British holidaymakers will be required to have at least six months on their passport to enter the EU from 2021.
Currently, British citizens visiting the bloc only need a valid passport for the duration of their stay. However, on January 1, this will change, and you will need to renew your passport to travel to most EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The new rules will not apply to British passport holders travelling to Ireland.
Those who do not renew in time will “not be able to travel to most EU countries” as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The Government has urged Britons to check passports now and has sent out reminders via text message. It has a tool available to find out if a passport will be valid when you are due to travel.
When rules for travel to the EU change, your passport must also be no more than 10 years old. Previously you could add up to nine extra months to a passport’s expiry date.
Burgundy passports are being phased with “blue” ones issued to new applicants, with differing reviews on social media.
Visas and insurance after Brexit
Britons will not need a visa for short trips to EU countries. However, you will only be able to remain in Europe for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.
If you are travelling to Europe to work or study then you will need to apply for the relevant visa.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may not be valid for most UK nationals from January 2021 and so you will need to take out travel insurance with medical cover for a trip to Europe.
However, if you visit an EU country over Christmas and New Year your EHIC can still be used until you leave that country to return to the UK or travel to another EU country.