Brexit: 4 Questions UK Citizens Need To Ask Before Travelling

Brexit is something that has hung in the air for years. Five years ago, the UK voted to leave the European Union, which was a highly contentious decision for many reasons. However, the travel-centric residents hated it because it infringed on their freedom of movement. Suddenly, leaving British shores wouldn’t be as simple.

Fast-forward to 2021, and the legislation has only just been approved. The UK is finally out of the union. Of course, this leaves a lot of questions left unanswered for many travellers, not least because the advice hasn’t been crystal clear. The Covid-19 outbreak means most of them will be moot in the short-term since travelling is off the agenda.

Still, when borders reopen - some of them already are, with “corridors” between Portugal and Mauritius - it’s imperative to know what you can and can’t do. After almost a full year of not indulging your passion, you want to ensure you get off to the best possible start. Staying at home, or being turned away at the airport, aren’t conducive to that.

So, it’s time to focus on the main questions UK citizens need to ask. The following also affect non-British residents, so it’s worth reading on if you’re a citizen of the world.

Will Travel To The EU Be Visa-Free?

Sort of. Britain and the EU will use an ESTA-style system that is popular in the United States. Anyone from either region wanting to go on holiday in Europe or the UK will need to apply before they are allowed through immigration. At the moment, the price is being billed at £7 or €8.17 for three years.

Once you have it, you can visit anywhere within the bloc like you used to, but with a couple of important caveats. Firstly, the European ETIAS will only last for 90 days, as opposed to the unlimited amount of time British people could spend in the bloc previously. Another 90 days must pass before you’re allowed back into the Schengen Zone.

However, when you arrive in the EU, you can continue to pass through as you normally would. This was always going to be the case since Schengen meant it is almost impossible to check the papers of UK travellers while everyone else moves around freely. So, you’ll need an ETIAS before you board a plane or ferry, but it won’t be checked once you’re in the bloc.

Does that make sense?

What About My Passport?

Good question. Your passport is a tricky one unless you’re one of the few people happy to be swapping their burgundy travel book for a blue one. Part of the transition scheme means that people who have old passports will be able to use them until they run out, or unless a new date is fixed.

But, you require at least six months on your passport to enter the EU as a British citizen. Therefore, anyone who is currently nearing that date should consider applying for a fresh passport. By the time you can move freely again and staycations are over, it might well be past due.

As for immigration, it appears that the use of electronic gates will be a talking point in the future. The UK has already said it will make concessions for EU residents, as it does for the US, Australia, and South Korea. However, this hasn’t been reciprocated by Europe yet. Therefore, long lines could be realistic.

Apart from your passport, you might need proof of a return flight and your budget. For example, Spain requires visitors to provide evidence that they have a budget of €90 per day. A two-week holiday means you’ll need more than £1,200 in your account. Proof of accommodation will also be necessary.

Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

What About Outside Of Europe?

Thankfully, Brexit doesn’t impact travel other than within the EU’s borders. So, trips to the US, Southeast Asia, and Aus, three popular destinations for UK travellers, will be the same going forward. Of course, things can change. As ever, you should visit the website for your ESTA and other visa requirements.

Don’t forget that a nation isn’t necessarily in the EU just because it’s on the continent of Europe. Switzerland is probably the best example, but there are several more. Unfortunately, Switzerland’s deal is similar to the terms and conditions of Schengen, so not much will change. Yet, that isn’t the case for the rest of the countries.

For example, Azerbaijan is a famous eastern European nation that is investing more into tourism. This is especially the case in the capital Baku, which is gaining a reputation for being a wonderful place to spend a few days. Instead of an ETIAS, you’ll need an Asan Visa, also known as an e-visa.

They are valid for 30 or 60 days, depending on the type you obtain and have nothing to do with EU visas.

Are There Any Exemptions?

Hardly. The EU is notorious for striking a hard bargain, and it ensures all member states follow the same rules set out in the treaty. Still, there is one place where none of the above applies - the Republic of Ireland.

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Given Eire’s and the UK’s relationship, it was always going to be a sticking point during the negotiations. Thankfully, the powers that be agreed, meaning that hard checks between Northern Ireland and Eire won’t happen.

Even better, this means the 90/180 rule for Brits isn’t eligible in the Republic of Ireland due to the Common Travel Area. Therefore, you can travel to the destination as per usual, with only a few minor tweaks. They are around the number of items you can take - it’s unlimited if you can prove they are for personal use - and pets. You’ll need a certificate for the latter.

Otherwise, Eire is the only nation at the moment that will be as stress-free as usual. Just one more reason for you to check your Irish heritage and see if you apply for an Irish passport!

Takeaways

When you do travel again, the key is to be vigilant and not take travelling to the EU for granted as you did before. Check your passport validity, make sure you have a visa, and understand the entry requirements prior to flying.

Cover photo by Anthony Beck from Pexels