Brexit Peace of Mind
Peace of mind for your holiday
We appreciate that Brexit uncertainty has led to some concerns amongst those planning a holiday. However, we want to reassure our guests, once you have booked your holiday with us, the cost will not increase as a result of Brexit, even if we incur additional charges.
How will Brexit impact my travel plans?
The UK will leave the EU on the 31st January and will enter an initial transition period until 31st December 2020. During this period of negotiation there will be no immediate change to any regulations regarding travel – everything will remain the same for British Passport holders.
Your EHIC card will still be valid, you can still use EU passport lanes at passport control, you will not need a visa to enter Europe and your passport will only need to be valid for the duration of your trip. Essentially, things will continue exactly as they have been until 31st December at least, and ABTA have recently changed their travel advice to reflect this.
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I am due to travel after the transition period ends, will it go ahead?
Regardless of the outcome of the transitional negotiations, the European Commission has stated that no aircraft will be grounded as a result of the changes and we do not foresee any impact on your holiday plans.
However, should any circumstances beyond our control mean you cannot travel as a result of Brexit (unless related to passport validity issues), you will receive a refund of all monies paid to us should no suitable alternative be available. Any package holiday booked with a UK operator will offer you this protection under the Package Travel Regulations. No additional compensation would be payable in this situation, but you can be sure you will get your money back.
This highlights the importance of booking with a fully bonded Tour Operator such as The Aurora Zone which means that you are fully protected financially by ATOL and ABTA.
If you book flights, hotels or other services directly with suppliers then it is unlikely that you will be covered financially.
Will my passport still work?
For travel between the 31st January and the 31st December 2020, your passport simply needs to be valid for the duration of your trip.
For those travelling post December 2020, it is likely that you will need six months left on your passport from the date of your arrival in the EU country (and any additional months added to your passport as a result of early renewal will not count towards this six month period). Full guidance is provided here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/passport-rules-for-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
Will I need a visa to travel to Europe?
For travel between the 31st January and 31st December 2020, the rules will not change, and British Passport holders will not need a visa to visit Europe.
Beyond that then initial proposals suggest that UK citizens will not need a visa for any stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
The European Commission has stated that from 2021, all non-EU citizens will need to pay a fee (of around €7) every three years for this visa exemption as part of a new European Travel Information and Authorisation System similar to the US ESTA regime.
Where can I find out more?
ABTA has put together some helpful information on Brexit that can be found here. Or you can contact us on 01670 785 012 if you have any concerns.
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