The UK left the EU on Friday 31 January 2020. There is now a transition period until 31 December 2020 while the UK and the EU negotiate future arrangements.
The current rules on travel between the UK and EU will continue to apply during the transition period and any new rules will take effect on 1 January 2021. This means you can continue to travel to the EU without a visa or additional requirements (such as six months validity left on your passport).
While nothing changes for UK nationals travelling to the EU during the transition period, there are some things you should be aware of. The current rules on travel will continue to apply during the transition period:
- Passports – Until 31 December 2020, you can continue to travel to Europe with your UK passport until it expires, as long it is valid for the length of your stay. This includes all current passport designs.
- Driving documents – You may continue driving in the EU using a valid UK driving licence until at least 31 December 2020. Check uk/driving-abroad for a step-by-step guide, and any requirements specific to the country you’re driving in.
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – If you are visiting the EU, you can still use your EHIC as normal to access public healthcare for free or at a reduced cost until the end of 2020 (N.B. EHIC cards issued after 1 February 2020 will no longer feature the EU stars). Even if you apply for a new EHIC, it is still valid until the end of 2020. However, you shouldn’t only rely on your EHIC – take out travel insurance that covers your healthcare needs. Visit https://www.gov.uk/check-eu-healthcare-rights for more information.
- Further travel advice for all EU destinations is available at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
This page offers guidance on how to prepare for travel to Europe after 31 December 2020, it will be updated if anything changes.
You can sign up for email alerts here and check travel advice here for the country you’re visiting to get the latest information.
