Brexit negotiations appear to have been granted a little more stability courtesy of an Article 50 extension in news welcomed by worried travellers – yet a key road trip travel item that will be essential in a no deal scenario has now come to light. The UK was set to leave the EU on April 12, with Britons left concerned their passports would have been rendered invalid should the UK’s departure come in a no deal scenario. If this outcome is realised, no plans on how the UK will proceed would be put forward prior to its exit. Yet, despite a new Brexit date of October 31 being set, it does not mean a no deal is ruled out.
If so, there will be a host of changes, to both human and pet passports.
Yet one thing travellers may not be aware of is the fact they will now need both an international driving permit and green card should they use their own vehicle abroad for a vacation road trip, as opposed to hiring a car from a private firm.
Emma Coulthurst, travel commentator for holiday price comparison site travelsupermarket.com flagged the issue which may well have been overlooked by many Britons.
She said: “No-deal essentials would include getting an International Driving Permit from the Post Office for £5.50 if you are driving abroad.
“Also, you’ll need a green card from your card insurer if you’re driving your own car in Europe.
“Be aware of these things but then just go and enjoy your holiday. There is no reason why you shouldn’t.”
Emma added one fifth of Britons had been put off booking vacations altogether in light of the uncertain Brexit scenario.
She added travellers should not be put off by the political climate, and said: “If you put politics aside and you’re just looking for a good deal this summer, then there’s no reason not to book.
“Price reductions are affecting all types of holiday from self-catering to all-inclusive and for all star levels from two star to five star so it is worth comparing prices and seeing how much more you can get for a little more.
“If a deal is struck and there is a transition period, everything continues as normal until the end of 2020, including the continued validity of EHIC cards.”
Meanwhile, the pound to euro exchange rate is facing “pressure” in the direct aftermath of the granting of Article 50.
This could spell bad news for holidaymakers looking to jet away for the easter break, with them potentially getting less benefit from foreign currency transactions.
Laura Parsons, currency analyst at TorFX, spoke to Express.co.uk about the financial scenario after the UK’s failed departure from the EU on April 12.
She said: “The GBP/EUR exchange rate starts this week trading in the region of €1.158.
“While the UK avoided crashing out of the EU without a deal on Friday, the prospect of an extended delay and all the ongoing uncertainty is keeping the pound under pressure.”
