As of 11pm tonight, after 45 years, the UK will be cutting ties with the European Union.
There will be changes to the rules around travel, living and working abroad as well as students studying, here are 10 things that will be different, effective immediately.
No more freedom of movement
From 11pm on 31st December 2020, the free movement of people between the UK and EU countries will end.
Freedom of movement allowed workers to look for a job in another EU country, work there without needing a work permit, and reside there for that purpose.
The UK will now adopt a points based immigration system.
Immigration now a points based system
Any EU citizen (excluding Irish) wishing to move to the UK will face the same points based system as those from around the world.
Under the points based system, anyone coming to the UK for work must meet a specific set of requirements for which they will score points.
Visas are then awarded to those who gain enough points.
Duty free shopping returns
UK passengers travelling to EU countries will be able to take advantage of duty-free shopping.
People coming back to the UK from the EU will be able to bring up to 42 litres of beer, 18 litres of wine, four litres of spirits and 200 cigarettes without paying tax.
Passport must have 6 months validity
If your passport has fewer than six months left, or is older than 10 years, you will need to get yourself a new one if you are travelling anywhere worldwide except for the Republic of Ireland where you will be able to travel as long as your passport is valid..
The cost of renewal is between £75.50 and £85.
Visa needed after 90 days
Anyone from the UK wishing to stay in most areas of the EU for more than 90 days in any 180 day period will now need a visa.
Any visit to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania will not count towards the 90 day total and travel to Ireland will not change. You will also still be able to work in Ireland in the same way as before.
Driving in EU countries
Drivers will need a green card and a GB sticker if you are taking your own vehicle in to the EU .
You might also need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you still have a paper driving license or a license issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
No more EU ‘pet passports’
Brexit also marks the end to the EU ‘pet passports.’
If you are wanting to your pet abroad you will have to visit a vet where your pet will need to be vaccinated or microchipped against rabies at least 21 days before travel.
A vet will need to issue a EU Model Health Certificate to allow the pet into the EU.
Pet owners will have to report with their animal to a Travellers’ Point of Entry once they arrive in Europe.
Guaranteed free mobile data roaming due to end
Free mobile phone data roaming in the EU is due to end once the UK has left.
Travelling should check with their network provider for potential new roaming costs.
Loss of instant access to EU-wide databases
The UK police force will lose instant access to EU-wide databases on criminal records, fingerprints and wanted persons.
End of Erasmus programme
The UK will no longer take part in the EU student exchange programme, Erasmus.
The Government announced it will be replacing the Erasmus programme with a new £100million scheme to support students gain placements around the world.
Students currently abroad as part of the Erasmus programme will be able to continue until the end of their current placement.
