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Miscellaneous Requirements for UK residents traveling to the EU have changed because of Brexit

Brexit has changed a lot of things for UK travelers. The UK is no longer part of the EU and UK travelers to the EU are now treated like all other non-EU travelers. I have outlined the most important below.

To Enter an EU Country: You may need to show proof of accommodation reservations or a return ticket to home to enter the EU (the first country you enter in the EU).

Passport: Must not expire within 6 months of the start of your trip.

Time allowed in EU: UK residents are now the same as other non-EU countries - you can visit the EU for 90 days out of 180 days.

Health Insurance: UK GHIC/EHIC health insurance cards (free to UK residents) cover your medical costs in EU countries, as they did before Brexit (this was negotiated in our exit deal). Read more. This covers only EU countries and does not include Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Norway, or Iceland. For those countries you need to purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

International Driving Permit: “You do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK.” Read more. You still need a check code for your driving license (online process to share your driving record).

Car Insurance: If you are driving your UK car into Europe you may need extra insurance from the company you insure with (talk to them). This was needed before Brexit and is still needed now. Note: As of August 2, 2021 a printed Green Card is not needed.

Mobile Phones: EU legislation requires mobile phone plans to work across the EU (no roaming charges) but this no longer covers the UK after Brexit. Check with your mobile provider. Most currently cover Europe travel but this may change.

Taking food and drink into the EU: “You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.”

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The post-Brexit British blue passport.
 
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As of August 2, 2021 you do not need a green card proving your car insurance.


All UK car insurance covers basic car insurance in Europe but you may need to purchase extra coverage. I recently switched from Direct Line to The AA for car insurance and The AA covers your car in Europe with the same coverage you have in the UK (for up to 90 days in a year). With Direct Line I had to add insurance for each trip.
 

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