BREXIT FOR BOATERS
We have now left the EU. Therefore transition rules no longer apply. At present, as far as can be ascertained, as the rules will continue to change, the following will be of some help.
INDIVIDUAL TRAVELLERS
Passport
All UK citizens will need at least 6 months validity beyond the planned end of the trip. If not, renew passport.
www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport
Visa's
UK nationals visiting the Schengen countries do not require a visa at this time. However, they are not permitted to spend more than 90 days within 180 days in the territory of the Schengen Area. The 180-day period keeps rolling. Therefore, anytime you wish to enter the Schengen area, you just have to count backwards the last 180 days, and see if you have been present in the Schengen area for more than 90 days throughout that period. The following website has a Shengen calcultor :-
www.schengenvisainfo.com/visa-calculator/ There is much useful information on thi website
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
It is an electronic system which allows and keeps track of visitors from countries that do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. It is similat to the U.S Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose.The legal procedures to pass the ETIAS started in 2016, and the system is expected to be launched on January 1, 2021. It will, however, become completely effective and obligatory for travellers only by the end of 2022.
EHIC - Health & Travel Insurance
It would appear that the European Health Insurance Card remains valid in 2021 until it's expiry date. When travelling within Europe you should also have comprehensive Travel Insurance. It would seem that this card is going to be replaced by a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). More details to follow.
www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card
If your EHIC card is no longer valid it can now be renewed. The card will be replaced with the new GHIC card. Beware of the unscrupulous websites that are only there to 'help' and charge up to £30.00. Use the official website :-
www.ghic.org.uk/Internet/startApplication.do
Pet Travel to Europe
Advice for pet owners planning to take a pet to any EU country.
www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland
When traveling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, you will require the following :-
You’ll need to go through a travellers point of entry when you arrive in an EU country or Northern Ireland.
ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/eu-legislation/non-commercial-non-eu/tpe_en
You will need your pet’s animal health certificate along with proof of their :-
You must take your pet to your vet to get an animal health certificate. You need to do this no more than 10 days before you travel.
The certificate needs to be signed by an official vet. Check your vet can issue animal health certificates.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/find-a-professional-to-certify-export-health-certificates
When you visit your vet you will need to provide proof of your pet's :-
You must return by an approved route.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-travel-approved-air-sea-rail-and-charter-routes-for-the-movement-of-pets
Driving Licence and Documentation for the Car
There is to be no change from the current situation, which means that the standard UK driving licence will continue to remain valid. You do not require an International Driving Permit.
The following are documents required for the car:-
Passport
All UK citizens will need at least 6 months validity beyond the planned end of the trip. If not, renew passport.
www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport
Visa's
UK nationals visiting the Schengen countries do not require a visa at this time. However, they are not permitted to spend more than 90 days within 180 days in the territory of the Schengen Area. The 180-day period keeps rolling. Therefore, anytime you wish to enter the Schengen area, you just have to count backwards the last 180 days, and see if you have been present in the Schengen area for more than 90 days throughout that period. The following website has a Shengen calcultor :-
www.schengenvisainfo.com/visa-calculator/ There is much useful information on thi website
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
It is an electronic system which allows and keeps track of visitors from countries that do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. It is similat to the U.S Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose.The legal procedures to pass the ETIAS started in 2016, and the system is expected to be launched on January 1, 2021. It will, however, become completely effective and obligatory for travellers only by the end of 2022.
EHIC - Health & Travel Insurance
It would appear that the European Health Insurance Card remains valid in 2021 until it's expiry date. When travelling within Europe you should also have comprehensive Travel Insurance. It would seem that this card is going to be replaced by a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). More details to follow.
www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card
If your EHIC card is no longer valid it can now be renewed. The card will be replaced with the new GHIC card. Beware of the unscrupulous websites that are only there to 'help' and charge up to £30.00. Use the official website :-
www.ghic.org.uk/Internet/startApplication.do
Pet Travel to Europe
Advice for pet owners planning to take a pet to any EU country.
www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland
When traveling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, you will require the following :-
- A microchip
- A valid rabies vaccination
- An animal health certificate
- Tapeworm treatment if you are travelling to Finland, Ireland, Norther Ireland, Norway or Malta
You’ll need to go through a travellers point of entry when you arrive in an EU country or Northern Ireland.
ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/eu-legislation/non-commercial-non-eu/tpe_en
You will need your pet’s animal health certificate along with proof of their :-
- Microchip
- Rabies Vaccination
- Tapeworm treatment
You must take your pet to your vet to get an animal health certificate. You need to do this no more than 10 days before you travel.
The certificate needs to be signed by an official vet. Check your vet can issue animal health certificates.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/find-a-professional-to-certify-export-health-certificates
When you visit your vet you will need to provide proof of your pet's :-
- Microchipping date
- Vaccination history
You must return by an approved route.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-travel-approved-air-sea-rail-and-charter-routes-for-the-movement-of-pets
Driving Licence and Documentation for the Car
There is to be no change from the current situation, which means that the standard UK driving licence will continue to remain valid. You do not require an International Driving Permit.
The following are documents required for the car:-
- Insurance - a ‘green card’ is required - this is obtainable, on request, from your insurers.
|
|
- The vehicle log book (V5C) - up to date
- The car must be taxed in the UK
- MOT if required
- Tolls and emission Stickers - for help and advice on requirements for Europe and purchase :- www.tolltickets.com/en/
- A GB sticker, with no stars! The GB should be displayed as a separate sticker on the rear of the car with a white background and black letters. Vehicles registered before December 31st 2020 will not have to replace their number plates, but after this all new registrations may not display the Euro stars.
You will need to adjust your car's headlamp beam pattern for driving on the right-hand side of the road, so that the dipped beam doesn't dazzle oncoming drivers. This is a requirement in most countries. This may be done using headlamp convrters, or, as is often the case with modern cars, it can be done electronically in settings within the cars electronics.
Mobile Phones
Roaming charges were scrapped on 2017.
Currently the four main service providers are not planning to reintroduce roaming charges.
3
Aready offers roaming at no extra cost in over 70 detinations including the US, Australia and New Zealand.
EE
Have inclusive roaming charges in Europe and beyond. They have no plans to change this.
O2
Say they vare committed to giving their customers great connectivity and value when they travel outside the UK.
Vodaphone
Are following along the same lines.
Other providers who piggyback on one of the above :-
Tesco Mobile (O2)
As part of it's home from home deal, they allow customers to use their phones in 48 European countries without charge.
Virgin Mobile (EE)
Roam like home package allows customers to use their inclusive data, minutes and texts whilst abroad in 43 European destinations. Potential changes are not ruled out, but they will let customers know in advance of any changes before they occur.
Giffgaff (O2)
Roaming Like At Home when holidaying in the EU
Sky Mobile (O2)
Roaming Passport lets you use data, calls and texts as you would at home.
THE BOAT
This is at present being rewritten wth the current information that is available.
ICC and Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Competence
These certificates are recognised by individual countries and are nothing to do with the EU., thus, there will be no change.
Boat Insurance
Essential and with third party cover of £5,000,000.00.
Red Diesel
If your boat has red diesel in the tank from a trip to the UK, in the past, there have been problems in Belgian Ports and large fines have been levied. The situation has now been ratified and there is no change to the Belgian governments 2018 position. They are continuing to accept the use of red diesel in the fuel tanks of UK pleasure boats at this time.
Please be reminded that you must pay 100% duty on any red diesel purchased and the receipt retained on the boat. This means that you must not accept the 60:40 split.
Crossing the Channel
The requirements have not changed, but to recap :-
Ship’s Papers :-
- Registration Document - SSR and Bill of Sale
- Ship’s Radio Licence
- Insurance
- Evidence of the Union Status of the boat - a VAT receipt and or a T2L document
- Evidence of RCD Compliance or Exemption - A Builder’s Plate which includes the CE Marking, must be fixed to all RCD compliant boats. RCD compliant boats are marked with an identification number - (hull identification number [HIN]).
- Voyage Log - no legal requirement, but good practice.
- Evidence of Competence - ICC
- Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Competence
- Passport - for all members of the crew
- EHIC or GHIC and or Travel Insurance, again for all members of the crew
- The link is to the RYA website, but certain areas are only available to members.
IN CONCLUSION
We continue to enter waters that are yet uncharted.
Happy Cruising