15 Dec 2020 | 02:32 PM UTC
Europe: End of Brexit transition likely to prompt new business and travel regulations from Jan. 1
Negotiations over future UK-EU relationship ongoing; new business and travel procedures likely to apply from Jan. 1, 2021
Event
The UK and EU are continuing negotiations of the status of their future relationship as of Dec. 15. The transition period following the UK’s departure from the EU is set to end Dec. 31 which will impact businesses and travelers operating between the two. Regardless of the type of deal agreed, there will likely be several changes to border procedures from Jan. 1, 2021:
Extra time could be required to negotiate stricter entry and exit procedures, particularly for freight entering the EU.
UK nationals will require at least six months’ validity on their passports before traveling to the EU; passports will need to be less than 10 months old.
UK and EU citizens could need visas for stays longer than 90 days in each respective jurisdiction.
UK businesses trading with the EU will need to submit customs declarations and other paperwork, and undergo additional checks.
UK nationals could require proof of health insurance cover before entering the EU.
UK nationals could need an International Driving Permit before driving in the EU.
EU citizens and their families – other than Irish nationals, or people with indefinite leave to remain - must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after June 30, 2021. Each successful applicant will receive either settled or pre-settled status.
UK citizens living in the EU will likely need to apply for residency permits, depending on their country of residence.
In addition, EEA-associated states, including EU members, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland could no longer consider the UK exempt from current entry bans relating to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; Northern Ireland residents traveling to Ireland will likely be unaffected.
In the event that the two parties fail to reach a comprehensive agreement on their future relationship, reciprocal arrangements to guarantee continuation of air services, freight, and road passenger transport between the UK and the EU are likely to be in place for at least six months. However, enhanced border checks could prompt long delays to freight, particularly for goods entering the EU, which could lead to severe traffic congestion around roads leading to the English Channel ports; the UK currently plans to defer similar checks on EU goods entering the UK until at least July 1, 2021. Congestion to rail and road goods shipments heading from the UK to the EU could absorb freight capacity, particularly road haulage, and impact distribution of goods heading from the EU to the UK. Short-term shortages of essential goods are therefore possible, though many private enterprises and public sector departments have built precautionary stockpiles. Nevertheless, panic-buying of certain goods in anticipation of significant disruption could exacerbate any shortages.
Disruptive industrial action is also possible at international entry and exit points on both sides of the English Channel, including air and sea ports, and customs facilities, as unions denounce any additional workload or lack of resources, or attempt to exploit the situation to leverage government concessions.
Advice
Continue to monitor developments and follow all government guidelines related to the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Anticipate potential short-notice travel disruptions between the UK and EU from Jan. 1, 2021. Confirm transport schedules before setting out and build flexibility into itineraries. Allow additional time for customs and security procedures if traveling between the UK and the EU from Jan. 1, 2021. Before traveling between the EU and the UK (not Ireland), check your passport’s compliance with the relevant authority. If a UK or EU expatriate, check post-Brexit residency status and requirements with the host country authorities. It is possible that UK driving licenses will not be recognized in the EU from Jan. 1, 2021; check whether you will need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).
