What does Brexit mean for my holiday? - Newex Walking Holidays

Let’s face it, if you are thinking about booking a holiday, wondering how Brexit may affect is probably somewhere between the back of your mind, and right at the very front.

Although the date keeps changing the underlying information with regards to how this may affect holidays remains the same, below is a summary of advice that ABTA has put together for UK travellers, answering common questions and explaining any steps travellers may need to take to avoid any unnecessary disruption due to a no-deal exit.

Full details can be seen here.

Deal

No Deal

Will flights still operate?

Yes

If a deal is agreed then we will be in a transition period, meaning everything will stay the same until the end of December 2020 and flights will continue as normal.

Yes

Under existing contingency arrangements in a no-deal scenario the European Commission has said that UK airlines will still be able to operate flights between the UK and the EU under contingency legislation. The UK Government has offered similar assurances for EU airlines.

Will I need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?

No

The European Parliament has confirmed that UK travellers won’t need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit for short-term business or leisure trips, even if the UK leaves without a deal.

No

The European Parliament has confirmed that UK travellers won’t need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit for short-term business or leisure trips, even if the UK leaves without a deal.

Will I still be able to use my current passport?

Yes, although we advise following the no deal advice too.

Yes, although you may need to renew your British passport earlier if you are travelling after brexit

The UK Government recommends that you have six months left on your passport on the date of your arrival in an EU country.

If you renewed a 10-year adult passport before it expired, extra months may have been added to your passport’s expiry date. These extra months over 10 years will not count towards the 6 months that must be remaining. The UK Government has published a website tool to check the validity of your passport under these rules.

Will my EHIC card still be valid?

ABTA has always advised holidaymakers and business travellers to make sure they have appropriate travel insurance, whether they have an EHIC card or not, as there are limitations to EHIC.

UK registered EHICs will no longer be valid. ABTA has always advised holidaymakers and business travellers to make sure they have appropriate travel insurance, whether they have an EHIC card or not, as there are limitations to EHIC.

Can I still use my current driving licence?

As long as you have a full UK driving licence, you don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU. As it is not yet clear whether there will be a deal or not, we advise following the no deal advice.

Depending on your destination, and the length of your stay, UK licence holders looking to drive in the EU after 31 January 2020 may need to apply for an International Driving Permit.

Full details about International Driving Permits, including what permit you need for each country can be found at gov.uk

If required, International Driving Permits cost £5.50 and are available directly from the Post Office, you can find your nearest branch here.

Data roaming

Under EU rules, the cost of making calls, sending messages or using the internet on your phone in the EU is the same in the UK.

If the UK leaves without a deal these rules will no longer apply – however, some UK companies have said they may continue to offer this benefit to their customers.