Advertisement

How will Brexit affect my holiday to Europe?

With the start of the Brexit countdown officially underway from Wednesday, Brits will start to wonder just how this mammoth change will affect their lives.

Like any other year, sun-seekers and families have already booked holidays to European hotspots like Spain, France and Portugal.

But now that full Brexit could be just a couple of years away, following Theresa May’s announcement that Article 50 will be triggered on 29 March, many will be wondering if travelling rules will change dramatically.

The negotiations will be vital for keeping holiday prices down in 2019 – but will things change straight away or will you be able to enjoy your summer holidays the same way as you normally would?

Flights to Europe may eventually go up in price (Rex)
Flights to Europe may eventually go up in price (Rex)

Will everything change once Article 50 is triggered?

No – Article 50 is simply the starting pistol on two years of negotiations before Brexit. There won’t be an immediate change in rules that you will have to research before setting off on your break. Britain will still be bound by the same regulations and procedures as it remains an EU member until 29 March 2019 at the earliest.

So I can still travel to EU destinations as before?

Yes – the usual popular holiday hotspots will be available to Brits, with no extra permits or visas needed. However, this will no doubt change after Brexit. Currently there is no mass of red tape and EU citizens are able to use ‘fast-track’ lanes to get through customs quickly. From March 2019, Brits will likely have to apply online to visit Europe and fill out a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) form before a decision is made whether you can travel to the country or not. You will also likely need to submit to fingerprint checks and have your photo taken – increasing the cost of holidays from the off.

MORE: BBC dodges Brexit coverage criticism by refusing to speak to the BBC
MORE: Brexit latest: Article 50 will be triggered on March 29, Downing Street confirms

So holiday prices will increase?

The pound is expected to continue its slump for the foreseeable future so there is a strong chance that holiday prices may go up – potentially putting an end to the cheap foreign getaway, at least in the short term. However, many European countries rely on British tourism and are unlikely to increase prices permanently. But with extra red tape to cut through, holidays may start to incur a few hidden costs before the break even begins.

The EHIC health card may be a goner after Brexit (Rex)
The EHIC health card may be a goner after Brexit (Rex)

Will I need to get a new passport?

No. Your passports will work as usual but don’t dismiss the notion that all Brits may have to update passports after Brexit. Currently they feature the wording ‘European Union, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’ across the front. It may be the case that the maroon passports may change colour and style in 2019.

Will travel insurance prices rise?

Possibly. Currently Brits can apply for the EHIC health card, which offers us free healthcare in the EU. However, Brexit Secretary David Davis recently said that it’s “probably right” that we will lose this benefit once Britain leaves the EU. This could ultimately lead to insurance premiums going up – especially for those with existing medical conditions.

Duty free could make a comeback once Britain leaves the EU (Rex)
Duty free could make a comeback once Britain leaves the EU (Rex)

Is duty free set to make a comeback?

Quite possibly – travellers have had no rights to duty or tax-free purchases if they are travelling within the EU since 1999. However, Europe will revert to the same status as the rest of the world after Brexit – meaning cheap booze and cigarettes will make a huge comeback.

Top pic: Rex