With October 31st the date on everyone’s lips and the UK’s withdrawal from the EU a hotter (and more confusing) topic than ever, WSA’s travel partner Traveleads have whittled down the key things you need to know about how your business travel may be affected should it end in ‘no deal’.
Passports & visas
Travellers could face disruption at borders between the EU and UK. Queue lines for EU nationals at passport control may no longer be able to be used by UK passport holders and as such, additional time should be allowed for passport and security checks by UK travellers. In addition, UK passport holders are advised that they may require six months validity on their passport in order to travel to the EU. Visa-free travel also may no longer be permitted for UK passport holders in the Schengen Area, so it’s important this is considered for upcoming trips.
Air travel
It’s been confirmed by the British government that a provisional agreement has been put in place to let air travel rights between the UK and EU continue, even if the UK were to leave without a deal. This means that the UK will continue to allow EU airlines to fly passengers between the UK and EU member states and passenger rights will remain unaffected.
Rail travel
It is currently deemed unlikely that travel via Eurostar and Eurotunnel will be affected by a ‘no deal’ Brexit, and rail passenger rights will still apply. EU law already states that operators are required to comply with both national and EU regulations for cross-border services.
Driving in the EU
In the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, it’s expected that driving licenses would no longer be recognised between the EU and UK. Drivers will need to ensure they apply for the relevant international driving permits as well as check they have green card validity on their insurance before driving abroad. It is expected that insurers will automatically issue green cards to policy holders, but it’s advised you confirm this with your provider.
Travel insurance and healthcare
Whether UK travellers will be still able to use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or not is to be confirmed and it’s therefore recommended that extra consideration is given to the level of medical treatment covered on travel insurance. Those with pre-existing medical conditions which would ordinarily be covered on the EHIC, may face high premiums from insurance providers should the EHIC become invalid for UK travellers.
For more information and guidance, you can visit the gov.uk website:
Passenger travel to EU after Brexit
Passenger consumer rights when travelling to the EU after Brexit
Passport rules for travel to the EU after Brexit
Traveleads can save their customers on average around 20% on their travel spend, so for more information contact:
029 2240 0530, email [email protected] or visit www.traveleads.com
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