[UK] Passports and Visas in a No Deal Situation

As we get nearer to Brexit Day on the 31^stof October 2019, employers are understandably concerned about passport and visa requirements.  So we thought that we would summarise the latest government advice and point to links on gov.uk:

Passports

The government advises that if the UK leaves the European Union (EU) without a deal that individuals should have at least 6 months left on the passport to most countries in Europe but excluding Ireland.

At the moment, if the passport is renewed before it expires then extra months may have been added to the new expiry date.  But the government advises that these extra months may not count towards the 6 month minimum that’s required.

Have a look at the list of countries that are affected and use the government’s tool to check that there is enough time left on the current UK passport in the event that we leave without a deal and a transition period that may change this.

Note that it usually takes up to 3 weeks for a passport renewal and it has to be done before travelling.

Visas

According to current proposals, visas will not be needed for “short trips”.  This means up to 90 days in any 180 day period and applies to EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.   

Individuals may need a visa or permit to stay for longer, or to work or study.

Employers and individuals are advised to keep their eyes on the “Foreign travel advice” page for the country they are travelling to.  When the position is confirmed, these pages will be updated.

Global Payroll Association Comment

Employers are really advised to consider a deal situation and a no deal situation.  The problem is that we do not know whether there will be a deal and this makes it very difficult.  All employers can do is prepare as much as possible as there are other things to be considered, also pointed out on the “Visit Europe after Brexit” page.  For example:

• Border control where individuals may have to show a return ticket and money, as well as using separate lanes
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which may not be valid in a no deal situation. Travel insurance is even more important
• Driving in EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland may require extra documents before travel
• Mobile phone free roaming charges may cease to apply in a no deal situation

Employers should sign up for email alerts for the last information.

As we get nearer to Brexit Day on the 31^stof October 2019, employers are understandably concerned about passport and visa requirements.  So we thought that we would summarise the latest government advice and point to links on gov.uk:

Passports

The government advises that if the UK leaves the European Union (EU) without a deal that individuals should have at least 6 months left on the passport to most countries in Europe but excluding Ireland.

At the moment, if the passport is renewed before it expires then extra months may have been added to the new expiry date.  But the government advises that these extra months may not count towards the 6 month minimum that’s required.

Have a look at the list of countries that are affected and use the government’s tool to check that there is enough time left on the current UK passport in the event that we leave without a deal and a transition period that may change this.

Note that it usually takes up to 3 weeks for a passport renewal and it has to be done before travelling.

Visas

According to current proposals, visas will not be needed for “short trips”.  This means up to 90 days in any 180 day period and applies to EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.   

Individuals may need a visa or permit to stay for longer, or to work or study.

Employers and individuals are advised to keep their eyes on the “Foreign travel advice” page for the country they are travelling to.  When the position is confirmed, these pages will be updated.

Global Payroll Association Comment

Employers are really advised to consider a deal situation and a no deal situation.  The problem is that we do not know whether there will be a deal and this makes it very difficult.  All employers can do is prepare as much as possible as there are other things to be considered, also pointed out on the “Visit Europe after Brexit” page.  For example:

• Border control where individuals may have to show a return ticket and money, as well as using separate lanes
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which may not be valid in a no deal situation. Travel insurance is even more important
• Driving in EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland may require extra documents before travel
• Mobile phone free roaming charges may cease to apply in a no deal situation

Employers should sign up for email alerts for the last information.