The UK will officially leave the EU at 11pm GMT on Friday, January 31, closing the Article 50 phase of Brexit and closing the option of reversing the process. So what are the travel rules for EU citizens coming into the UK?

Can you use your ID card after Brexit?

After the UK leaves the EU on Friday, it will enter an 11-month transition period, during which nothing will noticeably change.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can continue to travel to the UK for holidays or short-term trips, without needing a visa.

You can use either a valid passport or national identity card to enter the country.

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However, after the negotiating period – currently set to end on January 1, 2021, these rules are likely to change.

The Government advice states: “There will be no change to travel document requirements this year.

“We may stop accepting national ID cards for entry to the UK for EEA and Swiss citizens after 2020.

“We’ll announce further details, including the date for this change, in advance to allow travellers good time to plan their trips.”

Furthermore, if you begin living in the UK before the end of 2020 and have status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll be able to use your EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK until at least 31 December 2025.

Travel within the Common Travel Area will be unaffected by these changes.

If you’re a non-EEA family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, you’ll be able to enter the UK as you do now until December 2020.

You can head HERE to double-check if you need a visa to enter the UK.

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What about UK citizens travelling to Europe?

During the transition period, all travel arrangements will stay exactly the same for 2020 when it comes to the EU.

As long as your passport is valid for the duration of your trip, you’ll be able to enter the EU without issue.

From the beginning of 2021, things could change, and a lot of it depends on the finer details of the deal negotiated in the coming 11 months.

The Government has said there are no current plans to require visas for short-term travel between the UK and the rest of Europe.

Current plans are expected to allow UK citizens to visit EU counties for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

If you need to stay longer, you may need a visa or permit.

You should check the advice for the country you plan on visiting to make sure before you travel. 

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