So, UK is about to leave the EU this month, right before the Easter holidays. If the UK leaves with Theresa May’s deal, this means there will be a transition period until the end of 2020. As a UK passport holder myself, I’m writing down how Brexit will affect UK citizens traveling within the EU however, life must go on as normal for British families – and that includes making plans for their holidays within the EU.
What travel documents will I need to travel?
European Commission reported that UK citizens will not need a visa even if there’s no deal however, you will need a Visa to travel to US after Brexit, whether there’s a deal or not.
NO DEAL: According to the UK Government, visitors will be able to stay for up to 90 days out of any 180-day period. You might need a visa before travel if you intend to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days throughout of that 180-day period.
DEAL: EU citizens and UK nationals will continue to be able to travel freely with a passport or an ID card until the end of the transition period in 2020.
Should I exchange holiday currencies before or after Brexit?
The pound has lost its value against the euro and the US dollar. Nobody knows what is going to happen to the markets and the smallest piece of news can send the pound falling or rallying within minutes.
A no-deal Brexit could see the pound weaken, while a deal may see it rise.
However, to give yourself the best possible rate at the time, you may want to get a card that is designed for overseas use to cut the additional costs of fees and currency loading that are applied when you use your normal debit or credit cards abroad. The best solution is to get a FREE Revolut Card, a secure, mobile-based current account that allows you to hold, exchange and transfer without fees in 24 different currencies.
If you are travelling, use your Revolut to:
- spend abroad with a great exchange rate.
- have affordable worldwide travel insurance which overseas emergency medical assistance, and expenses of up to £15m.
Will travel costs increase?
We should expect to see the cost of certain things fluctuate. This will all depend on the value of the pound. Flight prices may start to rise due to the fact that fuel is priced in US dollars and currently the pound/dollar rate is low– although if the cost of oil falls, then that change is mitigated. The cost of accommodation and other items overseas will start to rise too if the pound doesn’t recover.
What will happen with mobile chargers?
NO DEAL: UK citizens would see the return of roaming charges when traveling to EU countries. According to the House of Commons, they will try to introduce a £45 cap charge per month but nothing is sure yet.
DEAL: this will be put on hold until the start of 2021 and it would then be up to the networks to decide how to charge.
Will European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) still be valid after Brexit?
The government is warning travelers that the UK European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) may not be valid after Brexit in the event of a no deal.
As of January 28, 2019, the FCO advises UK Citizens visiting or studying in Europe to check the specific arrangements with each country and to take out separate travel insurance to cover any healthcare requirements.
What will happen with my driving license?
NO DEAL: In this case, your UK driving license may not be valid to use to rent a car and drive in other EU countries. You will need to issue an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well, which costs £5.50. If you are a UK citizen residing in an EU country then you will need to get a local driving license. You might even be required to pass a new driving test. Nothing has been confirmed yet.
Will I be compensated for flight delays caused by Brexit?
Unfortunately for those who may need flight delay compensation as a result of Brexit, EU261 will not protect travelers from so-called ‘extraordinary circumstances’; that is, any set of occurrences outside of an airline’s control. Under EU261, this includes everything from natural disasters and strikes to, sadly, Brexit.
What will happen duty-free shopping?
DEAL: Customs rules will continue to apply during the planned 21-month transition period, therefore, duty-free sales could return as part of a future trade deal with the EU (after the transition period).
NO DEAL: There is a big possibility that Duty-free sales will make a comeback.
