What is Brexit?
In case you somehow did not know what Brexit means, it is the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, a trading bloc that comprises of 28 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Britain could leave the Eu with or without a deal; if the UK leaves with Theresa May’s deal, then there will be a transition period until the end of 2020, in which the change will not be significant. However, if there is no deal, then there will be even more doubts about what’s happening after leaving the EU.
How is a no-deal Brexit going to affect your holiday?
As the decision on when and whether or not Britain will leave the Eu with a deal or without a deal remains clouded, you might be wondering whether if it is safe to plan your holiday right now, the best possible step you could take from your end is to get all your travel documents ready because if a scenario where Britain leaves without a deal takes place, then you’d have to endure the inevitable flight delays, cancellations and growing queues at passport control, but having all your travel documents on hand can be useful to do anything you possibly could to lighten the blow. If you travel before the 31st of October 2019 then The UK is still a member of the EU, which means that all existing travel arrangements still apply, but if you travel after the 31st of October then there may be certain changes.
Will passports be valid after Brexit?
Current British passports are inscribed with the words “European Union, so this does raise the question as to whether passports will be valid after Britain’s exit. Assurances have been made by the EU legislative body that visas will not be required, at least initially and that Uk travellers can still visit the EU without a visa if the same offer is granted to European citizens visiting the UK. However, more changes come in to play after the UK finalises its decision on Brexit and all of its other strategies revolving around it.
What about travel insurance and medical emergencies?
UK travellers are also like to face significant changes when it comes to insuring themselves while travelling within the EU. Currently, all travellers who require medical assistance can show a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access free medical care in any EU country. However, according to ABTA, keeping in mind the situation of a no-deal Brexit transpiring, travellers should be aware that the registered EHICs will no longer be valid. Therefore, it is advised that UK travellers meticulously check existing policies to see if they have emergency cover, as this will be necessary to cover medical costs if the UK and EU have not secured an agreement.
Other things you should know!
1. It would be a good move to book a package holiday with a travel agent registered with the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) such as Travel Center UK.
2. You may need new travel documents after Brexit, so do your research and find out all about them so you can be prepared for any circumstance you face.
3. If Brexit does somehow cost you more than what you had initially budgeted for, then it would be cost effective for you to book airport parking, hotels and lounges at the earliest possible time.
4. As long as you have a full UK driving licence, you don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU. However, if you do not, then you may need to acquire an additional license
5. If a no-deal Brexit occurs, then pets would still be allowed to be able to travel from the UK to the EU. However, discussions about the preparations for your pets travel should be made at least four months prior to the date of travel. Pet owners should keep an eye out for any further instructions issued by the UK Government.
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