Category: News

Travel to Europe Post Brexit and the Rest of Europe

With UK finally having left Europe on 31 Dec 2020. Post Brexit, EU rules no longer apply to British Citizens from 1st January 2021. Rules for Travel to Europe Post Brexit, are different. This has effected the requirements for Travel Documents and Insurance.

Many people planning to travel to Europe for the Easter holiday in 2022 have been caught off guard and have had to rearrange their plans, which has been disappointing and stressful for the family and children.

Check your passport and travel Documents before travel

Before you travel, double-check your passport and travel documents

Passport

If you want to visit an EU country (excluding Ireland), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, or the Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen rules.

Two conditions must be met in order for your passport to be valid. It has to be:

On the day you enter, it must be less than 10 years old (check the ‘date of issuance’).

valid for at least 3 months after your departure date (check the ‘expiry date’)

More information can be found here

Travel Insurance

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows UK residents to access healthcare at the same cost, and sometimes free as local residents while visiting a EU country.

From 1 Jan 2021, UK nationals visiting EU countries will have to pay full price for any medical treatment unless they have appropriate travel insurance that will cover all medical needs. This change will mean that the travel insurance policy for Europe will be almost the same Travelling to Non-European countries.

Existing EHICs will continue to be valid if you’re travelling to the EU until their scheduled expiry date. If you’re travelling to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, your EHIC is not valid.

The UK has introduced GHIC – UK GLOBAL HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (GHIC) from 1 January 2021. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. Full details here.

This may mean the cost of travel insurance will go up or certain pre-existing may not be covered. This must be checked with your insurance provider before travelling.

Driving Licence

The UK Driving Licence will still be valid, no need to get an International driving Permit unless driving to Norway

Mobile Roaming

Check with your Mobile Phone Operator if roaming charges will apply.

Duty-Free

Duty Free rules have changed from 1st Jan 2021, British Passengers travelling to Europe can take advantage of Duty Free shopping bringing Travel to/from EU in line with the rest of the world. More information can be found on UK Government site

Visas for Travelling to Europe

Until end of 2022 their are no requirements for UK Citizens. From 2023 their will be a requirement for anyone travelling to Europe from the UK will need to apply for USA style Visa waiver permit – ETIAS for Europe – Europe travel Authorisation Systems for Travel Authorisation. More information can be found here

Please plan ahead and check all the requirements – do not get caught out

Plan your 2022 and 2023 holiday – Stay at this family holiday villa in Kefalonia and make it an unforgettable memory, that will be talked about for years to come.

The UK government has launched the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which replaces the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

UK residents can apply for the GHIC, which will replace the EHIC, which will be phased out in line with their expiry dates so travellers are still able to use them when travelling to EU countries.

The GHIC offers the the same protection as the EHIC – for emergency and medically necessary healthcare needs when in an EU country whilst on a temporary stay.

You will need to apply for the new card (GHIC) when your EHIC expires. The application process will take approximately 2 weeks.

You can apply directly via the NHS website, and there is no charge. 

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance when travelling within the EU and outside of it. The GHIC/EHIC are not a replacement for travel insurance.