Brexit is due to happen on October 31 if events follow the plan laid out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. While there is still a high degree of uncertainty ahead, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has stepped in to offer advice for Britons who are confused about the potential outcome of an EU departure. For many British residents, the number one thing on their mind is their holiday. In fact, 15.6million people surveyed said that they think their holiday will be the thing most impacted by Brexit according to peer-to-peer travel money provider WeSwap.
With talk of brand new passports, potential visas and duty-free changes, one government official spoke with express.co.uk to explain the facts about how holidays to the continent will be affected.
While nothing is set in stone, the rules will be vastly different depending on if the UK manages to secure a deal or retreats with a no-deal.
A spokesperson from the Foreign Office said: “If the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, visiting the EU will change.”
There are four main areas that will be affected, and the new guidelines surrounding each are causing confusion for many British travellers.
“Check your passport, get travel insurance which covers your healthcare, check you have the right driving documents and organise pet travel,” advised the FCO spokesperson.
When it comes to passports the good news is not everyone will have to purchase their passport. However, there are some situations in which travellers will have to renew their travel identification following a no-deal departure.
According to the FCO website, when travelling to Europe holidaymakers must ensure their passport has at least 6 months less and is less than 10 years old. Failure to follow these guidelines may mean travellers are barred from entry to their destination.
The FCO advise those destined for holidays to check the government website ahead of their journey.
Britons are also encouraged to invest in adequate travel insurance plans.
At the minute, those holidaying in Europe are covered by European Health Insurance if they have a valid card. However, this perk will be withdrawn if a deal is not struck to maintain it.
The spokesperson went on to say: “You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad – regardless of Brexit.
“If we leave without a deal, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card may not be valid.
“It’s particularly important you get travel insurance with the right cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
“This is because the EHIC scheme covers pre-existing conditions, while many travel insurance policies do not.”
Unlike travel to countries including the USA, Canada, New Zealand and China amongst others, currently, British tourists do not need a visa to travel to Europe.
However, there have been rising concerns amongst holidaymakers uncertain of how Brexit could change this.
Luckily, the FCO spokesperson explained: “After Brexit, you will not need a visa for short trips, according to EU legislation.
“You could stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
“However, you may need a visa or permit to stay for longer, to study or for business travel.
“When the rules are confirmed, information about how to get a visa if you need one will be on each country’s travel advice page [on the FCO website].”
While some countries may enforce stricter rules, the outcome is largely uncertain for now.
The FCO was quick to point out that these changes will only be implemented in the case of a no-deal Brexit.
So far the unpredictability of Brexit has been slamming the pound, with the exchange rate experiencing dramatic fluctuations over the last couple of weeks.
Talk of a no-deal saw the pound plummet dramatically at the beginning of this week.
However, headway towards a potential deal has been slowly helping the pound regain some strength.
Britons are further encouraged to stay up to date on political goings-on before they travel, and if planning to exchange currency should do so in advance of their trip.
