Brexit: how long can UK citizens holiday for in Europe now?

Here’s what the new Brexit deal agreed on Christmas Eve means for UK citizens going on holiday to Europe, including how long you can stay.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

EU and UK flag on broken wall

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

After nearly a year of talks, the UK and the EU finally struck a post-Brexit trade deal on Christmas Eve. We look at what this post-Brexit deal means for UK citizens going on holiday to Europe.

What were the rules for UK citizens holidaying in Europe before Brexit?

Before Brexit, you could essentially travel, live, go on holiday and even work anywhere within the EU without any special permits or visas. You could stay on holiday in any EU country for as long as you wanted to (though in some countries you might have been required to report your presence after staying for more than three months).

But as of 1 January 2021 (which is when the new post-Brexit deal kicked in), things have changed. While you can still go on holiday to EU countries, things are not as straightforward as before.

Do you need a new passport to travel to the EU now?

No. You can still use your current passport. But it needs to have at least six months left on it under the new rules. It will also have to be less than 10 years old (even if it has six months or more left).

If yours doesn’t meet the new requirements for travel to Europe, check out our guide on how to renew your passport online.

Rules for travel to Ireland will stay the same as they were before 1 January 2021.

Do you need a visa to travel to Europe?

The good news is that for now, you’ll not need a visa to travel to EU countries. But how long you can stay will change.

If you’re travelling to an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you’ll not need a visa for short holidays. You‘ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, if you wish to stay longer, then you will need to apply for a visa.

The rules are different for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. If you visit these countries, your visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total.

Once again for Ireland, the rules remain the same for UK citizens.

Something worth keeping in mind is that from 2022, the EU is planning to introduce a visa waiver scheme known as ETIAS (EU Travel Information and Authorisation System) which you’ll need to pay for to be allowed to enter EU countries.

The waiver will cost €7 (£6.33) and will be valid for up to three years. More information on this is available on the official ETIAS website.

What about EU citizens holidaying in the UK post Brexit?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will be able to travel to the UK for holidays and short trips without needing a visa even after Brexit. They can stay for up to six months in the UK and will have to apply for a visa if they wish to stay longer.

Visitors can enter using a national ID card or a valid passport (which must remain valid for the whole time they’re in the UK).

However, the government says that from 1 October 2021, EU, EU, EEA and Swiss visitors to the UK will not be able to use national ID cards to enter the country, though there will be some exceptions.

A few things to remember

Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has put a halt on just about all international travel right now. Under the new lockdown rules, you can only travel abroad for essential purposes such as work. 

In addition, a number of countries have imposed travel bans on UK citizens due to fear of the new Coronavirus strain.

If you’re one of the lucky few who can still travel, whether it is to an EU country or elsewhere abroad, don’t forget to observe the rules. Wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and practice social distancing where possible.

And at a time when every penny counts, consider picking up a travel credit card that does not charge non-sterling transaction and cash withdrawal fees to save some money. Also, check out our practical tips for travelling Europe on a budget.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

More on Personal Finance

Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

Should you invest your ISA in a model portfolio?

Which model ISA portfolios offer both high performance and low fees? Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor and AJ Bell go under…

Read more »

Economic Uncertainty Ahead Sign With Stormy Background
Personal Finance

Is it time to exit emerging markets investments?

Investors may well be sitting on losses from emerging markets funds. Is it worth keeping the faith for a sustained…

Read more »

Personal Finance

Share trading? Three shares with turnaround potential

Share trading has been difficult in 2022, but which companies have turnaround potential? Jo Groves takes a closer look at…

Read more »

Man using credit card and smartphone for purchasing goods online.
Personal Finance

Revealed! Why Gen Z may be the savviest generation when it comes to credit cards

New research reveals that Gen Z may be the most astute when it comes to credit cards. But why? And…

Read more »

Environmental technology concept.
Personal Finance

The 10 best-performing sectors for ISA investors

The best-performing sectors over the past year invested in real assets such as infrastructure, but is this trend set to…

Read more »

Road sign warning of a risk ahead
Personal Finance

Recession risk ‘on the rise’: is it time for investors to worry?

A major global bank has suggested the risk of a recession in the UK is 'on the rise'. So, should…

Read more »

pensive bearded business man sitting on chair looking out of the window
Personal Finance

1 in 4 cutting back on investments amid cost of living crisis

New research shows one in four investors have cut back on their investing contributions to cope with the rising cost…

Read more »

Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer
Personal Finance

The 10 most popular stocks among UK investors so far this year

As the new tax year kicks off, here's a look at some of the most popular stocks among UK investors…

Read more »