated by the pandemic), the pound has regained light value and has recovered after a trade deal with the EU was announced on December 24.

However, converting US dollars makes a huge difference from the heady days of 2007 when the conversion rate was $ 2 to £ 1. For many, the drop in the pound will finally make a trip to the UK viable.

I am British. Can I still travel freely to the EU after the borders reopen?

Post-Covid restrictions, whenever that may be, you can still travel visa-free. But you are only allowed to spend 90 days out of 180 in the Schengen area (most EU countries plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein). That means that hibernation in the Mediterranean is no longer possible. For example, if you entered the EU on January 1, you must leave on April 1 – you cannot return until June 30, and then you must leave before October.

Those fees are cumulative, so you can’t spend three months in one country, go home and come back for a weekend away.

The EU will introduce a visa waiver scheme called ETIAS (similar to the US ESTA scheme) by the end of 2022. It is likely that UK citizens will be included in the scheme, which will cost around € 7 over three years.

How about the other way around?

Visas are not currently required for EU citizens visiting the UK. Currently you can spend six months in the UK without applying for a visa.

The UK is expected to include EU citizens in its ETA visa waiver scheme by 2025.

Will it be more expensive for UK citizens?

Exchange rate aside, probably. If you leave the EU, UK telephone companies can now re-charge roaming charges while you travel there (these were previously banned under EU rules). The major UK providers have said they won’t be introducing them, but check with yours before you go.

Conversely, EU residents may be charged roaming charges when using their phone in the UK. Contact your provider again.

What about healthcare?

According to the government, British citizens need travel insurance – even though the December 24 deal says that European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cards (which provide health coverage similar to what locals receive) are valid until their expiration date. Please note they are not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.

Regular treatment for chronic conditions – such as dialysis or chemotherapy – will continue across borders, with prior reservation.

Meanwhile, the UK has stated that it will create a “global health insurance card” for its citizens, although details (and timing) have yet to be released.

Expect a lot of confusion in the coming months – when CNN called the EHIC information line on December 31, a call handler said the cards would no longer be valid from January 1, and we should call back in two weeks to see if the government had arranged an alternative.

Do we need new paperwork?

British citizens now need a six-month validity period on their passport to enter the EU (technically the EU requires a three-month validity period, but the UK advises its citizens to have six months left). EU residents can use ID cards to enter the UK until 1 October 2021. After that, you will need a passport unless you are a UK resident.

Speaking of paperwork, you may need to bring a lot more. For example, in addition to pandemic, Spain reserves the right to deny entry to tourists – even tourists with a valid visa or who are eligible for visa-free travel – if they cannot provide proof of where they will be staying, a documented itinerary or a return flight. In addition, anyone wishing to enter Spain must “prove that they have sufficient means of support to enter Spain” – i.e. at least € 90 per day of your journey and a minimum of € 810 for your entire journey (even for a cheeky weekend city break). The days of freewheeling across Europe if you feel like it may be over for the British.

How about driving?

Last night, just four and a half hours before the transition period ended, the British government confirmed in a tweet that its citizens can drive in the EU without international driving permits – UK driving licenses will be recognized as they were before Brexit.
Will that be reciprocal? We’re not sure yet. The relevant page on the UK government website is out of date.

If you are bringing a UK car into the EU, there must be a GB sticker on the display and you must have a “green card” with your insurance in multiple languages.

What is happening at the border?

Officially, British nationals no longer have the right to use EU passports at border controls. However, each EU country will be able to decide whether or not to grant an exception. With the UK currently banned from most countries because of Covid, the situation is likely to become clearer in a few months.

The UK has confirmed that EU citizens can continue to use the UK / EEA channels and ePassport ports at UK border control. These are also open to residents of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the US, as before.

What about pets?

Taking your dog on your summer vacation is a rite of passage for many Britons. Now that the UK is no longer part of the EU pet passport scheme, you must have an animal health certificate at least 10 days before departure. These are available from your vet. Keep in mind that you also need a certificate if you are traveling to Northern Ireland from England, Wales or Scotland.

What about moving abroad?

There is no more free movement between the EU and the UK. Anyone who wants to move between the two must now apply for a visa.

What about Gibraltar?

In an 11-hour deal on December 31, it was announced that Gibraltar – the British territory at the southernmost tip of Spain – will become part of the Schengen area, as an entry point to Spain. However, the prime minister, Fabian Picardo, has confirmed that only the territory will be part of the Schengen area, not the people. In other words, UK citizens will not be able to use it as a back door to Spain.

There are two entry points: one for Gibraltar and one for Schengen. The airport will be in the Schengen area, so there will be no immigration controls for flights within Schengen.

And Ireland?

The Republic of Ireland is exempt from the 90/180 rule for UK citizens. And there is no limit to items you can bring across the border, as long as they are for personal use or as gifts.

There will be no border controls between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; however, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products from England, Scotland or Wales into Northern Ireland, and if you are traveling with a pet it must be certified – even if you do not intend to cross to the Republic of Ireland.

Any benefits?

Tax-free shopping is now returning for travel between the EU and the UK, although the UK is no longer tax-free for non-excise goods such as electronics and cosmetics.

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