How will Brexit affect travel in the EU?
You might have already booked your next yacht charter holiday or you might be thinking about planning your next sailing holiday and you may be wondering whether your booking will be affected by Brexit. We have put together below some guidance to address any key questions that you may have about any current or future yacht charter holidays.
Should I be concerned about transport arrangements to and from my yacht destination?
The European Commission have already confirmed that planes leaving from the UK will still be able to fly over the territory of the European Union, even in a no-deal scenario. The UK government have offered similar assurances to EU airlines flying into and out of the UK. Other methods of international transport (for example, trains, ferries etc.) have been provided with similar assurances.
Will I need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?
The European Commission announced in November 2018 that UK travellers to the EU will not require a visa provided this is reciprocal for EU citizens visiting the UK. The European Commission have advised that from 2021, UK citizens will be asked to pay a fee (of approximately 7 euros) for this visa exemption.
What will happen if I book a yacht charter to depart after 31 October 2019 and my holiday cannot be provided as a result of Brexit?
There is no indication that there will be any impact on your holiday and travel plans. Even in a no-deal scenario the European Commission have said that flights to and from the UK will continue to operate. [If you have booked a package holiday through us your holiday will be protected under the Package Travel Regulations, which means you will be entitled to a full refund of your yacht charter from us if your holiday can no longer be provided due to Brexit.]
Will I be able to rely on my skipper qualifications when sailing in the EU?
The Royal Yachting Association have advised that RYA qualifications will remain valid and you will not be required to obtain any additional licensing or certification post Brexit. The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is not an EU document and we understand there will not be any changes in respect of recognition of sailing qualifications as a result of Brexit.
Will I be able to use my current passport and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
If you are travelling to the EU after 31 October 2019 you should check the expiry date on your passport as the UK government recommends that you have six months left on your passport on the date of your arrival into the EU country.
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, UK registered EHIC’s will no longer be valid so it is important that you ensure that you have a suitable insurance policy in place before you travel.
Will my UK issued driving licence be valid for driving in the EU after Brexit?
Currently if you have a full UK driving licence you do not need an additional licence to drive in the EU, however, this would change in a no-deal scenario. In a no-deal scenario, UK travellers looking to drive in the EU on or after 31 October 2019 will need to apply for the relevant International Driving Permit. These cost £5.50 and are available directly from the AA, the RAC and the Post Office.
If you intend to drive your own vehicle within the EU then in a no-deal scenario you will be required to obtain and carry a Green Card in order for your UK car insurance to be valid in the EU. This card can be obtained from your insurer and they may charge a small fee to cover administration costs.
Rest assured that we will continue to operate all of our yacht charters in our fantastic range of destinations, including those within the EU, so you can still book your sailing holiday with us in confidence.
If you require any additional information please visit the ABTA Travel Advice page here.
We would like to encourage our customers to read the Government guidance on passport rules for travel: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/passport-rules-for-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
The Government is advising that after 29 March 2019 travellers should have 6 months left on their UK passport from your date of arrival. To check your passport validity please visit the Passport Office: https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/check-a-passport
Contributor
Leslie Montenegro
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