Traveling to and from the UK since Brexit is, to say the least,
problematic. Get it "wrong" and you may have ruined a holiday.
EU citizens living in the UK have also experienced great
difficulties.
On this page we are trying to jot down some
ideas and links which may assist. If you have information you can
share, useful links, or even anecdotes, please contact us.
York for Europe shares this information in good faith, and cannot
be held responsible for errors or omissions. Best double-check
yourself, not least because things are changing.
Perhaps the easiest way for general travel and holidaying in Europe is by obtain a Schengen Visa
What is Schengen?
Schengen refers to the EU passport-free zone that covers most European countries. It’s the largest free travel area in the world.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any member of the Schengen Area, per stay up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
The Schengen visa is the most common visa for Europe. It enables its holder to enter, freely travel within, and leave the Schengen zone from any of the Schengen member countries. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone.
However, if you are planning to study, work, or live in one of the Schengen countries for more than 90 days, then you must apply for a national visa of that European country and not a Schengen Visa.
Health Insurance
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.
GHIC and EHIC do not replace travel insurance.
Taking your dog, cat (or ferret!) abroad. Different rules apply to bringing animals into the UK. A good starting place is the UK Foreign Office website
Working in Europe. Here is a starting point for working in France and Germany
Passport issue date and expiry date rules for travel into EU: 10-year rule confusion ~ It is vital to get it right!
Read this if your passport expires in the near future.
BREAKING NEWS £6 visa to travel soon necessary
UK holidaymakers travelling to Europe will need new travel permits thanks to Brexit, with the rules set to be introduced within months. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) had been due to come into force shortly after Brexit arrangements were put in place, but has been repeatedly delayed and is now expected next year. There are fears the scheme will cause long queues for travellers. Once it is introduced, UK tourists visiting most EU countries will be hit by a seven euro (£6) fee.