Although in general European citizens will not need a visa, from 1 October 2021 they will have to travel with a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in the UK.
The transition period for the UK to leave the EU ended on 31 December 2020. So, from 1 January 2021, people travelling between Europe and the UK must take a few things into account. We’ve summarised all you need to know in this post, so you can start to plan your next getaway to London or to any of Vueling’s destinations in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales.
Should European citizens travel with their passport or ID card?
Up to 1 October 2021, you can still travel to the UK with your ID card if you are a European citizen or from Switzerland or the rest of EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway). After that date you will have to travel with a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
EU citizens and those of Switzerland and the EEA who are living in the UK or have family there are an exception and will be able to continue travelling with their ID card until 31 December 2025. In these cases they should have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme or EU Settlement Scheme family permit.
If you want to see more information on the documents you need, and also to fly to other non-Schengen destinations or for travellers of other nationalities, we advise you to visit Vueling’s documentation page.
Brexit: Do I need a visa to travel to London or UK?
If you’re a European citizen, or from Switzerland or any other EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), you don’t need a visa if you’re visiting for less than six months. British citizens from Gibraltar and Irish citizens do not need a visa.
For the rest of travellers, it’s best to check what documents you need on the UK government’s website.
Travel insurance to visit the UK – yes or no?
After Brexit, although the European Health Insurance Card should still cover medical emergencies that can’t be postponed, it is a good idea to take out travel insurance when you visit the UK.
If you haven’t got travel insurance, Vueling offers travel assistance insurance that you can purchase when you are booking a flight, or even after you’ve booked. This insurance covers all medical expenses, medical transfer and early return to your place of origin, and extended stay due to illness. COVID-19 cover is also included.
Will my driving licence be valid in the UK?
Yes, you’ll be able to drive a car in the UK without having to request an international driving permit. The only thing you’ll have to check if you decide to drive a car that’s not got a UK number plate is that your insurance covers the UK or that you have a Green Card.
Will I be able to make calls or use free data (roaming) in the UK?
Many phone companies currently offer their customers free roaming within EU countries. After Brexit, however, the best thing is to contact your phone company to check whether any of the service conditions have changed.
What about travelling to the EU from the UK?
British citizens visiting the EU do not need a visa, provided they are staying for less than 90 days. However, from 2022 they will have to apply for the ETIAS to enter the EU.
We hope we have answered your questions, so you can plan your next getaway to the UK with complete peace of mind!
