Sir Roger Gale
Member of Parliament for Herne Bay and Sandwich (including West Thanet)
Government advice on travel to European Union countries
​
March 11th 2019
The Gov.UK web site lists helpful information on UK nationals travelling to the EU including on passport validity, visa and border arrangements, international driving permits, etc -
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-nationals-travelling-to-eu-essential-information
​
1. Rules for passports
The following information is taken from the Gov.UK website -
The rules for travel to most countries in Europe change if the UK leaves the European Union (EU) with no deal.
After 29 March 2019:
1. You should have at least 6 months left on your passport from your date of arrival. This applies to adult and child passports.
2. If you renewed a passport before it expired, up to 9 extra months may have been added to your new passport’s expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months that should be remaining for travel to most countries in Europe.
https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/check-a-passport
​
2. Visa and border arrangements
If the UK leaves with a deal, travel to the EU will remain the same as now until at least 31 December 2020. You will not need to apply for a visa to travel or work in the EU during this time.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the rules for travelling or working in Europe will change after 29 March 2019.
The European Commission has proposed that in a no deal situation [British citizens] would not need a visa for short stays in the Schengen area or elsewhere in the EU.
​
3. Driving
From 28 March 2019, drivers from the UK may need a different international driving permit (IDP) to drive abroad. If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, UK drivers may also need an IDP and extra documentation to drive in the EU and EEA.
If you intend to drive in the EU after exit, you may need a green card from your insurer. Read about how to get a green card and find out more about vehicle insurance in the EU
IDPs are available from Post Offices and cost £5.50 –
https://www.postoffice.co.uk/international-driving-permit
​
​
​