DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / BUSINESS PARTNER NEWS
Updated business travel advice in the case of a no deal Brexit, from Travel Counsellors for Business
The UK is due to leave the European Union (EU) on 31 October 2019. The political process is still ongoing, and at the time of writing, we don't yet know the final outcome, so the potential impacts are difficult to predict with any certainty.
H
owever, if you are a UK passport holder and due to travel after this date to an EU destination, there are some specific things for you to consider to reduce the possible impact that Brexit may have on your travel plans, particularly in the event of a no deal outcome.
Flights Airlines will be able to continue flights between UK and EU destinations until at least October 2020 regardless of what happens with Brexit over the next few months. This “unilateral contingency” legislation to allow flights to operate had originally been due to end in March 2020 but this has now been extended for a further six months. The extension of air traffic rights provides certainty to the airline industry and wider business.
Passports Check the date your passport expires! When travelling to the EU after 31 October 2019, the UK government recommends that you have six months left on your passport on the date of your arrival to an EU country but the six months remaining cannot include extra months that may have been added to your passport’s expiry date when you last renewed.
Driving Abroad In the event of a no deal outcome it is likely that UK travellers looking to drive in the EU on or after 31 October 2019 will
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need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the Post Office (£5.50), check carefully, you may need more than one for each country you intend to drive in. You’ll also need a Green Card to cover your insurance.
Health Cover In the event of a no-deal Brexit, UK registered European Health Insurance Cards may be affected. We always advise customers to hold appropriate travel insurance, whether they have an EHIC or not.
Visas The European Commission announced in November 2018 that, even in a no-deal scenario, UK travellers can still visit the EU without a visa.
Data Roaming and Call Charges Under EU rules, the cost of making calls, sending messages or using the internet on your phone in the EU is the same in the UK. If the UK leaves without a deal these rules will no longer apply. Check with your provider if unsure.
Disruption We advise you add some extra time to your journey for additional time at passport control. For help with your business travel plans, please call your Travel Counsellor for Business, Katharine Cleall on 01202 802166.
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