ALL EU NEED TO KNOW
BORIS JOHNSON’S last-minute Brexit deal has saved our holidays from the chaos a no-deal break with Europe would have unleashed.
The agreement, which came into effect yesterday, changes the rules on everything from driving on the Continent to duty-free shopping and passport controls.
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The good news is that holidaymakers visiting the EU can now pick up duty-free booze and cigarettes on the way out of the UK. But holidays to our favourite destinations now cost more and involve a lot more red tape. Pets need certificates, even for some travel within the UK, while cars require paperwork and passengers must have insurance.
Next year, holidaymakers will also need to fork out for an EU visa that is similar to America’s ESTA visa system.
Jacob Lewis has answers to your burning travel questions thrown up by the new Brexit rules . . .
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE?
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From next year you will have to pay £6.35 for a new Etias visa waiver to enter Europe on holiday. Travellers can apply online for the permit, which will last up to three years or until your passport expires. The waiver, which the UK helped create before voting to leave the bloc, will require information such as your age, any past criminal convictions, and the name of the hotel or address at which you plan to stay during your visit.
CAN I VISIT MY HOLIDAY HOME IN EUROPE?
The sun has set on the dream of a sunny retirement in the South of France or Spain. Those with a holiday home in Europe can now only visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period and the same goes for all holidaymakers.
DO I NEED A NEW PASSPORT?
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Maybe. If you have less than six months left on your passport, you will no longer be able to enter EU countries. Check the date before you travel. The six-month rule does not apply for trips to Ireland.
WHAT ABOUT PASSPORT CONTROL?
You will not be able to join the fast-track EU passport line. You may also need to show proof of a return flight or return ticket, along with proof that you have enough money to support yourself on your trip.
DO I NEED HEALTH INSURANCE?
Yes. This will probably be the largest Brexit-holiday cost. European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) will be valid until expiry and cover you for all state-provided medical treatment if you fall ill or have an accident. The Government says it will issue a new card, called the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover some emergencies and illnesses but there is no news on when these will arrive. Either way, from now on, the Government advises all travellers to be fully insured before they travel to Europe. And because we will no longer have access to EHIC, the cost of travel insurance will be higher than before.
WILL ROAMING CHARGES RETURN?
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Maybe. You are no longer protected from carrier roaming charges, so mobile phone companies can start to charge customers more if they wish. Before Brexit, consumers were also covered against roaming in countries in the wider European Economic Area, such as Norway, but this protection will also end.
CAN MY PETS TRAVEL?
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Pets can no longer travel freely within the UK or to EU countries. You will need an animal health certificate to travel to the EU, as pet passports are no longer valid. Your pet will also no longer be able to travel to Northern Ireland without the same certificate, due to the new border in the Irish Sea.
WHAT ABOUT DUTY FREE?
Travellers can buy booze and cigarettes duty-free on their way out of the UK when visiting Europe but Brexit has spelt the end of the unlimited booze cruise. You will no longer be able to buy unlimited alcohol from the EU for personal consumption and will be restricted to 42 litres of beer, 18 litres of wine and four litres of spirits or liquors over 22 per cent in alcohol. Tobacco will be limited to 200 cigarettes.
CAN I STILL DRIVE IN EUROPE?
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Yes. But you will need to apply for a green card from your insurer — these can take up to six weeks to process — and pack your driving licence and log book (V5C).
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ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD WORRY ABOUT?
Yes, ham sandwiches. Holiday-makers used to travelling to Europe with a coolbox in the caravan or a packed lunch for the journey will be forced to go vegan.
Personal imports of meat or dairy products are no longer allowed. So if you are packing meat or dairy products, such as a ham sandwich, you will need to eat it before you cross the border.
The same rules would also apply for carrying food across the border that you had bought on a flight or at a UK airport.
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