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Your guide to post-Brexit travel

What to expect when the UK leaves the EU

Introduction

With the UK having officially left the European Union on 31st December 2020, we’ve updated our Brexit travel guidance to give you access to the latest information on visiting Europe.

As you’re no doubt aware, from the start of 2021, travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein changed, and there are some things you’ll need to take into consideration when planning and booking your holiday.

You will be able to travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training. That said, from November 2023, travellers to the Schengen area will be required to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver, an electronic system similar to that operated by the USA.

As with all things at the moment, details can change at short notice. With that in mind, we recommend you visit the government website dedicated to post-Brexit travel for the most up-to-date information.

In summary, some important points to consider are:

  • Passport validity – you’ll need at least 3 months validity on your passport from the date you leave your EU destination, and for it to be less than 10 years old on the day of travel. If you renewed your current passport before its previous expiry date, you may have been granted extra months on top of the usual 10-year validity. These additional months may not count towards the minimum 3 months needed. You can check if your passport meets the requirements here
  • Travel insurance – EHIC health cards will remain valid for use in EU member states up to their expiry date. However, from 1st January 2021, they will no no longer be excepted in Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Lichtenstein. When your EHIC card expires, you will be able to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). We recommend you obtain adequate travel insurance prior to travel to all destinations. 
  • Driving documents – you will be able to drive in Europe with your UK driving licence and will not require an international driving permit, unless  you have an old-style paper licence or your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. You must, however, display a 'UK' car sticker when driving in the EU (except Ireland) and the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) - note the 'UK' sticker has replaced the former 'GB' sticker. You no longer require an insurance 'green card' to guarantee adequate third-party cover when driving in the EU and EEA, as well as Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Switzerland. Your UK insurer will now automatically provide third-party cover when driving in these regions.
  • Passport lanes – UK passport holders will no longer be able to use EU-designated immigration lanes, unless otherwise indicated on arrival
  • Travel for pets – You must contact your vet at least 4 months before travel
  • Food & drink – Travellers will no longer be able to take some food and drink into EU countries. See the EU Commission website for details

You can also find out more information on post-Brexit travel, based on your own circumstances, by using the government's information pages here 

 

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Our top itineraries for Your guide to post-Brexit travel

Tulip season, Netherlands

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & AmaWaterways: Venice & Tulips

12-day luxury rail & cruise holiday from £9,625 pp incl. flights

Board the Venice Simplon-Orient Express from Venice to Amsterdam, followed by a luxury river cruise with AmaWaterways to discover Dutch tulip season.

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

Santiago to Buenos Aires with Regent Seven Seas

25-day luxury ocean cruise holiday from £13,395 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Free 3-night pre- or post- cruise land programme
Book by: 31 March 2024

This all-inclusive voyage with Regent Seven Seas is an opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the world’s most impressive scenery, encompassing Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Dunmore East, Ireland

Discover the UK & Ireland with Silversea

13-day luxury no-fly cruise from £9,900 pp

Sailing from Southampton, this luxury no-fly Silversea cruise takes you on a tour of the British Isles in supreme style and comfort, showcasing the likes of Scotland’s Orkney Islands, Dorset’s Jurassic coastline and the Viking heritage of Waterford.

New York City, USA

New York to Québec City with Silversea

13-day luxury ocean cruise from £6,800 pp incl. flights

Exclusive
cruise offer

Exclusive savings of up to £2,600 pp
Book by: 29 March 2024

From the bright lights of New York City to the awe-inspiring scenery of Canada's Saguenay National Park, this luxury sailing with Silversea brings you among the highlights of New England and Nova Scotia in unmatched style.

View all itineraries

Top offers for Your guide to post-Brexit travel

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

Santiago to Buenos Aires with Regent Seven Seas

25-day luxury ocean cruise holiday from £13,395 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Free 3-night pre- or post- cruise land programme
Book by: 31 March 2024

This all-inclusive voyage with Regent Seven Seas is an opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the world’s most impressive scenery, encompassing Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and the Antarctic Peninsula.

New York City, USA

New York to Québec City with Silversea

13-day luxury ocean cruise from £6,800 pp incl. flights

Exclusive
cruise offer

Exclusive savings of up to £2,600 pp
Book by: 29 March 2024

From the bright lights of New York City to the awe-inspiring scenery of Canada's Saguenay National Park, this luxury sailing with Silversea brings you among the highlights of New England and Nova Scotia in unmatched style.

Caminito, La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina

South American adventure with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

16-day luxury ocean cruise from £8,315 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Free 3-night pre- or post- cruise land programme
Book by: 31 March 2024

Mix vibrant Latin American cities including Buenos Aires and Rio with the beauty of the region's natural world on this all-inclusive luxury cruise with Regent Seven Seas.

Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

The Allure of Asia on Seven Seas Explorer

20-day luxury ocean cruise from £11,105 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Free 3-night pre- or post- cruise land programme
Book by: 31 March 2024

This voyage is the ultimate introduction to Southeast Asia. Sailing aboard Seven Seas Explorer, you’ll swap sun-kissed islands and vibrant coral reefs for the urban delights of the region’s city greats.

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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