Brexit: ABTA guidance for travellers from 31st January 2020

Followed by the Brexit date of 31st January 2020, some specific changes occurred in the British and EU travel system. It affected over 58 million overseas trips of holidaymakers and business travellers to the EU each year from the UK.

The Withdrawal Agreement ratified the UK departure from the EU by all remain the same and continue to travel without changes. However, the transition period, known as the implementation period, convinced the travel convenience of UK travellers.  Head of public affairs Luke Petherbridge said,

“The UK has now entered a period of transition until at least the end of December 2020, while the UK and EU negotiate a future relationship. During this time nothing will change for travellers or travel businesses.”

He continued,

“The risk of no-deal may have subsided for now, but there is much work to be done to help shape the UK’s future relationship with the EU to protect our industry and ensure the public can continue to holiday and travel with the same rights and freedoms as they have today. Throughout the process, ABTA has provided advice and guidance to customers and members on Brexit and will continue to do so.”

FACTS TO KNOW

• The immigration and airport operations will stay the same until December 2020.
• Ferries and Cruise ships will still sail under international rules and regulations.
• Visas are not required, and Visa-Free travels to the EU after the Brexit.
• ABTA advises travellers to consult a travel provider for safety assurance and insurance coverage because it will allow having appropriate travel insurance which covers specific needs.
• Six months of validity is not required to travel by a valid passport. 
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides state medical care for EU citizens when travelling in the EU.
• The EHIC card provides medical care for British nationals during the year 2020.
• Currently, the UK drivers’ licence is valid in the EU, and an international driving permit is not required. 
• The GB sticker or Green Card will not require to get car insurance.
• The laws and regulations for taking pets abroad will remain the same.
• Data roaming services will continue to remain the same after 31st January 2020.

The travel association is actively concerned with the priorities of the industry to the UK government and EU member states regarding trade discussions.

Priorities of the industry include an air service agreement to protect flights, replacing the mobility benefits of the EU Posted Workers Directive, and maintaining a mutual healthcare agreement.

Furthermore, the UK is planning to proceed open discussions with third countries such as Switzerland regarding access for occasional coach services.

Source: www.abta.com