How Will Brexit Affect My Holiday In 2019?

Updated 28 October 2019 | by Lara McComish

As we countdown to the March Brexit date, you're probably wondering what Brexit will mean for your next holiday. Until the UK officially leaves the EU, there will be no changes to our much loved European holidays. Holidaymakers are as free to travel between the UK and the EU as they were before the referendum. We understand that you may have some questions, so here we attempt to answer the most pressing ones on holidays after Brexit. 

Brexit in the sand

Will I need a visa after Brexit?

If a deal is agreed, the UK will enter into a transition period. During this period, British and EU citizens will have the same rights they do at the time of writing. After the transition period, the finer details will need to be agreed. The European Commission announced in November 2019 that even in a no-deal scenario, UK travellers will still be able to visit the EU without a visa, providing the same is offered to European citizens visiting the UK. The European Commission has also said that from 2021, UK citizen will have to pay a fee of approximately €7 for this visa exemption. 

Can I drive in Europe after Brexit?

Yes. However, UK drivers may need an international driving permit (priced at £5.50) to drive in some European countries.

Can I use my current passport after Brexit?

Until the UK officially leaves the EU, there will be no changes to passports. After the expected deadline, your UK passport will still be valid, but if you're travelling to the EU after 31st January 2020, we'd suggest checking you have enough time left on your passport for where you're going. You can also easily renew your passport online.  

Can I use my EHIC card after Brexit?

The future of European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) remains uncertain. The cards have been completely free to apply for and give you important access to free or reduced medical costs in resort. You are still able to renew them, but warnings are in place that these may not be valid in the case of a no-deal Brexit. It is best to seek out travel insurance, both before and after Brexit. Your EHIC card should be seen as a back-up measure rather than a first choice should a medical situation arise. 

Can I use my mobile abroad after Brexit?

Yes, you will still be able to use your phone when travelling in the EU. There won't be an immediate impact on charges and tariffs. However, the UK Government will need to implement new laws on roaming charges before the end of our transition period. If this doesn't happen, then service providers will be able to set roaming charges. 

Will the pound crash after Brexit?

The pound is still weak against the euro. The pound's true value has been in a volatile state since the 2016 referendum making it hard to predict exactly what will happen post-Brexit. However, it is advised to track exchange rates before you take out any holiday money as it is spending power that is most likely to be affected.

Will it be more expensive to go on holiday after Brexit? 

Not as such. As we touched on, your spending money may be affected by a weaker pound. When it comes to booking accommodation, look for pre-paid options. At Clickstay, you pay for your accommodation before you go so everything is in motion before you go. Start looking for 

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