Passports and visas
Read our advice for passports, visas and EHIC/GHIC cards when visiting EU countries after Brexit
Find out moreTravelling in Europe after Brexit
Travelling in Europe after Brexit
Will Brexit impact my caravan, motorhome or campervan holiday?
New rules for travel to Europe came into effect in January 2021 and you may need to take extra steps when travelling to a European destination. You should follow the UK Government travel advice before you travel abroad, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information for all of the countries you will travel to, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Find out more about the latest UK government advice if you’re travelling from the UK to the EU, and returning from the EU to the UK
EU Entry/Exit System
This new border requirement will apply to non-EU nationals travelling to the EU but there is no definite launch date yet. EES is an automated system that will replace manual passport stamping and will register each traveller's date & place of entry and exit from the EU and biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) at EU border control. As Dover and Folkestone host the French border force in the UK (to avoid delays at disembarkation) checks take place in the UK before boarding so longer than normal queues are expected particularly at peak times, so please check and allow time for your journey. Find out more here.
Mobile roaming
Surcharge-free roaming for mobile phones and other devices is no longer guaranteed when travelling in the EU and some of the big network providers have said that they will reintroduce fees for customers on certain price plans. There is a UK government regulation which protects against 'unexpected charges' by setting a limit of £45, above which the phone company needs the customer agreement, but we recommend that you check with your network provider before travelling to avoid unexpected charges.
Food restrictions
There are restrictions on the food that you can carry into the EU. You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into the EU; there are some exceptions, e.g. certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, special food or pet food required for medical reasons. You cannot take plants including fruit and vegetables with the exception of bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples and durians. Check the rules on the European Commission website. When returning to the UK you can currently bring these products with you for personal consumption but always check for the most up to date information on GOV.UK
Tax-free sales
Tax-free sales beyond security controls in the UK such as perfume, electronics etc. will end from 1 January 2021. On this date, duty-free sales of alcohol and tobacco beyond UK security controls will now apply on the same basis as non-EU destinations. When returning to the UK you will no longer be allowed to bring unlimited amounts of alcohol, tobacco or other goods for personal use. See GOV.UK for a full list of limitations.
