European Travel Post Brexit

Here on our DFDS blog, we like to share all the great places you can visit across Europe. With the transition period for the UK leaving the EU officially ending on 31 December 2020, certain things will change, but there’s no need to worry. You will still be able to travel and discover all the great places Europe has to offer. 

Find out more about what will change post-Brexit so you can travel with confidence. 

Transition Period

Once the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, there will be some changes to travel requirements to enter the EU. To make sure you are fully prepared for travel to Europe post-Brexit, we advise you to: 

• Check your passport has at least six months validity 
• Ensure you have travel insurance which covers your healthcare 
• Check you have the right driving documents and insurance for your vehicle 
• Organise pet travel if you are looking to take your pet to Europe with you as you need to contact your vet at least four months before travel 

Passports

Existing red European passports will continue to be valid for up to ten years from its original issue.  

You should also check your passport has at least six months validity on your date of arrival in the EU. 

If you are unsure how long your passport is valid for, you can check here: https://www.gov.uk/check-a-passport-for-travel-to-europe  

Other things to note:

From 1 January 2021: 

• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will no longer be valid for UK citizens. We advise you to have adequate travel insurance when you travel to the EU. 
• From 1 January 2021 free mobile phone data roaming will no longer apply across the EU. 
• You can still take your pet on holiday with you but you will need to contact your vet four months before your travel date to check your pet has had the right vaccinations and has the correct documentation. 
• UK driving licences may no longer be valid by themselves for driving in the EU from 1 January 2021 and it will be necessary to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). 

Find out more about travelling after Brexit here.