DEAL or NO DEAL!

Many people seem to be worried about the effect Brexit will have on their Travel arrangements

So, let me try and put your mind at rest

The European Parliament has confirmed that UK citizens will not need a visa to travel to the EU for short stays after Brexit, even in the event of a no deal.

The European Commission announced in November its intention to allow UK citizens to travel to the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa.

The European Parliament voted and approved this legislation.

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said the vote “provides absolute certainty that UK holidaymakers and business travellers will be able to travel visa-free to Europe, deal or no deal”.

However, and more importantly you must check the Validity of your Passport.

You will more than likely be aware that in previous years if you renewed your passport early the additional months were added to the Validity.

IE: Your Passport may say Valid from 10^th August 2016 to 10^th February 2027

So, in this case 6 extra months were added.

In the event that we do leave the EU, Britons visiting the EU (except Ireland) must have six months’ validity on their passports but this will not include any extra months that were added.  So, you need to treat your expiry date as 10 years from the Issue date stated.

Passports currently being renewed no longer add any additional months.

EHIC Cards will remain valid until 31^st October 2019. Beyond this date no information is available, so this is one to check at a later date. Remember the EHIC card is no substitute for travel insurance so you should make sure you are fully covered.

Driving in the EU? Up to 31^st October you will be fine to drive on your normal licence and will not require a green card. However, should we leave the Eu it is likely that you will have to obtain an international driving permit and carry a physical Green card as proof that you are insured.

One other thing which you will need to look out for is Data Roaming Charges.

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. Before you travel, check with your mobile phone provider about the costs of using your phone in the EU or you may end up with a costly souvenir.

Hope this has helped to clarify things a little.