When we were part of the EU bloc, we were afforded a lot of benefits, like the freedom of movement. This meant we were able to go to different countries, like France, Spain, and Greece without the need of a visa and even offered some additional protections, like medical coverage. Although Brexit was 5 years ago now, as part of our exit we were given extended protections. However, this is all coming to an end and 2025 is a year when a lot of these changes will take effect. If you’re planning a trip to one of the countries within the European Union this year, you’ll need to be mindful of these. In addition to extra paperwork, you’ll also have extra costs. Here, in conjunction with Eamonn Turley from MPV Rentals, we look at the new rules and refresh on the rules already in effect to help make your travel plans as seamless as possible.
Passport rules
Passports have a lifespan of 10 years. But when renewing your passport before 2018, any remaining time on your old passport would’ve been rolled over to the new, up to a maximum of 9 months. When we were part of the European Union we could use our passports right up to the expiry date. Since Brexit, however, we’re considered ‘third country nationals’ and must comply with a different set of rules. These rules are:
- The passport issue date must be within 10 years of your intended travel date- no extra time is considered valid.
- Your passport must still be valid 3 months beyond your intended return home date.
- Your passport should have at least 2 blank pages.
These rules apply whether you are traveling to EU bloc countries, such as Germany, Croatia, or Cyprus, but also countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) – those not part of the EU but part of the EU’s single market, which is Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
‘Visas’
Under EU rules, we were afforded freedom of movement, which meant we could move around the countries under the European Union without any documentation. However, in a 2025 post-Brexit world there are some changes. Although we will still be granted ‘visa-free’ access to the EU (we can travel within the EU for up to 90 days, within a 180 day period without a visa), we will need to register on both the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES) to travel within the EU.
The EES system, which was due to come into effect November 2024 has been delayed but with no date specified, is a border management system that will track your entry and exit in the EU. This digitized system replaces the physical stamp we use to get, and border officials will collect biometric data, such as your photo and fingerprints on entry. The system is designed to identify overstayers, combat fraud and strengthen border security. To register for the EES system, you’ll do so at border checkpoints; there is no fee to register on the EES system and your registration is valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires- whichever is first.
ETIAS, which is expected to come into effect in the fall of this year, 6 months after the EES system, is – as it states- a travel authorisation system. Your registration will grant you travel to any of the 30 countries within the EU, for any short-stay visit of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. So whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, for one day or up to 90, you will need to be registered on the ETIAS. You will need to register in advance of your trip and it’s recommended you register for travel authorisation before booking your travel and hotel. This is because, although most applications are expected to be processed within minutes, but could be up to 96 hours, the guidance currently states that you may be asked to provide additional information and even invited to be interviewed by authorities which may take up to an additional 30 days. To register, there is a €7 fee and your registration is valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires- whichever is first.
Although a launch date for either platform is yet to be announced, it is expected to be imminent so keep your eyes and ears open for an announcement on when this will come into effect. Additionally, once both systems are up and running, you will need to be registered to both.
Eamonn Turley from MPV Rentals adds “According to our database, this ETIAS system will affect almost three-quarters of UK holidaymakers who previously visited Europe without all this paperwork”.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced with Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Image: PoppyPixels, Getty Images, Canva
When part of the EU, we had access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you needed medical assistance when traveling, you were able to access public healthcare on the same conditions and cost as people insured in that country (like in the UK, in some countries it was free). If you still have an EHIC with a valid date, you will still be able to access care under this provision, if needed. If not, you will need to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
Much like the EHIC, the GHIC will allow you medically-necessary state healthcare. This includes: accident and emergency care and treatment or routine care for long-term and pre-existing conditions. However, some treatments will need to be pre-arranged and authorised with some providers in advance to ensure you can get the appropriate and necessary care needed. It is best to do this before booking any element of your travel.
In addition to coverage in the EEA, you can use the GHIC in Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, St Helena, Tristan and Ascension – the terms and costs to access treatment in each location may differ. There is no fee to apply for a GHIC card and it’s valid for 5 years.
On this change, Mr Turley says “it is important to note, though, that GHICs only cover state healthcare – for private treatment or getting home, if things go pear-shaped, you’re on your own”. EHIC or GHIC’s are not a replacement for travel insurance. You may still need to rely on your insurance to cover additional medical costs such as transport, mountain/ski rescue, and reparation.
Mr Turley adds “since Brexit, we’ve seen a 30% jump in documentation queries. Mercifully, we’ve managed to maintain a smashing success rate of 98%, getting our customers sorted before they travel”.
Featured image: Tanaonte, Getty Images, Canva
