You may be looking for some last-minute holiday deals for the upcoming half-term break and with temperatures in the UK beginning to drop and the night’s drawing in, heading off for a week in sunnier climes in the EU might be a good option. But as the government's planned Brexit day is on the 31st of October – the Thursday in the middle of some schools' autumn break, what could it mean if you are looking at going away?
Passports and visas
If you are going on holiday after 31st October, you will need to check that your passport has at least six months validity left and that it is no more than 10 years old.
No visa will be needed for stays of up to 90 days out of any 180-day period in the EU or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (the European Economic Area).
Currency and the value of the pound
There isn’t a right or wrong time to buy your currency when going on holiday. Exchange rates can fluctuate immensely, especially during political and economic uncertainty. So the best advice is to set an exchange rate you are happy to buy your currency at and if it reaches that price, then buy it. If it doesn’t reach that price, then you will have to travel at the rate set at the time of travel. This is what many people do if they are spending money using a debit or credit card.
Top tip: Do not wait until you get to the airport to buy your currency.
Illness and accidents - will an EHIC still work?
In the event of a no deal Brexit, the EHIC will not be valid for UK travellers. So, if you are one of the many who solely rely on the card for medical care in the EU, which is ill-advised, you will have to make it a priority to obtain adequate insurance for your trip.
In the event of a Brexit deal, the EHIC will be valid until the transition period ends on 31 December 2020 as all EU law would continue to apply in the UK and citizens would have the same rights and guarantees as before. The government says it is "seeking agreements with countries on health care arrangements for UK nationals", but there is no such agreement in place with any of the countries yet.
Making calls and using data
Roaming in the same manner as in the UK is set to end when the UK leaves the EU at the end of October, so you will likely need to speak to your mobile phone network provider to discuss any additional costs that you may incur.
Travel insurance
Whatever the outcome, people travelling soon after 31st of October are being advised by the government to ensure they have appropriate travel insurance.
Having comprehensive travel insurance, no matter where you are travelling, should be a top priority. If you have a pre-existing medical condition and intend on travelling without cover after the UK leaves the EU, you could find yourself in serious financial hardship should you need to make a claim for medical care.
It might be worth considering purchasing an annual travel insurance policy if you are considering going away at least twice in the next 12 months. Call our team today on 01243 784000 and get covered for your next trip.
