PASSPORT ELIGIBILITY
When travelling to the EU on or after 1 January 2021, the UK Government recommends that you have six months left on your passport on the date of your arrival in an EU country. This is in line with A&K’s standard advice to always have at least six months validity on your passport, regardless of the destination you are travelling to.
However, you should also check when your passport was renewed. If you renewed a 10 year adult passport before it expired, extra months may have been added to your passport’s expiry date. These extra months over 10 years will not count towards the six months that must be remaining. The UK Government has published a website tool to check the validity of your passport under these rules.
If your passport does not meet these rules, we advise you to apply for a new passport before any travel.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
You will not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You will be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You may need a visa or permit to stay for longer or for business travel and travellers should check each country’s travel advice page for information on how to get a visa or permit.
EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD
When travelling in the European Union and beyond, it is important to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover based on personal circumstances and any additional activities you plan to do. If you have a European Health Insurance Card it will be valid up to its expiry date. If you apply for a card now, you'll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. More details here.
DATA ROAMING
Rules around mobile data roaming are changing meaning you may face charges when using your phone abroad, including for making calls, sending messages or using the internet. Check with your mobile phone provider about their data roaming policy.
The UK Government also has advice for people travelling to the EU after 1 January 2021.
TAKING PETS ABROAD
Your pet passport will no longer be valid, instead you will need an Animal Health Certificate and you pet will need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. If you wish to take your pet abroad you should speak to your vet in advance to make sure you have these in place before you are due to travel. Full details can be found at gov.uk.