Brexit Q&A

Now that Brexit has happened, we're here to help you move forward with your travel plans. As we're sure you're aware, information changes quickly and often, but the government has a very comprehensive post-Brexit travel page. Having said that, we've also listed our most frequently asked questions below. If there's something else you'd like to ask, do not hesitate to get in touch.

Passport validity

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.

Your passport must be:

1. issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
2. valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

For non EU countries please refer to this foreign travel advice and select the country you are travelling to.

Is my EHIC card still valid?

Your EHIC card is valid until its expiration date. A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is being planned to cover chronic or existing illnesses and routine maternity care as well as emergencies - details to be released soon. Travel insurance with healthcare is still the best way to be covered.

How long can I stay in Europe?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are permitted to stay a maximum of 90 days in Europe during a rolling 180 day period. Each trip is counted towards your allowance.

Will my mobile phone still work?

Your mobile phone will still work, but you may be charged for calls, texts and data use. Many provides have already assured customers roaming will remain free, but you will need to check with your providor.

Do I need a tourist visa?

If you are a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You will be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Different rules apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. If you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries do not count towards the 90-day total.You may need a visa or permit to stay for longer, to work or study, or for business travel.

We will endeavour to assist with visa requirements should these be relevant to your chosen destination, however it is each passenger's responsibility that they have the correct documentation for travel. 

Can I drive in Europe?

International Driving Permits may be required in some EU countries (and Norway) if you have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Guernsey, Gibraltar, Jersey, and the Isle of Man. Check with the embassy of the country you will be driving in. You must have Green Card - a document showing you have valid vehicle insurance for driving abroad) as well as using GB sticker(s)

Where can I get the latest advice?

Please refer to FCDO for latest travel advice by country including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. You may also wish to refer to the excellent Travel Aware Website to prepare for safe and healthy travel abroad.

Lastly, for more information on travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, click here.

*EU member states include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.