The Brexit transition period is coming to an end, meaning rules on travelling to and from European Union (EU) countries will change on January 1, 2021.
The special relationship between the UK and EU will end – and many fear that Brits will be barred from entering the EU in the new year as the country’s coronavirus cases continue to climb.
Only eight countries outside of the EU, including Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, are on a list of ‘safe’ nations, whose citizens can visit the bloc for non-essential reasons.
So, will British holidays to Europe in January be cancelled, or will the UK be added to the ‘safe’ list?
Can I still travel to Europe in January for a holiday?
As things stand, it does not look like the UK will stay on the EU’s list of ‘safe’ nations.
Officials in Brussels say they have no plans to add it to this list in the new year, the Financial Times reports.
This means that non-essential travel to Europe may not be allowed until further notice.
Individuals can still enter the bloc in certain cases, mainly for work – including aid workers, care workers, diplomats, healthcare professionals, military personnel, seasonal farm workers and transport workers.
Entry for study, transit, and urgent family reasons is also permitted.
What to do if you’re in Europe when the Brexit transition period ends
British citizens who lawfully reside in an EU country will broadly the same rights as they have now.
They can continue to live, work and travel as part of the Withdrawal Agreement.
The UK government is yet to provide advice to those holidaying in Europe as Brexit happens.
What will the new rules be when holidaying in Europe after Brexit?
When UK citizens are finally allowed to holiday in Europe, there will be a few changes when travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Bringing products to an EU country
You will not be able to take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries from 1 January 2021.
You will need a certificate to take certain plants and plant products into EU countries from January 1, 2021. The full rules about taking plants and plant products into the EU is on the European Commission website.
Until a deal is agreed, it is currently unclear whether you can bring these products from the EU into the UK.
Border control
At border control, you may have to present your return ticket, show that you have enough money to cover your stay, and will no longer be permitted to join the EU fast track queue.
You may need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries.
Also, from January 1, 2021, the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will end.
Passports and Visas
You will not need a new passport so long as your current one is both:
- Less than 10 years old
- And has six months left before it runs out
The six-month rule won’t apply for visits to Ireland, because it is part of the Common Travel Area.
The government says you should apply in plenty of time if you do need a new passport – which will be blue.
You will not need a Visa to holiday in Europe, unless you are planning to stay longer than 90 days in any 180 period.
You will not be able to use the current pet passport scheme, and instead will have to follow a different process, which takes four months.
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