Will Brexit Affect My Holiday?

Whether you’ve already booked your holiday, or you’re just thinking about planning your next getaway, you’re probably wondering what Brexit will mean for your break. Here, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about holidays after Brexit. 

Should I be concerned about booking my holiday? 

We understand that you may be apprehensive about booking a holiday given the current uncertainty surrounding Brexit, however, the European Commission has said that planes leaving from the UK will still be allowed to fly over the territory of the European Union, even in a no-deal scenario. So you can rest assured that your flight will still go ahead as planned. 

Will flights still operate? 

Yes. UK citizens can be reassured that regardless of the Brexit outcome planes will still fly between the UK and the EU: 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. Even if we are 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. The UK government has offered similar assurances for EU airlines. 

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

You won't need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit. 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. UK citizens will be able to visit the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.

What happens if I book to travel after Brexit and my holiday cannot go ahead due to Brexit? 

There is nothing to suggest that you will not be able to continue with your holiday plans after Brexit. Even in a no-deal scenario, the European Commission has said flights to and from the UK will still be able to operate. Customers who book a package holiday (flights and accommodation) with a UK travel company enjoy the most comprehensive consumer protection: if you book a package, your holiday will be protected under the Package Travel Regulations, meaning you have a right to a full refund if your holiday can no longer be provided. 

Will I still be able to use my current passport? 

If we leave the EU without a deal, the UK Government recommends that you have six months left on your passport on the date of your arrival in an EU country. Note that the six months on your passport is only required if you are travelling after the date the UK leaves the EU.   

You should also check when your passport was renewed. 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. You can renew your passport online or by going to a Post Office with a Check and Send service. You may wish to renew your passport sooner rather than later, in order to make sure you have it in time for your holiday or travel plans. Full details on renewing your passport can be found here.

Will I need to take out extra travel cover because of Brexit? 

No, but it’s important to have full travel insurance any time you travel. Booking a package holiday (flights and accommodation) with an ATOL bonded company like ours gives you extra protection, as it’s our responsibility to make sure your holiday goes ahead. We’ll offer an alternative or a refund if it can’t be delivered.

Will my driving licence be valid in the EU? 

As long as you have a full UK driving licence, you don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU. This will change in a no-deal scenario for certain countries. 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 

The Government is also advising that you will need a GB sticker for your car when driving in the EU after Brexit.

Will I need a green card for car insurance?

If the UK leaves without a deal, UK citizens driving their vehicle within the EU would be required to obtain and carry a physical Green Card in order for your UK car insurance to be applicable in the EU. These cards would be issued by insurers and you may be charged a small fee to cover administration costs.

Speak with your insurer for more information on obtaining a Green Card for any trip on or after 31 January 2020.