Travel
Planning ahead!
What will the passport rules be after Brexit? If the UK leaves the EU with no deal on 29th March 2019, travel rules to countries still in the EU will change. The major change is that you will need at least six months left on your passport from your date of arrival at your destination, however this only affects your travel to certain countries. Fortunately, to combat any potential confusion, the gov.uk website contains a simple passport checker. Enter your destination, date of travel, date of birth, and passport issue and expiration dates and the service will tell you if your passport has enough time left on it.
Will I need a visa? From 2021 you may be required to pay a fee of €7 to enter the EU. The reason is that a transition period will take place once a deal is agreed, and this could take as much as two years.
Driving in Europe In September 2018, it was March & April 2019
We are quickly hurtling towards Brexit’s March 2019 deadline, and whether it’s a no-deal or not, how we holiday after Brexit is going to be irreversibly affected. Our travel expert Nickola Coupe makes things clear. announced that a no-deal Brexit could mean your driving license is invalid in the EU. UK drivers may need an international driving permit (priced at £5.50) to drive in some European countries. Licenses are already required in some countries such as Japan or parts of the USA, so those travellers will already be used to the process. According to the UK Government’s latest no-deal planning papers, “your driving licence may no longer be valid by itself” in the EU and you may be turned away at the border or must pay a fine if you don’t have the correct International Driving Permit. You may also need an IDP to hire a vehicle. I envisage quite a rush on post offices this year for the £5.50 IDPs if no deal is reached.
Where will I get the best value for my 2019 holiday? It’s worth noting that European travel won’t stop as a 15% tourism growth is predicted for 2019. The pound is still very weak against the Euro and US dollar and the travel industry is pointing towards the best value places when you convert sterling to see you getting much more bang for your buck! Rated in order of value (against the pound) 1. Argentina 2. Ukraine 3. Turkey 4. Egypt 5. South Africa The new rules; whatever they will be, of course will not stop us travelling however it’s important that you stay informed. This could save you valuable time and expense !
Get in touch – call or text Nickola on 07739 044707 e: nickolacoupe@travelcounsellors.com w: www.travelcounsellors.com/nickola.coupe fb: Sign up to her Facebook page for offers and travel info & news: @NickolacoupeTC 11