More than four years after the referendum the UK and the EU have finally shaken hands on a historic deal, just days before the Brexit deadline.
Despite the TV adverts over the past few months advising Britons to check the government website for how things will change after the transition period ends on December 31st, many people are still left scratching their heads over what the changes actually mean.
Travel, immigration and healthcare provisions whilst outside the UK are just a few things that will look very different from the new year for Britons and their European counterparts.
Will I need a visa
If you are travelling to the EU – including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein – for a holiday, you won’t need a visa to visit and will be allowed to stay for a maximum of 90 days total in any rolling 180-day period.
If you are travelling on business, to work or study, or for business travel may need a visa or permit – the finer details on this are still to be confirmed.
If you are planning on driving into the EU you will need a green card and GB sticker if taking their own vehicle.
European Health Insurance Cards
You will also need appropriate travel insurance with health cover included as the European Health Insurance Cards – which gives you the right to state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay – will no longer being valid.
Travelling with pets
If you are planning on taking your pet on holiday, the pet passport scheme will no longer be valid. Instead, you will need to get the appropriate vaccinations and an animal health certificate ahead of travel to the EU or Northern Ireland.
Passports
You will need to renew your passport if it has less than six months until it expires, or if it is more than 10 years old – unless you are travelling to Ireland, where you can continue to use your passport for as long as it’s valid.
UK citizens moving to the EU
From January 1st, the automatic right to live and work in the EU will no longer be permitted once the transition period ends.
UK nationals already living in an EU country may have to apply for residency but will have certain protections under the Withdrawal Agreement
EU citizens living in the UK
EU citizens living in the UK by December 31st will have to register with the EU settlement scheme before June. Successful applicants will be granted the right to continue living and working in the UK indefinitely.
People who have lived continuously in the country for five years can obtain settled status, while those with less than five years’ residence should be eligible for pre-settled status, which can later be converted into settled status.
Immigration
An Australian style points-based system will be introduced for all foreign citizens, wanting to work, live or study in the UK. It will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK’s economy, according to the Government. –
