Traveling to the UK After Brexit
What changed for travelers after the UK left the EU.
Brexit and UK Travel
When the UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020 (with the transition period ending 31 December 2020), travel rules changed significantly. The UK is no longer part of EU free movement, and EU citizens are now treated similarly to other third-country nationals.
The most significant change is the introduction of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which becomes mandatory for all visa-exempt visitors from 25 February 2026.
Before and After Brexit
| Before Brexit | After Brexit | |
|---|---|---|
| EU Citizens to UK | Free movement, indefinite stay | 6-month tourist stays, UK ETA required |
| UK Citizens to EU | Free movement, indefinite stay | 90/180 day limit, ETIAS required |
| Work Rights | Automatic right to work | Visa/sponsorship required |
| Healthcare | EHIC reciprocal care | GHIC with limitations |
| Travel Authorization | ID card enough | Passport + ETA required |
| Border Checks | E-gates, minimal checks | Full immigration control |
Key Dates to Remember
- Brexit Date
- 31 Jan 2020
- Transition End
- 31 Dec 2020
- UK ETA Mandatory
- 25 Feb 2026
- ETIAS Launch
- Q4 2026
UK officially left the EU
Free movement ended
For all visa-exempt visitors
For UK citizens to Schengen
What Brexit changed for travelers
Two sets of rules now apply depending on which direction you are crossing.
- UK ETA required: From 25 February 2026, EU citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (£16) to enter the UK
- Passport required: EU national ID cards are no longer accepted for travel to the UK (except for some settled status holders until 2025)
- 6-month limit: Visitors can stay up to 6 months per visit for tourism, family visits, or business (no work)
- No automatic work rights: You need a visa to work, study long-term, or live in the UK
- Longer queues: EU citizens now use non-EEA passport queues at UK airports
- ETIAS required: From Q4 2026, UK citizens need ETIAS (€20) to enter Schengen countries
- 90/180 day rule: UK citizens are now limited to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
- No work rights: Working in EU countries requires a visa or work permit
- Passport stamps: UK passports are stamped at Schengen borders (entry/exit tracking)
- EES registration: From April 2026, UK citizens must register in the Entry/Exit System
The Common Travel Area (CTA)
The Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland predates the EU and continues unchanged after Brexit. British and Irish citizens can:
- Travel freely between the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands
- Live and work in either country without a visa
- Access healthcare, education, and social welfare
- Vote in local elections
There are no routine immigration checks on the land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Healthcare When Traveling
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK residents traveling to EU countries. It covers:
- Emergency medical treatment during temporary stays
- Treatment that becomes necessary during your visit
- Pre-existing conditions that need care during travel
Important: The GHIC has limitations and does not cover private healthcare or medical repatriation. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all trips.