The following guidance was published on the GOV.UK website 20 December 2018. Much of the guidance has been updated on the basis of a no-deal Brexit.
UK citizens planning a trip to the EU and EEA before 29 March 2019 are not affected by Brexit changes.
The following comments assume a no-deal Brexit and would apply from 29 March 2019
Flying to the EU from the UK
Flights should continue as today. Both the UK and EU want flights to continue without any disruption. There will be no impact to direct flights to non-EU countries.
Before you leave for the airport, check online for the latest travel
Aviation security for passengers
Most passengers will not experience any difference in aviation security screening. The UK will continue to apply robust aviation security measures and prioritise passenger safety and security.
The European Commission has proposed measures to avoid extra security screening of passengers from the UK when transferring to onward flights at EU airports.
Air passenger rights
For air passengers on a flight departing the UK, the same passenger rights as apply today will continue to apply after the UK leaves the EU. For EU registered airlines, EU law will continue to apply in respect of flights to and from the EU.
- passengers subject to denied boarding, delay or cancellation, will be entitled to assistance and compensation on the same basis as today
- passengers with reduced mobility will still be entitled to the same assistance from airports and airlines
- UK consumer protection in the event of insolvency of a travel provider will continue to apply
Travelling by Eurostar to the EU from the UK
Your rights as a rail passenger using either domestic or cross-border rail services will remain unchanged. Passengers on cross-border rail services will continue to be protected by the EU regulation on rail passengers’ rights, which will be brought into UK law.
Travelling by Eurotunnel to the EU from the UK
Your rights as a passenger using Eurotunnel’s cross-border shuttle services will remain unchanged. Passengers can continue to use Eurotunnel’s existing complaints procedure.
Travelling by bus or coach to the EU from the UK
Passengers on cross-border bus and coach services will continue to be protected by the EU regulation on bus and coach passengers’ rights, which will be brought into UK law.
Travelling by sea to the EU from the UK
Most passengers travelling to the EU by sea should not experience any difference to their journey.
Ferry passengers
Passengers on ferry services will continue to be protected by the EU regulation on passengers’ rights, which will be brought into UK law.
Cruising
Cruise operations will continue on the same basis as today. Passengers who embark on a cruise at a UK port will continue to be protected by the EU regulation on maritime passengers’ rights, which will be brought into UK law.
So, there we have it. Based on these comments there would seem to be a smooth transition for travellers in the event of a no-deal Brexit. However, add the following to-dos to your holiday check list if you are travelling to the EU after 29 March 2019:
- Make sure you don’t need a visa for your visit.
- Check out driving restrictions, can you use your UK driving license?
- If using your car, is your insurance still valid for travel to the EU?
- Advise your bank and make sure you will be able to use your cards in your EU destination.
- Make sure your travel insurance cover is still valid.
- Check with the airport or your agents to make sure there are no delays…
Bon voyage.