BREXIT – The transition period ends in December – are you prepared?

1st November 2020

The UK has left the EU and the post-Brexit transition period comes to an end at midnight on 31st December 2020. There will be various new rules which you may need to be aware of, here are just a few you may need to consider:

  • If you are travelling to the EU there are a few things you will need to check before going, these include:
  • checking your passport – to visit many of the countries you will need at least 6 months left and for the passport to be no older than 10 years.
  • get travel insurance that covers your healthcare – The European Health Insurance Card will end on 31st December 2020
  • check you have the right driving documents
  • organise pet travel – contact your vet at least 4 months before you go
  • Check how your mobile data will be charged
  • Remember border checks may take longer
  • If you are driving in the EU, ensure you have a GB sticker on your car

To read a more detailed list of things you may need to think about including length of stays, ongoing travel documents click here

  • If you are travelling to an EU country for business there may be further things you need to do, there may be different specific entry requirements for GB residents. You can check these here
  • If you work within the EU, you may need to inform HMRC and will need to check if there are any social security contributions you need to make to the country you work in. You will also need to check if you or any employee needs a work visa.
  • If you are a haulier you need to check what documents you will now need to transport goods through the EU.
  • If you employ workers from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you will need the correct licence.
  • The process to import and export goods is changing, if your business is involved in this you will need to check what you will now need to do. If you fail to get the correct paperwork and labeling in place you may find you suffer significant delays.

There are many other rules and regulations that may affect you depending on your personal circumstances and the type of business you run.  We would strongly advise you to check using the Government website, here it will ask questions specific to you and then list all the new rules that may be relevant. You can find this here: https://www.gov.uk/transition