How can I ensure my trip to the UK will not have to be cancelled because of Brexit?
I've got a trip planned to the UK in June. Due to brexit, I'm worried what changes may be introduced before my arrival.
I'm traveling on a EU / Polish passport. I'm going for a couple weeks of holiday.
Is there anything I can do right now to make it less likely any changes won't stop me at the immigration? For example, applying for some tourist visa which does not rely on the EU status?
Best Answer
According to this piece, written by a staffer at the House of Commons Library, the Immigration Bill currently passing through the House of Commons will repeal the existing EU legislation on a date to be decided by regulation (i.e. when the Home Secretary decides to do so).
It also says that the new immigration arrangements will be decided and implemented by regulation under the Immigration Act 1971 - i.e. according to the whim of the Home Secretary.
Whilst government white papers do talk about implementation and transition periods from 29th March until 2020 or January 2021, there is very little detail on how the new immigration rules will work as related to EU visitors, except for a short section that suggests that EU nationals will be treated as non-visa nationals (like US nationals at present) and will not need a visa to visit the UK.
In short, the new regulations will be announced by the Home Secretary in due course, and EU citizens should expect to be able to visit the UK visa-free.
There are caveats, however.
- It's not at all clear what will happen in the period from 29th March to the end of any implementation period.
- Since immigration policy is implemented by regulation it can change at the whim of the government at any time.
- Spain is making trouble over Gibraltar that could result in UK citizens needing a visa to visit the EU. In this case it's likely that EU visitors to Britain will also need visas.
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Will Brexit affect travel to UK?
A fall in tourist numbers in the EU from the UK could be an immediate impact of Brexit on tourism. Before Brexit, 56% of UK outbound travel and tourism spending went to EU countries. Initial uncertainty regarding the documents necessary for a trip to Europe could lead to tourists staying away.What will happen to travel after Brexit?
You could make a 90-day trip to any of them and still not use up your 90-day allowance for other EU countries. You may need a visa or permit to stay for longer, to work or study, or for business travel. From 2022, UK nationals will have to pay for a visa-waiver scheme in order to visit many European countries.Can I still go on holiday after Brexit?
For holidays after Brexit, you only need a visa for a country in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland if you're planning to stay for more than 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2022, the EU is introducing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).Will travel insurance be more expensive after Brexit?
But experts suggest travel insurance premiums could increase by 10 per cent to 20 per cent after the UK leaves the single market. Holidaymakers will also no longer be able to use the popular European Health Insurance Card, after they expire.Brexit: MPs debate Northern Ireland protocol bill at second reading – watch live
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Answer 2
While visa regulations can change quickly, particularly as an emergency measure, it is unlikely that a new visa requirement for Polish nationals will be introduced without a long notice period. Meanwhile, the UK government has repeatedly stated that nationals of EU countries will not require visas to visit the UK, unless their own government were to suddenly introduce the same for UK nationals visiting their country.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Rachel Claire, Gotta Be Worth It, Matheus Bertelli, Spencer Davis