The ETIAS system comes online about the same time we leave the EU and may come into play for UK travellers.
Whilst Dynamic Dox is primarily about ATA carnets and the temporary export of goods, this often involves people travelling as well. Our clients are becoming concerned about changes they face and the practical effects.
We can be sure that travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein will change after January 1st 2021. Much is still fluid and UK – EU negotiations may add clarity but there appear to be core areas we can look at.
Points covered below have been addressed in UK government communiques and in a fair number of cases, by EU departments.
Main Legal Changes
Freedom of movement as in place for over 40 years will end. You should be able to stay in the EU for up to 90 days in any 180 day period without a visa, for longer, the probability is that a visa will be required.
Passports will need to be valid for at least 6 months before departure and whilst this seems odd, bear in mind the UK and EU define that differently.
Many of us renew our passports before expiry, up to 9 months before, so they can be valid for 10 years 9 months. The EU however consider the 10 years to run from the date of issue, regardless of the overlap.
In principle, you could travel with a passport which has 14 months left but still be turned away. Other reasons could see entry blocked, such as not being able to prove you are financially able to support yourself.
No reciprocal agreement is sure to be in place regarding medical treatment. The government are recommending an insurance route, even if you already have travel insurance, premiums are likely to rise.
British driving licences may no longer be valid in the EU. If not, you will need an international driving permit and should contact your vehicle insurance company in ample time, so they can supply a green card.
Additional Points
The current pet passport arrangements are likely to be scrapped. Liaising with your vet is the best idea and you need to allow several months.
Whether or not free mobile phone roaming continues will be at the discretion of your provider. What was a guarantee will essentially become a package marketing point, with costs possibly still factored in.
You will not be able to use the dedicated EU passport lane and whilst the EU is in a sense one place for travel, that guarantee of equality is questionable.
Whilst all EU members offer freedom to EU citizens, views vary on non EU visa requirements for study, or business, even if for less than 90 days. Other individual regulations can change from place to place.
Exceptions to this should be locations in The Common Travel Area (UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands) where deals are outside EU provision. After December 2020, in the rest of the EU we will be foreigners.
The chances are that ATA carnets will cover travel for your goods but people travelling could see more complex, as yet undefined changes. Planning will be the key, once further information is available, we will keep you informed.