Help & Support

From now on, there’ll be a few changes to your experience when travelling to Europe, but rest assured, these aren’t as drastic as you might expect.
If you’re going on holiday to a country in either the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you need to make sure you:

1. Check there’s enough time on your passport – note that it could take as long as 10 weeks to renew your passport  

2. Have adequate travel insurance

3. Check that you’ve got the correct driving documents, if you’re hiring a car

You can read the official UK Brexit guidance on the government website.

During the coronavirus pandemic, entry requirements for some countries have changed and you may need to prepare for your holiday in advance. Find out everything you need to know about travelling during COVID-19 on our Travel With Confidence hub.  

Can I still use my current passport?

Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the period of intended stay.

Passports issued more than 10 years prior to date of travel are not accepted.

Use the government’s passport checker for travel to Europe >

For all other destinations, ensure you check the FCDO site for advice on passport validity. Most destinations outside the EU require a minimum of 6 months validity from the date you enter your holiday destination.

Will there be any changes to arriving in EU Countries?

The officers at the border may ask to see your return ticket when you arrive in an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. You might also be asked to prove you have enough money to last your holiday. And, you might need to use a different lane when queuing up on arrival.

Will I need different travel insurance?

Following Brexit, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being phased out and replaced with a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Despite the name, the GHIC only works within EU countries, and the EHIC also only works in EU countries. If you currently have an EHIC that’s still valid, you can continue to use this. When your EHIC expires, you should apply for a new GHIC. Both cards entitle you to medical treatment in the EU. However, neither is a replacement for travel insurance and you must always have full travel insurance in place before you go on holiday. You can add TUI Travel Insurance, underwritten by AXA insurance, to your holiday when you book with us. Or, you can arrange your own travel insurance independently.

Apply for a new GHIC once your EHIC expires >

Will I need a visa to travel to the EU?

For holidays in 2021, you’ll 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. From 2022, the EU is introducing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This is a bit like an ESTA that you’d apply for when travelling to the USA. This is not a visa, but you’ll need to register your details before you travel via a quick and easy online form.

Will there be any changes to how long I can go on holiday for?

You can take a holiday of up to 90 days in any 180-day period if you’re travelling to a country in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. That’s with the exception of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania – these countries have different rules. If you want to stay for longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a visa or a permit, but the rules vary from country to country. You can find out more on the government’s website.

Visit the government’s travel advice pages >

Will I need extra driving documents?

If you have a card driving license, you don’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. If you have a paper driving license, or your license was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, you might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway. Permits are available for £5.50 from the Post Office. The rules vary from country to country, so it’s worth checking the government’s website in good time before your holiday.

Visit the government’s travel advice pages >

Will there be changes to mobile data roaming charges?

Charges for using your mobile phone in an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland may be different after Brexit. It’s best to check with your mobile phone provider before you travel. Just so you know, the government has put measures in place to protect you from unexpected charges – these measures include a financial limit, as well as alerts on mobile data usage while you’re abroad.

Will there be any changes to my duty free allowance?

As of 1st January 2021, the amount of duty-free goods you can bring back with you from EU and non-EU countries – like alcohol and tobacco – increased. You’ll now be able to buy, for example, a total of 42 litres of beer and 200 cigarettes without having to pay UK duties. Duty charges won’t be added to these goods when you buy them at a UK airport, either. These changes apply to England, Scotland and Wales.

For more information, visit the UK Government’s website.