Brexit advice

Since leaving the European Union on the 1st January 2021, the UK has now entered a transition period as they finalise a deal with the EU. During this transition period, UK holidaymakers can travel as normal, using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card and passport as you normally would. The UK Government and European Commission have provided reassurance that UK holidaymakers will still be able to travel to and from the EU without any problems.

Although we don’t yet have all of the answers when it comes to Brexit, we will do our very best to keep you updated with all the latest information for your future travels as soon as it has been updated. Here’s everything we know so far:

Will I need a visa to travel to the EU?

UK citizens will not need to obtain a visa for short stay travel to the EU after Brexit. This will not change – even in a no-deal scenario. According to the European Commission, from 2021 UK citizens will have to pay a visa exemption fee of 7 Euros when travelling to any country in the EU (similar to the US ESTA process).

What happens if my holiday is cancelled due to Brexit?

Nothing at this moment suggests this will happen, even in the case of a no-deal Brexit. Flights will still operate between the UK and EU, and when you book a package holiday through Sunshine.co.uk, you’re protected by the comprehensive Package Travel Regulations. This means that you’ll be entitled to either a full refund or alternative if your holiday cannot be provided. The government has stated if we do leave the EU without a deal, your protections will stay the same if you buy a package holiday from a UK-based business, like Sunshine.co.uk.

Do I need to renew my passport?

British passport holders will need at least six months left on their passport in order to travel in the EU after Brexit. These six months are counted from your arrival date. Your passport will also need to be less than ten years old on the dates you are due to travel.

We advise that you check the expiry and issue dates on your passport to ensure you have enough time to renew it before you travel if it needs to. You can renew your passport online or by going to a Post Office with a Check and Send service.

If you're not sure whether you need to renew your passport, you can find out by using the government’s online Check a Passport tool.

https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/check-a-passport

Will my EHIC card still be valid?

As of 1st January 2021, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will become the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Customers can continue to travel with their EHIC as long as it remains valid. If this has expired, you should apply for the new GHIC. Sunshine.co.uk recommends customers to take out appropriate travel insurance when going abroad, whether the EHIC is valid or not.

Will I be able to drive in the EU after Brexit?

If you have a full UK driving licence, you're currently still able to drive in the EU. However, after the 31st of December 2020, this may change. You will then need to apply for an International Driving Permit - which would come with a small fee (around £5.50). You may also have to obtain and carry a Green Card around for your UK insurance to be applicable in the EU. It is best to check this with your insurer and they may charge you a small fee for issuing the card.

Will things be different when I arrive at the airport?

When your flight has landed and you arrive at your holiday destination, the airport experience may be slightly different than we are used to as of January 2021. Although nothing has been finalised, the government have announced that next year UK holidaymakers may need to show a return or onward travel ticket upon arrival. After January 2021, UK travellers may also be required to use separate lanes from other EU passengers when queuing. However, these details haven’t been confirmed just yet, but you can rest assured that we will keep you updated with all you need to know as soon as it is announced.

Can I still fly to Europe after Brexit?

In a word, yes. You can rest assured that, regardless of the outcome of the government's Brexit negotiations, UK citizens will still be able to fly between the UK and the EU. If we leave the EU with a deal then everything will stay the same until the end of December 2020. In the case of a no-deal, the UK government has recently confirmed that UK-based airlines will still be able to operate between the UK and the EU, and the same goes for EU-based airlines flying into the UK.

To find out more information click here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/flights-protected-in-no-deal-brexit-scenario

Will I have free mobile data roaming in the EU after Brexit?

Although UK citizens currently have free data roaming in EU countries, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, it could see the end of free EU roaming. Roaming charges could come back in, however, the government has confirmed they would introduce caps to ensure customers don't get stung with enormous bills whilst travelling abroad. Some UK companies have also said they may continue to offer the service to their customers. We advise you to check the costs with your service provider before you travel.


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