Travel to Europe in 2021

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.

On the 1st of January 2021 the UK will have fully left the European Union, after our period of transition finishes at the end of this year. If we leave without a deal, don’t worry - you’ll still be able to travel to all our mainland Europe locations with ease. But there are a few changes you need to be aware of before you go.

We’ve highlighted the main points for you here - because the sooner you’re up to speed on what they are - and what you need to do - the sooner you can focus on the important stuff: looking forward to that much needed holiday.

VISAS | PASSPORTS | PETS | DRIVING | HEALTH

Travel to Europe from 1st January 2021

VISAS

Firstly, something you don’t need: a Visa. If you’re on holiday, and it’s for 90 days or less, you can travel freely between countries within the EU.

PASSPORTS

On the day you’re due to depart your passport needs to have at least six months left. You may need to renew your British passport earlier if it’s over ten years old, too, even if it has six months or more left on it.

You can check if you need to renew your passport here ›
You can apply for a new passport online here ›

PETS

From 1st January 2021 the existing pet passport scheme is no longer valid. So it’s important that you plan ahead. The new process could take up to four months depending on what kind of new arrangement we enter into, so don’t leave it to the last minute, or you’ll have a very disappointed puppy to deal with.

There’s a lot of really useful information about travelling with pets, here ›

DRIVING

You may need extra documents from 1st January 2021 if you’re thinking of taking your car, or hiring one, on the continent. This depends on whether we leave with a deal or not.

You might need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. You can get one at the Post Office for £5.50. If you’re taking your own vehicle, you might also need a ‘green card’ - from your insurer - or other valid proof of insurance and a GB sticker.

Find out more about driving abroad here ›

HEALTH

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will be valid up to 31st December 2020. That means that in 2021 we strongly recommend that you arrange your own health insurance with a cover that’s comprehensive. It’s particularly important any policy takes account of pre-existing medical conditions if you’re to receive the same level of cover provided by the EHIC card.

You can read more about choosing the cover that’s right for you here ›