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Travelling to Europe After Brexit: Everything You Need to Know

Planning a trip to Europe from the UK? Whether you’re driving through France, enjoying a mini cruise, or taking your pet along for the adventure, it’s important to understand how travel rules have changed post-Brexit.

We're here to help you plan your trip to Europe after Brexit. You'll find everything you need on this page, from helpful travel tips to government advice and links to the official rules for travelling to Europe after Brexit.

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Travel to Europe After Brexit

The Travel Documents You Need

Since Brexit, UK citizens are now considered ‘third-country nationals’ when visiting the EU. That means your passport and entry requirements have changed slightly.

When travelling to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you’ll need:

  • A valid UK passport that’s less than 10 years old on the day you enter the EU

  • At least three months’ validity left after the date you plan to leave

  • Travel insurance that includes cover for health emergencies

ID cards are no longer accepted for entry to the UK (except for EU citizens with certain residence rights), so always travel with your passport.

Travel tip: don't forget to also familiarise yourself with the entry requirements back into the UK from Europe, for your return trip. Find out more about the UK border controls by visiting the gov.uk site.

Driving in the EU After Brexit

If you’re planning to drive in Europe after Brexit, a few rules have changed — but the good news is it’s still straightforward.
Most UK motorists can use their UK photocard driving licence across the EU. However:

  • If you only have a paper licence, or your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • You no longer need a Green Card for car insurance in the EU — but double-check your policy includes European cover.

  • Display a UK sticker on your vehicle unless your number plate already includes the “UK” identifier.

When driving in the EU, always carry:

  • Your V5C logbook

  • Insurance documents

  • Breakdown cover details

These will make your journey smoother in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Holiday Insurance After Brexit

When travelling to an EU post-Brexit, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is still valid until it expires. 

When it does, you can apply for the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which provides access to necessary state healthcare in EU countries.

However, neither EHIC nor GHIC cover private medical care or repatriation, so you should always buy comprehensive travel insurance before you go.

Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and potential delays.

Brexit Travel Tips

Travelling With Pets After Brexit

Taking your four-legged friend to Europe is still possible, but the process has changed.

  • The EU Pet Passport issued in the UK is no longer valid.
  • You now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), issued by a vet no more than 10 days before travel.
  • Your pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.
  • Dogs must have tapeworm treatment before returning to the UK.
  • When you travel back, you can use the same AHC as long as it remains valid. For more information on out pet policies visit our travelling with a pet page today. 
Top Tip:

Arrange your vet appointment at least a month before travel to allow for vaccination lead times and paperwork.

Ferry Duty Free Shopping Post Brexit

One of the biggest benefits for travellers post-Brexit is the return of duty-free shopping!

When sailing between the UK and EU, you can now enjoy tax-free savings on a range of products — from spirits to perfume.

Here’s what you can bring back to the UK duty-free:

  • 42 litres of beer

  • 18 litres of still wine

  • 4 litres of spirits or 9 litres of sparkling/fortified wine

  • 200 cigarettes or equivalent tobacco

Remember, if you exceed your allowance, you’ll need to declare your goods to UK customs. For more information on post-Brexit duty-free shopping options, visit our onboard travel information today. 

Post-Brexit Travel Checklist

At P&O Ferries, we want to make travel simple and stress-free. By following our Brexit travel checklist below, you can still enjoy a great trip away without the stress or last-minute panic. With our post-Brexit travel checklist, you’ll have everything covered.

  • Ensure you still travel with a valid UK passport (check the expiry date)

  • Make sure you have valid travel insurance, including healthcare cover

  • If you are driving in Europe post-Brexit, make sure you have all the vehicle documents (V5C, insurance, breakdown cover) agreed

  • Place a UK sticker on your car

  • When travelling with pets post-brexit ensure all pets have a vet check-up a month before travel and your Animal Health Certificate is valid for both journeys

  • If still valid bring your EHIC or GHIC card

  • Now that the Entry and Exit Scheme is live, please allow extra time for border checks

Travelling around Europe is still easy, despite more and more post-Brexit deals coming into play. Before you travel, we recommend visiting the Gov.uk website to check that you have all the latest travel information needed for a smooth and stress-free journey. 

Whenever and wherever you decide to travel, travelling with P&O Ferries is easy. With plenty of things to do onboard, we ensure your journey is part of your holiday or trip away, not just a transfer to your destination. So don’t hesitate and book your ferries to Europe now, we cannot wait to see you onboard.

Book direct today for the best price!
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Travelling to the EU Post Brexit FAQs

1 Do I need a Green Card to drive in France after Brexit?
When driving in the EU post brexit UK motorists no longer require a Green Card for travel to the EU. Just confirm your insurance policy covers driving in Europe.
2 Can I travel to Europe without a passport?
When travelling to EU countries post brexit all citizens must present a valid passport to enter EU countries. ID cards are not accepted.
3 Can I take my dog to France after Brexit?
Yes, you can still travel with your pets post brexit but you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate from your vet, plus proof of microchipping and rabies vaccination. Visit our pet page for more details.
4 Is my EHIC still valid?
Yes, when travelling post-brexit, your EHIC and GHIC card is still valid until it expires. When it does, apply for a GHIC, which provides the same level of access to state healthcare as in the EU.
5 How much tobacco or alcohol can I bring back from France?
When travelling to France post-Brexit, you can take up to 42 litres of beer, 18 litres of still wine, and 200 cigarettes per adult back with you. Discover what else our ferries to France have to offer and book yours today. For other countries, it’s essential to check the specific requirements as they do differ.