Brexit tips for UK citizens travelling to Europe in 2021

UK citizens travelling to Europe will have some changes from the 1st January 2021.

Ignoring any travel restrictions and requirements for Covid-19, we’ve shortlisted 8 Brexit travel tips to be considered in preparation for your trip to Europe, after the Brexit transition has ended.

1. Passport

You will need a minimum of 6 months validity on your British passport to enter Europe from the 1st January 2021. Be careful if you exchanged your passport early, as it must also have been issued within the last 10 years. Use this official Passport Checker to check if you need to renew your passport before travelling.

2. EHIC

With the agreement dated 24/12/20 reciprocal emergency healthcare will continue after the Brexit deadline. We are now advised that your European Health Insurance Card will be valid up to its expiry date. A new card Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will be introduced. More info:
uk-residents-visiting-the-eueea
apply-for-a-free-ehic
Make sure you also have a good travel insurance policy to cover your trip, do not just rely on the EHIC / GHIC cover.

3. International Driving Permit

You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on the country you are visiting, and how long you are staying. Check the individual requirements here: international-driving-permit. These are available from Post Offices.

4. Data Roaming

Check with your mobile phone provider regarding their data roaming policy before leaving the UK. The UK government has set restrictions so that travellers are protected from large unexpected bills on their return. Consumers should receive an alert at 80% and 100% of data usage with a limit of £45 per monthly billing period.

5. Schengen Calculator

British citizens will be limited to stays of no more than 90 days in any rolling 180 day period, in the Schengen zone. If you are a frequent or longer stay traveller, use a  Schengen Calculator to help work out your dates.

6. Border Control

You may be asked to provide evidence of a return ticket, or proof of enough funds to cover your stay at border control. Take care which lanes to enter at passport control, you may need to use the third country section, rather than those specified EU or EEA.

7. European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

For the time being the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is currently not in operation. More information will be published here once a start date is confirmed, the cost is €7 per person.