Traveling to Europe now we are out of the EU

Now that the UK has left the EU, how does that effect traveling into Europe.

As of 1st of January, the UK is no longer apart of the European Union and as such we have to be aware of the new rules and regulations that we will have to follow in order to visit our neighbours across the channel. Our leaving the European Union means that we will now be subject to rules and regulations that will affect passports and visas, how long we can visit for and of course pet travel. So read on and see what you must do to be ready to take your caravan to Europe. For full details on traveling to Europe check the Government’s website.  

Passports and Visas

Your passport must have at least 6 months to go before its expiry date and be less than 10 years old to be valid for travel to Europe.

If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You will be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Different rules apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. If you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries do not count towards the 90 day total.

Be aware that as of 1st Jan 2021 the European Union are introducing ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). This system is very similar to systems already in place to visit the USA or Canada. It will be obligatory for all none EU travellers by the of 2022. It is worth looking at the Schengen Visa Info website for more information. 

Remember not all countries, like the UK, are part of the Europe of the European Union despite being part of Europe. Make sure you check the entry and legal requirements of countries that are not in the EU or part of the Schengen agreement. Use the Government’s website for advice and to get it right!

Health and Insurance

As with any travel to any part of the world please make sure you have adequate travel insurance that will cover all your requirements including medical insurance.

Healthcare: If you have a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC (Global Heath Insurance Card) this will still be honoured to enable you to access the same healthcare provisions that a local resident in any EU country is provided. Remember that healthcare provisions for residents can from country to country within the EU and most are nowhere near as comprehensive as the UK’s NHS – which we all know is free at the point of delivery. Hence the reason why you need to make sure that you have adequate healthcare coverage on your travel insurance or another insurance cover. 

If your current EHIC is about to expire then you are able to apply for a GHIC (you will not be allowed to renew your EHIC). This application is free if you go to the official Gov/NHS website. 

Not all countries, such as Norway,  Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland recognize the GHIC. Though in Norway production of your UK passport will get you emergency care. 

Driving in Europe

There are some significant aspects for UK citizens to consider when driving in Europe.

  • If your current UK driving Licence is an old style paper one you will have to upgrade it to a new photographic license or obtain an international driving permit.
  • Check the requirements of all countries you intend to visit as some might not be subject to EU regulations
  • If you are taking your own car and caravan you will need to make sure that you are insured to drive in the countries you plan to visit. The requirement for green cards to be issued has recently changed (updated Jan 2022) and they are no longer required. Always check the current requirements with your insurance company. 
  • Likewise, you will have to have a UK sticker displayed on both. 
  • The regulations on using national flags and letter identifiers are quite complex and in most cases require a UK sticker in addition whilst traveling in European countries. Some countries, such as Spain will require a UK identifier stick on the rear of your car and caravan as well as the UK identifier on your number plate.  Further details can be found on the Government website. 

Traveling with Pets

Boris an Eriba hound

The option to travel into Europe with your pets is still possible and relatively easy, as long as you give yourself sufficient time to prepare your pet and acquire the necessary documentation.  

To make sure you fully understand the rules and actions required, I would strongly recommend that you read the government guidance for yourself. Click here to link to the Guidence.  

However the basics are: 

  • Ensure your dog, cat or ferret is microchipped.
  • Ensure that your dog, cat or ferret is vaccinated against rabies – pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.
  • Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel
  • Dogs must be treated against tapeworm 24-120 hours before landing if they are traveling to a tapeworm free country.
  • Visit their vet to get an animal health certificate (AHC) for their pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.

If your pet needs to be vaccinated for the first time against rabies, I would strongly suggest that you speak to your vet as soon as possible to start the process as it might take some time to acquire the immunity.  

The other aspect to consider when traveling through Europe with your pet is that they must enter countries via a ‘Travellers Point of Entry’ where the are the facilities to check the documentation.

To identify such points of entry click here.  

Other considerations

There are some other considerations that you might want to be aware of. Also, I would strongly recommend that you research for yourself the new travel regulations via the Governments website. 

  • You are not permitted to import Meat or Milk or their products into the EU. (Think about your fridge and cupboard contents!)
  • You’ll need a certificate to take certain plants and plant products into EU countries. Check the rules about taking plants and plant products into the EU on the European Commission website.

At border control, you may need to:

  • show a return or onward ticket
  • show you have enough money for your stay
  • use separate lanes from EUEEA and Swiss citizens when queueing

If you are planning on combining a holiday with business then you need to be fully aware of the rules and regulations as they affect your business, and might well be additional rules to follow over and above what has been covered above. 

Happy caravanning in the brave new world of 2021, and I hope to bump into some of you on the other side of the channel! 

 

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