Brexit - Latest Advice
Travel after Brexit – from 01st January 2021
Updated - 22.10.20
Passengers will continue to travel comfortably with Irish Ferries between Ireland and Britain and Ireland and France, regardless of the nature of the UK’s agreement with the EU post 31 December 2020.
After the current transition period ends on 31 December 2020, there will be be some changes to travel regulations, which are outlined below, according to latest information. Please check with national authorities for the definitive position on any issue.
Passports and Identification - Ireland / Britain routes:
For travel between Ireland and Britain, the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements are protected, and current advice will continue to apply.
Acceptable forms of identification when travelling on these routes include:
- Valid passport
- Photographic Driving License
- International Student Card
- Government issued photographic ID cards
- Health insurance / social security photographic ID cards
- Photographic bus / train pass
- Place of work photographic ID
- Birth certificates (for under 18’s with no photo ID)
Passports and Identification - Ireland / France routes:
It is compulsory for all passengers (including babies) to have their own valid passport or officially recognised European Union I.D. card when travelling to and from Ireland or France. In some cases, a visa may also be required. If you are driving a vehicle you will also need a valid driving licence.
Additionally, the UK government advises that holders of UK passports travelling to France should have a passport with:
- at least 6 months validity left on the date you arrive in the EU
- be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)
Health Card / EHIC Card
British citizens will no longer be entitled to access the European healthcare benefit from the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from 01 January 2021, and it is therefore recommended that you have adequate personal travel insurance to cover potential medical treatment and associated costs.
UK Government’s advice on foreign travel insurance.
Driving in Ireland & Britain
Visitors to Ireland and the UK will continue to be permitted to drive with their home country full driving licence.In addition, a valid insurance disc will serve as proof of insurance for those driving Irish-registered vehicles in the UK (including Northern Ireland). There is no need for a ‘green card’.
Drivers of UK-registered vehicles however visiting the Republic of Ireland, will need a physical ‘Green Card’ as evidence of insurance, as they will no longer benefit from the EU’s automatic third-party motor insurance cover. A ‘green card’ is issued by the company insuring the vehicle, often at no extra cost. It is recommended that a ‘green card’ should be requested from your insurance provider at least one month before travel.
UK drivers towing caravans or trailers may be required to have two green cards for insurance purposes – one for their vehicle and one for the unit they are towing.
The Irish Government has confirmed that vehicles registered in Northern Ireland or Great Britain are not required to display a GB sticker or symbol when driving in the Republic of Ireland.
UK Government’s advice on driving abroad.
Driving in France
UK driving licenses may no longer be valid by themselves for driving in the EU from 01 January 2021 and it will be necessary to obtain an International Driving Permit.
UK registered and insured cars will no longer benefit from the EU’s automatic third-party motor insurance cover and will need a physical ‘Green Card’ as evidence of Insurance. These are issued by the company insuring the vehicle concerned, often at no extra cost.
UK drivers towing caravans or trailers will be required to have two green cards for insurance purposes – one for their vehicle and one for the unit they are towing.
UK Government’s advice on driving abroad.
Travelling with a Pet – Ireland & Britain
After 31st December 2020, you will still be able to travel with your pet (dog, cat or ferret) to Ireland from the UK. However, you will need to visit a vet 4 months in advance of travel, for certification and relevant vaccines. More information can be found on national authority websites about pet travel to / from Britain after Brexit.
To Ireland: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets/
To UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
Travelling with a Pet – Ireland & France
After 31st December 2020, you will still be able to travel with your pet (dog, cat or ferret) to France and from Northern Ireland. However, you will need to visit a vet 4 months in advance of travel, for certification and relevant vaccines. More information can be found on national authority websites about pet travel to / from Britain after Brexit.
Ireland: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets/
UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
Mobile Phones & Data Roaming
Governments are working with mobile operators to prevent the reintroduction of roaming charges after Brexit for people travelling to the UK, including Northern Ireland, in relation to data roaming while connected to a terrestrial mobile network. This is not relevant for data roaming while at sea, where charges will be applied by your network if using data or roaming while onboard. Use WiFi onboard to avoid these charges.
Border controls & Customs
At EU borders, British citizens may have to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay
There will be a requirement to declare cash of £10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency) if you take it between the UK and any other country.
There may also be restrictions on the ability to transport some food items into Europe from the UK.