Do I have to renew my passport after Brexit? Latest travel advice from January 1
THE UK is preparing to leave the EU Customs Union and Single Market on December 31, with the transition period of Brexit ending on January 1, 2021. Here is everything you need to know about your passport, including whether you will need to renew it. Do I need to renew my passport before I travel […]
THE UK is preparing to leave the EU Customs Union and Single Market on December 31, with the transition period of Brexit ending on January 1, 2021.
Here is everything you need to know about your passport, including whether you will need to renew it.
Do I need to renew my passport before I travel this year?
The current transition period runs until the end of the year, meaning British holidays remain unaffected until December 31.
Both burgundy and blue passports are valid for travel, as long as they are in date.
What happens after the transition period?
From January 1, 2021, the transition period will finish, which means new passport rules will apply.
Millions of Brits may have to renew their passports if travelling after January 1, with the documents expected to need at least six months left to be able to visit Europe.
Tourists heading to the Continent will need at least six months remaining on their travel documents under rules set to be introduced at the end of the Brexit transition period.
Brits have previously been able to travel freely in EU member states and the Schengen area with a valid passport, regardless of how close it is to its expiry date.
The change in rules is expected to trigger a last minute dash to renew passport applications ahead of the looming deadline.
It costs £75.50 to renew a passport online and £85 if you fill out a paper form.
Brits could need as much as 15 months left – old rules meant passport holders could carry nine months over from their previous passport, making the maximum validity of 10 years and nine months.
However, these additional nine months will not be valid if heading to the EU, and with Brits also then needing an additional six months on passports to be able to travel, this results in an extra 15 months needed on the passport.
The UK government explains: “You’ll need to have at least six months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
“If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
“Any extra months on your passport over ten years may not count towards the six months needed.”
Do I need to get a visa before I travel to Europe next year?
Brits don’t need to get a visa to travel to European countries for holidays, during or after the transition period.
However, you’ll only be able to stay in Europe for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.
If you’re going to Europe to work or study, you will need to apply for the relevant visa for the country.
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Brits will no longer be able to use their EHICs after Brexit, with them covering basic healthcare in EU countries.
Travel insurance is advised for all holidays to Europe, especially after the transition period.
The UK is also phasing out the traditional burgundy passport for the blue version instead.