If you’re heading on holiday this year, don’t panic - Brexit won’t disrupt your holiday as trade talks take place later in January.
Changes to visas, passports and flights when travelling within the EU are unlikely to happen whilst the UK is still in the Brexit transition period.
Travel Association ABTA found that 31 per cent of Brits are still confused about how Brexit will affect their upcoming holidays.
On 31st January, the UK will officially leave the UK and it will be no longer possible to revoke Article 50.
This means that until the end of this year, the country will be in a ‘transition period’, with ABTA confirming that travellers don’t have to worry about their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and passports being affected.
EHIC’s were introduced in 2004 and protect British tourists abroad. This includes access to basic medical care without additional costs in an EU country. Despite being free of charge, Brits are advised to still buy travel insurance.
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Passports will remain valid in EU countries, provided it’s in date for the duration of the trip before visiting Europe. Travelling to Europe will also remain visa-free after Brexit has happened.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, explained, "The UK is primed to enter a new Brexit phase from 31 January, when trade talks begin, and when it does nothing will change when it comes to travel.
"This means that valid passports can still be used, EHIC cards will still be valid and the same gates can be used at border check points.”
He added, “People can continue to make their travel plans with confidence that things won’t change until at least the end of 2020."
If the end of the transition period arrives (December 2020) and the UK still doesn’t have a deal, then a no-deal could come into force.
Anyone who is still worried about their holiday after Brexit can ensure that their travel insurance protects them against any changes.
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