Post by Carper on Jan 14, 2021 19:50:07 GMT
Email received from CAMC today
If you can’t take meat or dairy products to Europe we will have to completely change our way of travelling. We generally take made up meals to last us a few days..
We may not be able to travel overseas at the moment, but as the UK left the European Union and EU single market and customs union at the end of last year, there are new changes that will impact any European travel plans that you may have for later this year and beyond. We’ve listed the important changes below (effective from 1 January 2021). For the most up-to-date information to help you prepare for when it's safe to travel across to Europe, we recommend that you follow the UK Government website.
Before you travel
Passports
Different passport validity rules now apply to UK Nationals visiting Europe. You must check your passport validity online as you may need to renew it earlier than planned. This does not apply to Ireland. Visit gov.uk/checkpassport.
On the day you travel you'll need your passport to both have at least six months' validity remaining and be less than 10 years old (even if it has six months or more left). Please note that burgundy passports, whether with "European Union" on the cover or not, remain valid alongside the new blue passport.
Visas
Tourists will not need a visa for short trips to the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland of up to 90 days in any 180 day period. (Note time spent in Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania don’t count towards your 90 day EU limit). You may need a visa or permit to stay for longer and we recommend checking GOV.UK for more information on how to get a visa or permit.
European Health Insurance Cards
European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) remain valid until their expiry date within the EU but not in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. From January 2021 new Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) will replace UK EHIC's and will provide the same access to state medical healthcare within the EU. Make sure you get travel insurance that covers your needs, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Visit GOV.UK to check what your travel insurance should cover.
Read more here.
Meat and dairy products
You are not able to take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions, e.g. certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.
Travelling with pets
You will not be able to use your existing EU pet passport to enter the EU. You will need an ‘Animal Health Certificate’ to enter the EU and Northern Ireland from Great Britain. See GOV.UK for more information on exact vaccination requirements for the EU and Northern Ireland.
Read more here.
Mobile phone roaming
Surcharge free roaming will no longer be guaranteed when travelling in the EU although the big network providers have said that they have no plans to change their charging structure. Also, whilst there is a UK government regulation which protects against 'unexpected charges' by setting a limit of £45, above which the phone company needs the customer agreement, we recommend that you check with your network provider before travelling.
Driving in Europe
Queues at ports
You may experience possible queues at ferry ports and Eurotunnel terminals at peak times, therefore we recommend that you allow more time for your journey. Keep yourself up-to-date with travel social media feeds where possible.
International Driving Permit
You can still drive in most European countries with a UK driving licence and it won’t be necessary to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, depending on which country you're visiting you may also need an IDP if you have:
A paper driving licence
A licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
For more information, please check gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
Green Cards
When driving in Europe from January 2021 you will need to carry a Green Card as proof of relevant insurance for your car, motorhome and anything you may be towing. Contact your vehicle insurer who will provide this.
Read more here.
GB stickers
It is a requirement that you display a GB sticker on the rear of your vehicle. This applies irrespective of whether you currently have a number plate which includes the GB identifier.
Arriving into European countries and returning to the UK
At border control you will no longer be able to use EU-fast track passport control and custom lanes. You will need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queuing. You may need to show a return ticket and show you have enough money for your stay.
Duty-free purchases
Duty-free sales of alcohol and tobacco beyond UK security controls will now apply on the same basis as non-EU destinations. When returning to the UK you will no longer be allowed to bring unlimited amounts of alcohol, tobacco or other goods for personal use. An example of limitations include three crates of beer, two cases of still wine and one case of sparkling wine. We recommend you visit GOV.UK for the full list of limitations.
As travel regulations are subject to change, we recommend members always check the Government websites for the most up to date information prior to travelling (links can be found below).
We wish you and your loved ones well.
Chris Newey
Head of Travel Services
Useful links:
Latest Club updates
Government guidance
ABTA guidance
European Commission