Changed rules for travel to the United Kingdom

The Brexit transition period is officially over as of 1st January 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) is now outside the EU. In the last week of 2020, the EU and the UK finally came to an agreement on the exit procedure and the consequences became clear. There are also changes in the area of business travel, which you should be aware of. These changes apply to all areas covered by the UK, i.e. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Identity document

Before 2021, you already needed a passport or identity card to enter the UK. This has not changed as of 1st January 2021. As of 1st October 2021, you can only enter the country with a passport. An identity card will then not be valid. Were you living in the UK on or before 31 December 2020? Then you can still use your identity card until the end of 2025. After that, it too will expire.

Visa

Are you staying in the UK for up to 6 months for your business trip? Then you can do so without a visa. For longer stays a visa must be applied for. For this we work together with our partner CIBTvisas. They are experts in this field and offer our clients a special intermediary rate.

Driving License

You can continue to drive in the UK with your Dutch driving license. An International Driving Permit is not required.

Customs

The journey to the UK or the return journey to the Netherlands may take longer. This is because customs may check you or your luggage. From 2021 the rules for taking goods from a non-EU country will apply. Click here for previously advised information on what you are still permitted to take, in goods such as business gifts, souvenirs or cash.

Delay or cancellation

Are you travelling with a non-EU airline from the UK to the Netherlands and are you delayed by 4 hours or more or is your flight cancelled? Then from 2021 you will no longer be able to claim compensation under EU Regulations. Therefore this applies to flights operated for example, by British Airways or EasyJet. Not sure what your rights are? Check our FAQ or contact our Customer Service Desk.

Mobile telephone

Within the EU there are agreements on mobile phone roaming. Telecom providers in the UK may, in future, deviate from this when using your Dutch phone, this is currently not the case. Always check the SMS notification you receive when entering the country.

Looking to book a trip to the UK? Please contact our Travel Consultants. They will be happy to assist you. Looking for more information about all the changes and rules following Brexit? Then please check on the website https://www.gov.uk/transition.