Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Travel
The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and Its Implications for Travel
As the United Kingdom prepares to exit the European Union, one of the many areas that will be impacted is travel. The Brexit withdrawal agreement, which lays out the terms of the UK`s departure from the EU, includes provisions related to travel that will affect both UK citizens and EU nationals. In this article, we`ll explore what those provisions are and what they mean for travelers.
Visa-Free Travel
One of the immediate concerns for many travelers is whether they`ll need a visa to travel between the UK and the EU. Under the terms of the withdrawal agreement, both UK citizens and EU nationals will be able to travel visa-free for short stays. This means that UK citizens can travel to EU countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without needing a visa, and vice versa for EU nationals traveling to the UK.
However, it`s important to note that visa-free travel doesn`t mean you can enter and stay in another country indefinitely. If you plan to stay for longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a visa or a residence permit.
Passports
Another key aspect of travel affected by the Brexit withdrawal agreement is passports. UK citizens who travel to the EU after the transition period, which ends on December 31, 2020, will need a passport that`s valid for at least six months from the date of entry. This is a requirement that already exists for other non-EU countries, so it`s not a new rule.
However, there is one change that UK citizens should be aware of when it comes to passports: the color. UK passports will no longer be burgundy, as they have been since 1988. Instead, they will be blue, which was the color of UK passports prior to the switch to burgundy.
Healthcare
One area that could be impacted by the Brexit withdrawal agreement is healthcare. Currently, UK citizens are entitled to free or reduced-cost healthcare when traveling in the EU, thanks to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, the future of the EHIC program is unclear.
The withdrawal agreement allows for UK citizens to continue using their EHIC cards until the end of the transition period. After that, the UK government has said it will try to negotiate a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the EU. However, if no agreement is reached, UK citizens may need to purchase travel insurance that includes healthcare coverage.
Driving
Driving is another area that could be affected by the Brexit withdrawal agreement. UK citizens who plan to drive in the EU after the transition period will need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is a document that translates your UK driving license into several languages and allows you to drive legally in other countries. Without an IDP, you may not be able to rent a car or drive legally in the EU.
Conclusion
The Brexit withdrawal agreement will have several implications for travel between the UK and the EU. While visa-free short stays and the need for a valid passport are largely unchanged, other areas like healthcare and driving could be impacted. UK citizens and EU nationals should stay up-to-date on the latest travel requirements and make sure they`re prepared before embarking on any trips.