Written on 8^th January 2021

WHAT IMPACT DOES BREXIT HAVE ON TRAVEL?

In December, the UK and EU reached an agreement on the terms of their future relationship following the end of the Brexit transition period. 

The result has been several changes to border procedures, which entered into effect on 1st January 2021. Alongside allowing extra time to negotiate entry and exit procedures, are some specific changes to regulations all travellers need to be aware of. 

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?  

• Passport duration: Passports of UK nationals traveling to the EU must be less than 10 years old and remain valid for at least six months from the date of entry. 
• VISA requirements: UK citizens require visas for stays in the EU longer than 90 days in any 180-day period; the same requirement applies reciprocally for EU citizens visiting the UK. 
• Driving: The UK has now secured agreement with all 27 EU member states to recognise UK driving licences WITHOUT the need for an International Drivers Permit.  UK drivers can continue to drive in the EU without an IDP (notwithstanding current COVID restrictions). 
•  Customs: UK businesses trading with the EU must submit customs declarations and other paperwork, and undergo additional checks. 
• Remaining in the UK: EU citizens and their families - other than Irish nationals, or individuals with indefinite permission to remain - must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after June 30, 2021. Each successful applicant will receive either settled or pre-settled status. 
• Residency permits:  UK citizens living in the EU may have to apply for residency permits, depending on their country of residence. 

 In addition, EEA-associated states, including EU members, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, may no longer consider the UK exempt from current entry bans relating to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; Northern Ireland residents traveling to Ireland will likely be unaffected. 

IS BUSINESS TRAVEL IMPACTED? 

As well as the actions outlined above, which are applicable to all travellers, there are additional regulations for anyone travelling solely for business or work purposes.  

Entry Requirements 

If you’re travelling to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for less than 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some things without getting a visa or work permit, for example going to a business meeting. 

You may need a visa, work permit or other documentation if you’re planning to stay for longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, or if you’ll be doing any of the following: 

• transferring from the UK branch of a company to a branch in a different country (‘intra-corporate transfer’), even for a short period of time 
• carrying out contracts to provide a service to a client in another country in which your employer has no presence 
• providing services in another country as a self-employed person 

Our Travel Specialists can check the entry requirements and rules of the country you’re visiting to find out if you need a visa or work permit and will help facilitate the relevant documentation. 

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION? 

 There are several resources from the UK Government to help you navigate these changes. And, as always, our Travel Specialists are always on hand to help answer any specific queries relating to your travel.  

Transition checker: allows you to see and complete all actions relevant to you and your travellers 

Passport Validity Checker: Check your passport is valid by inputting the passport details into the checker 

Whilst there are several changes to procedures now in place for travelling to the EU, we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether it is amending your travel policy, to ensuring the right documentation to travel, to aftercare which goes above and beyond. We understand travel can be complex and we're here to help simplify the process and ensure you have a great experience from start to finish.