Passports

When travelling to the EU after March 29, the UK government recommends travellers have six months left on their passports on the date of their arrival to an EU country.

They should also check when their passport was renewed. If they renewed a 10-year adult passport before it expired, extra months may have been added to their passport’s expiry date.

These extra months over 10 years will not count towards the 6 months that must be remaining.

The UK government has published a website tool to check the validity of passports under these rules. Travellers may wish to renew their passports sooner rather than later to make sure they have it in time for any holiday or travel plans.

European Health Insurance Card and travel insurance

The European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) allows EU citizens to access state medical care when they are travelling in another EU country.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, UK Ehics will no longer be valid. Abta has always advised holidaymakers and business travellers to make sure they have appropriate travel insurance, whether they have an Ehic card or not, as there are limitations to Ehic.

When travelling in the EU and beyond, it is important to take out travel insurance and check it covers all currently applicable circumstances, including medical conditions.

Anyone with an annual policy should check the terms and conditions and/or contact their insurance provider if unsure.

Driving licences

Anyone with a full UK driving licence doesn’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU, but this is likely to change in a no-deal scenario.

UK travellers looking to drive in the EU on, or after, March 29 may need to apply for the relevant International Driving Permit (IDP). These cost £5.50 and are currently available from the AA, RAC or Post Office. However, IDPs will available exclusively from the Post Office as of February 1, 2019.

The government is working to extend the network of Post Offices where you can apply for an IDP, and plans to roll these out to more branches across the UK starting February 1.

Travellers have been warned some countries may require multiple permits.

Green cards for car insurance

If the UK leaves without a deal, UK citizens driving their vehicle in the EU would be required to obtain and carry a physical Green Card in order for your UK car insurance to be applicable in the EU.

Cards would be issued by insurers and travellers may be charged a small administration fee.

Travellers should speak to their insurers about obtaining a Green Card for any trip over or after March 29, 2019.

Taking pets abroad

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, pets would continue to be able to travel from the UK to the EU, but the requirements for documents and health checks would change.

Anyone wishing to take a pet to the EU on or after March 29, 2019, would need to discuss preparations for their pet’s travel with a vet at least four months in advance of travel.

Pet owners should keep an eye out for any further instructions issued by the UK government.

Data roaming

Under EU rules, the cost of making calls, sending messages or using the internet on your phone in the EU is the same in the UK.

If the UK leaves without a deal, these rules will no longer apply. However, some UK companies have said they may continue to offer this benefit to their customers.

Before travelling, people should check with their mobile phone provider about the costs of using data in the EU.