British holidaymakers face significant changes to travel to the European Union from 1 January 2021, when post-Brexit transition arrangements end. The UK will be treated as a non-EU country, subject to restrictions that currently bar most non-essential travel due to COVID-19. However, the EU could exempt the UK, or individual countries could create travel corridors.
If restrictions are lifted, UK tourists can visit all EU countries plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania have separate rules allowing a 90-day stay without affecting the allowance for other EU countries. From 2022, a visa-waiver scheme will require payment.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will remain valid until its expiry date, after which a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will be issued. The government advises buying travel insurance with healthcare cover. Free mobile roaming ends on 1 January 2021, though major UK operators have no plans to reintroduce fees. A £45 monthly cap on data roaming will apply.
Drivers taking their own car need a green card from their insurer, and those with paper licences may require an International Driving Permit. Pet passports from Great Britain will no longer be valid; an animal health certificate will be needed from 1 January 2021.
