Visiting EU after 31 October 2019

Although we have a new Prime Minister, it would seem that so far nothing has changed to bring us any closer to a Brexit resolution. In fact, it appears that a no-deal Brexit is becoming more likely as we approach the 31 October deadline.

HMRC has published guidance on visiting the EU after 31 October 2019. They have said that there will be significant changes to the rules for EU travel if there is a no-deal Brexit. This would affect you if you visit the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland from the time the UK is due to leave the EU at 23:00 GMT on 31 October 2019.

If you hold a British passport, you will need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months on the day you travel and be less than 10 years old (even if valid for more than 6 months). These rules will not apply for travel to Ireland, in this case you will be able to travel as long as your passport is valid for the length of your stay in Ireland. Even if there is a no deal, you will not need a visa for short trips according to European Commission proposals.

There will also be changes at border control.

• If there is a deal, there will be no changes to how you enter the EU or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland until at least 31 December 2020.
• If there is a no-deal Brexit, your EHIC card may not be valid and you must ensure that you have proper health insurance coverage. The EHIC card will remain valid if there is a deal and it will also apply in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

In the event of a no-deal exit, there will also be other immediate changes for visiting the EU including the rules for driving, pet travel and mobile data roaming.

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