Staying in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein has some new requirements now that Britain has left the EU. From 1 January 2021 you need to be aware of the following changes:
Driving
If you’re taking your own vehicle, you’ll need a green card and a GB sticker. The green card shows that your vehicle is insured to drive in the EU, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia and Switzerland. Contact your insurer about a green card and carry a physical copy of it when you travel.
You don’t need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK.
You might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have either a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. You should check the advice for the country you’re travelling to.
Free mobile roaming
The guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway has ended. Check with your phone operator to find out about any roaming charges from 1 January 2021. A new law means that you can’t be charged more than £45 for mobile data charges without you knowing in advance.
Taking food and drink or plants/plant products into EU countries
You can’t take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions, e.g. certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. You’ll need a certificate to take certain plants and plant products into EU countries.
Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU or rules about taking plants and plant products into the EU on the European Commission website.
If you are planning to stay in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, talk to the experts at Mondial Travel. You may also be interested in our article ‘Brexit Update: Changes to Travel’.
