Post-Brexit travel requirements for Brits going to EU

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2021 marks the start of a new era for the United Kingdom and its citizens. The Brexit saga is finally over — as of the end of last year, the country is no longer part of the EU, the common market, or any of the rules or systems governed by the European Commission.

Brits travelling to European Union countries now do so as citizens of a third country, no longer enjoying the status of being an EU citizen. This means that the entry requirements for British nationals travelling to a country like France have changed and are set to change even further in the near future.

These changes are far more than simply joining a different queue at passport control. The EU plans to introduce further security measures for travellers from third countries, which now includes the UK.

The Upcoming ETIAS

If you are a UK citizen, one big entry requirement for the EU that you may have to contend with in the near future is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

This is a digital visa waiver system modelled on the US ESTA, which requires visa-free travellers to register their details online before making the journey to the destination.

If you want to visit France without going through the hassle of getting a visa, you will have to register with ETIAS France after the system is launched in 2022.

Until then, Brits can visit France, Hungary, and other EU countries without any sort of travel authorisation or visa. However, it is important to check the current coronavirus travel restrictions, as some countries may bar entry to those arriving from the UK if cases in Britain and Northern Ireland are high.

Does your passport need to be renewed?

If you are travelling to France or elsewhere in Europe on a British passport, you should check that it meets the new criteria for entry to the EU.

Firstly, the passport must have at least 6 months left in terms of validity. If it is set to expire in less than 6 months, you will not be able to enter an EU or Schengen Area country with it. In this case, you should apply to renew your passport.

Secondly, your UK passport should be less than 10 years old. Documents older than this are not accepted for entry. Again, if this applies to your passport, you must renew it before travelling to France.

The same applies for travelling to Hungary or any other country in the EU and/or Schengen Area, with the exception of the Republic of Ireland.

Healthcare requirements for Brits visiting Europe

If you are a British citizen heading to an EU country, you will be glad to know that you can continue to use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you need medical treatment during your trip.

The EHIC does not cover treatment in the non-EU members of the Schengen Area (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein), so Brits heading to these nations should get the travel insurance that covers any potential healthcare they may need. For France, however, the EHIC will do the job.