ABTA statement
The result of yesterday’s referendum on the UK’s future relationship with the European Union has been announced, and the British people have voted to leave the EU.
The Prime Minister has stated that there will be no initial change in the way people travel. Travellers are as free to move between the UK and the EU as they were yesterday, European Health Insurance cards remain valid and regulations such as Air Passenger Rights remain in place. People due to travel this summer will see little changes to their holiday. Once the UK formally notifies the EU of its intention to leave, the remaining Member States will have up to two years to offer the UK a deal for a future trading relationship and during this period holidaymakers will not see any immediate changes.
Q&As
How will Brexit affect my holiday?
Until the UK officially leaves the EU, not sooner than two years’ time, there will be no changes to holiday arrangements. Travellers are as free to move between the UK and the EU as they were before the vote, European Health Insurance cards remain valid and regulations such as Air Passenger Rights remain in place.
I’m going to Europe this year, is my passport still valid?
Yes. Until the UK officially leaves the EU, not sooner than two years’ time, there will be no changes to passports.
I’ve booked a holiday for next year – do I need to do anything?
No. Until the UK officially leaves the EU, not sooner than two years’ time, there will be no changes to holiday arrangements.
Do I need to get a new passport?
No. Until the UK officially leaves the EU, not sooner than two years’ time, there will be no change to passport arrangements.
Which queue will I go into at the airport – EU passports or all others?
The same queue as you did before the vote. Until the UK officially leaves the EU, not sooner than two years’ time, there will no change to passport arrangements.
Do I need a visa to go to Europe?
No. Until the UK officially leaves the EU, not sooner than two years’ time, there will be no change to passport arrangements.
What about my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
You can still use your EHIC card abroad. There will be no immediate changes to using your EHIC card abroad. Arrangements between the UK and other EU countries will have to be reached once the UK officially leaves the EU.
Can I still get compensation if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
Yes. There will be no immediate changes to claiming compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled. The UK Government will need to implement a new law on compensation for flight delays and compensation after we leave the EU.
What about duty free? Can I still bring goods home?
You can still bring home unlimited goods until we officially leave the EU. The free movement of goods will be part of a negotiated settlement with the EU.
What about using my mobile phone abroad? Will roaming charges increase?
There will be no immediate changes to using your phone abroad, and there won’t be an immediate impact on charges. The UK Government will need to implement a new law on roaming charges after we leave the EU, otherwise the service providers will be free to set roaming charges.