News

Abta updates Brexit travel guidance ahead of transition period

Revised Brexit travel advice was issued today by Abta two weeks ahead of the UK leaving the European Union.

The latest guidance highlights that the UK is now on track to enter a transition period at the end of the month.

The association stressed that all travel requirements and arrangements will remain the same until at least the end of December 2020.


MoreAbta launches ads to counter Brexit travel fears

Abta welcomes summer 2020 no-deal Brexit flight reassurance


This new advice replaces that previously given to reflect the government’s ‘Get Ready for Brexit’ campaign. This spelt out how a ‘no-deal’ scenario would affect important areas such as passport validity, European Health Insurance Cards, driving licences, taking pets abroad and data roaming. 

Research by the travel association shows that nearly a third of people (31%) are unsure about how Brexit will affect their travel plans.

Hits to Abta’s ‘Brexit advice for travellers’ website page have soared by more than 376% to 29,694 since the general election in December from 6,233 the month earlier as consumers research their travel plans for 2020. 

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The UK is primed to enter a new Brexit phase from 31 January, when trade talks begin, and when it does nothing will change when it comes to travel. 

“This means that valid passports can still be used, EHIC cards will still be valid and the same gates can be used at border check points.”

He added: “People can continue to make their travel plans with confidence that things won’t change until at least the end of 2020.

“As the UK’s most trusted travel association Abta has been actively providing advice to travellers throughout the Brexit process and will continue to do so as the longer term relationship with the EU becomes clearer.”

Abta is communicating the message that people can continue to travel with confidence through a radio advertising and digital campaign until the end of January.

tw6

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.