The UK is set to leave the European Union on 29 March 2019. Brexit has profound implications for travellers. This is the latest on what we know, what we think we know and what we still don’t know. The information on this page is subject to change without notice!
Driving
Motorists, whether taking their own cars or hiring abroad, are likely to need to obtain an International Driving Permit or two; different EU countries are signed up to different treaties, so for a trip embracing Spain and France you would need both types. These are currently sold from a limited number of Post Offices, but the government intends to make them widely available. The cost is £5.50 for each. Motor insurance will no longer automatically extend to the EU. Insurers will provide on request a “Green Card”, for which an extra charge will be made.
Flights
Even in the event of a no-deal Brexit, flights will continue to operate between the UK and European Union. However, in the event of the UK leaving with no deal, many flights are likely to be cancelled because departures would be capped at 2018 levels. As UK airlines have already announced thousands of new flights to Europe from the end of March 2019, some would have to be cancelled.
Air routes
The network of flight links between Britain and eastern Europe could be affected by any reduction in the number of workers from those countries. Not only do they use the flights – so do their families and friends
Flight disruption rights
Current European passengers’ rights rules, known as EC261/2004, stipulate high payouts for delays and cancellations that cannot be attributed to “extraordinary circumstances”. Buried in a document called Beyond the Horizon: The Future of UK Aviation, the government says “the UK will not fall below current standards of protection when we leave the EU”
Entry regulations to the European Union
From 11pm GMT on 29 March 2019, UK travellers will become “third-country nationals” when travelling to Schengen countries and subject to the standard rules of admission for citizens of nations such as the US, Japan and Australia. That means there must be at least 90 days (roughly three months) left on your passport beyond your intended date of departure.
Because third-country nationals can remain in the Schengen area for 90 days, the actual check carried out could be that the passport has at least six months’ validity remaining on the date of arrival.
Online registration prior to travel – ETIAS
From 2021, non-EU nationals who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area – including British travellers – will need to request prior authorisation to visit Schengen countries.
The Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is aimed at reducing the “migration, security or public-health risk” from nationals of visa-exempt third countries, which is what the UK will become after Brexit. It costs €7 for three years.
‘Brexit clauses’
A large number of travel providers – even including National Express coaches – have added “Brexit clauses” to their terms and conditions. These generally specify that they will not be liable for “consequential losses” as a result of Brexit-related issues.
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‘Fast track’ lanes for passport control entering EU countries
British passport holders will not be able to use them, and must join the queue for third-country nationals. People holding an EU passport or ID card as well as a British passport will be able to exit the UK on the British passport but enter Europe on the EU document.
Ferries
The ferry industry insists vessels will continue to sail. The UK Chamber of Shipping says: “Unlike the carriage of cargo, trade deals do not have a significant effect on the cruise and passenger ferry industry. The explicit standardisation of commodity codes and tariffs associated with trade deals have little relevance to holidaymakers.” Having said that, the government and Kent County Council are planning for possible chaos at Channel ports because of a backlog of trucks in the event of a no-deal Brexit. This would impinge on holidaymakers’ plans.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The EU says: “If you fall ill or have an accident during a visit to another EU country, as an EU citizen you have the right to receive the necessary public healthcare in any EU country under the same conditions as people in the host country.” The EHIC also works in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Treatment, says the NHS, is “at a reduced cost or, in many cases, free of charge”.
From 11pm GMT on 29 March 2019, when the UK ceases to belong to the European Union, British travellers will have no automatic right to use the EHIC. There is no certainty about what may replace it.
Mobile phones
From 30 March 2019, the law banning mobile phone firms from charging extra for calls and data in Europe will cease, though operators have yet to set out exactly what will replace it. In theory, mobile phone firms can impose whatever fees they think the market will bear. But Dave Dyson, chef executive of Three, says his firm is “committed to maintain the availability of roaming in the EU at no additional cost following Brexit”
But the trains will keep running?
Yes. Eurostar now says: “We plan and expect to maintain services on the existing basis and timetable following Brexit.
“Eurostar has been working extensively with our station partners, governments and control authorities on both sides of the Channel to ensure that robust plans are in place to protect services and to manage customer flows effectivity.”
What about car-carrying operations on Eurotunnel?
Eurotunnel vehicle-carrying shuttles through the Channel Tunnel between Folkestone and Calais are governed by the 1986 Treaty of Canterbury rather than EU laws. “Whatever the outcome, Eurotunnel le Shuttle will be here to offer you the fastest and easiest way to cross the Channel,” the firm says.
Services around the clock and around the year will continue, subject to any local disruption at either end of the link. Eurotunnel adds: “In the unfortunate event of a build-up of traffic on the motorway which results in customers arriving late, we will as always endeavour to accommodate them on the next available shuttle* (though it adds ”payment of the difference in fare may apply”).
Will ferries be affected?
They already are: Brittany Ferries, which (alongside DFDS) has been contracted by the Department for Transport to lay on extra services on the western Channel in the event of a no-deal Brexit, and as a result some customers have had their bookings changed.
But for the wider picture, the trade body Discover Ferries says: “Passengers travelling via ferry to Europe should be able to continue to sail on their booked ferry services, as well as book new crossings to Europe for travel up to, during and beyond 29 March 2019, with confidence.
Ferries to and from Ireland will not be affected. Contingency planning is taking place for traffic congestion in Kent. In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the government says disruption to normal operations is “likely to be felt mostly on the short straits crossings into Dover and Folkestone”.
Useful Links
Passport rules for travel to Europe after Brexit
