Post-Brexit travel to the EU for British citizens

Following Brexit, British citizens are no longer recognised as EU nationals. This means that as a British citizen, you are now subject to various rules that could prevent you from travelling to and around Europe. This blog will highlight the issues to be aware of when travelling to the EU as a British citizen post-Brexit.

Three key tips key for travelling to the EU as a British citizen:

1. Your passport must not have been issued more than 10 years before the date of travel;
2. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU; and
3. If you wish to stay for more than 90 days in a 180-day period, you must apply for a visa (exceptions apply).

Under the current policy, British passports are issued with a maximum validity of 10 years; however, historically, you could add on the remaining time from a previous British passport upon renewal. Therefore, many people were being issued with British passports valid for more than 10 years. Individuals who hold passports that were issued more than 10 years ago but which remain valid are currently facing issues when trying to visit the EU.

If you are looking to travel to the EU this summer, we would advise that you:

1. Check the date your passport was issued to ensure that it will be no more than 10 years old on your date of travel; and
2. Apply to renew your passport before it has been valid for 9 years and 9 months (and in good time before you intend to travel to the EU).

Please remember that it is your responsibility to check the travel requirements and the validity of your identity documents!

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK immigration related matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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