Since the United Kingdom officially left the European Union on January 31, 2020, UK citizens have faced changes in travel regulations when visiting EU countries. One of the main concerns for those wishing to travel to the EU is understanding the new rules, visa requirements, and entry procedures post-Brexit. While the UK’s departure from the EU means the end of free movement, it doesn’t entirely restrict travel for UK citizens. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the new travel regulations for UK citizens, offering clarity on visa requirements, passport checks, and future travel systems.
Visa Requirements
Short Stays
One of the most important aspects for UK citizens traveling to the EU is that they do not need a visa for short visits. If you are planning to stay in the EU for 90 days or less in any 180-day period, you are allowed to travel without a visa. This rule applies to most countries in the Schengen area, which is a group of 26 European countries that have agreed to allow free movement across their borders.
Exceptions and Specific Cases
However, there are exceptions to this rule. If you plan to stay in the EU for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa or residence permit. This includes individuals planning to study, work, or join family members in an EU country for an extended period. Additionally, if you are traveling for business or planning to work while in the EU, you may need to apply for a visa or work permit, depending on the country and the nature of your stay.
Passport and Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
When traveling to the EU, UK citizens must ensure their passport meets certain validity requirements. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your departure from the EU. This rule applies to all travelers, regardless of the length of their stay. If your passport is close to expiring, it is recommended to renew it before your trip to avoid any issues at border control.
Entry and Exit Stamping
Unlike the days when the UK was part of the EU, UK citizens will now experience passport stamping upon both entry and exit from the EU. This means that border control authorities will physically stamp your passport, recording the date and place of entry and exit. This is part of the new procedures that ensure UK citizens are compliant with the 90-day stay limit within a 180-day period.
The passport stamping also serves as proof of your entry and exit, which may be important for future travel and any questions regarding the duration of your stay.
Travel to Schengen Area
Schengen Area Travel Rules
The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished border controls between them. While the UK is no longer part of the EU, it remains a part of the Schengen Area’s travel rules for short stays. UK citizens can still travel to Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without requiring a visa, just as citizens from other non-EU countries such as the United States or Australia can.
The Schengen Area includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, among others. A full list of the 26 Schengen countries is as follows:
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
90-Day Limit
It is important to note that the 90-day stay rule applies across the entire Schengen Area, not per individual country. This means that if you visit multiple countries within the Schengen Area, all your days spent in Schengen countries count towards your total 90-day limit. For example, if you visit France for 30 days, Italy for 40 days, and Spain for 20 days, you will have used up your full 90-day allowance within the 180-day period.
Once your 90 days are up, you will need to leave the Schengen Area and wait for another 90 days before returning, unless you are in possession of a valid long-stay visa or residency permit.
Travel to Non-Schengen EU Countries
Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia
Not all EU countries are part of the Schengen Area. These non-Schengen EU countries have their own travel rules, and UK citizens must adhere to these regulations. Some examples of non-Schengen EU countries include Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia.
For these countries, UK citizens do not face the same restrictions as they do in the Schengen Area. Typically, UK citizens can enter these countries for short stays without requiring a visa, provided they meet the passport validity requirements. However, they will still need to check individual country rules as these may differ.
Differences in Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for non-Schengen countries are generally more relaxed compared to Schengen countries, but UK citizens should always verify the specific rules for each destination. In some cases, non-Schengen EU countries may impose additional entry requirements or offer longer stays than the 90-day limit typically applied in the Schengen Area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Brexit has brought about significant changes in the travel landscape for UK citizens, it has not stopped UK nationals from traveling to the EU. As long as you are mindful of the 90-day limit within a 180-day period, ensure your passport meets the necessary validity requirements, and are aware of the differences in entry rules for Schengen and non-Schengen EU countries, you can enjoy relatively hassle-free travel within the EU.
With the implementation of new systems like the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), future travel may become even more streamlined. It is essential for UK citizens to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest travel regulations to ensure smooth journeys to and from the EU.
