Brexit: what will change in terms of business travel to the United Kingdom?
After years of delays and numerous negotiations, the United Kingdom officially closed its doors to the European Union on January 1, 2021. This has had all sorts of consequences for Dutch businesses. From January 1, 2021, different rules may apply than you were used to. But what is changing regarding business travel to the UK? You can read about it below.
What do you need to know when planning a visit to the UK after January 1, 2021?
Required documents to travel to the United Kingdom
Starting January 1, 2021, every EU, EEA or Swiss traveler wishing to enter the UK must have the correct documentation. It is not possible to use documents other than those listed here.
VisaEU citizens, EEA citizens, and Swiss citizens can without Visa to travel to the UK for a holiday or short trip. You can cross the UK border with a passport valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.
Use national identity cardYou can from October 1, 2021 no use an EU, EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK, unless you are:
- Regarding the ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status within the framework of the established EU Settlement Scheme. Click here for the meaning of the statuses used.
- Possesses an EU Settlement Scheme ‘family permit’.
- Possesses a cross-border worker permit.
- A Swiss Service Provider.
- A S2 Healthcare Visitor.
In the above cases, you can continue to use your national identity card to enter the UK. until at least December 31, 2025.
Business travel to the United Kingdom
VisaIf you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen traveling to the UK for a short business trip, you do not need usually no apply for a visa. With the new Points-based British immigration system you can, in most cases, visit the UK for up to 6 months without applying for a visa. During your visit, you can participate in business activities as usual, such as meetings, events, and conferences. Read here more about visiting the UK on a business trip and check if you need a visa to undertake your intended activities.
If you want EU citizens, EEA citizens, or Swiss citizens to work in the UK for more than 6 months, they must apply for a visa. Read here more about working in the UK.
In other cases, look here if you need to apply for a visa to enter the UK.
Amended customs rules as of January 1, 2021, when returning from the United Kingdom
As of January 1, 2021, upon return from the United Kingdom, customs rules for destinations outside the European Union will apply. Although travel is currently discouraged, the Dutch Customs informs travelers about the new rules that will apply to travel from the UK starting January 1, 2021.
A recent poll of 1,289 travelers with ties to the UK shows that there is still a lot of unawareness about the changed rules. To inform you, Customs lists five points of attention:
- When purchases together cost more than (converted) € 430, you will have to pay tax on them upon your return to the Netherlands.
- You may bring 1 liter of spirits tax-free.
- Dairy and meat products are not allowed, even if vacuum-packed. Most fish products are also not allowed.
- You may bring 1 carton of cigarettes duty-free.
- If you are carrying €10,000 or more in cash (converted) on your outward or return journey, you must declare it to Customs.
- Are you traveling with a pet? The UK has indicated that as of January 1, 2021, no new rules apply to traveling with a pet from the EU to the UK. The already existing requirements remain in effect and are here to read.
Prepare thoroughly for your departure to the United Kingdom and visit. www.wijsopreis.nl download of Customs Travel App.
Driving in the United Kingdom from January 1, 2021
If you have a driving license from outside the UK:
Visitors with a driving license from outside the UK can drive in the UK. An International Driving Permit is not required.
If your vehicle is not insured in the UK:
If your vehicle is insured in the EU, you must carry a green insurance card or other proof of insurance. A valid certificate of insurance is issued by the vehicle's insurer and provided with:
- Insurer's name
- License plate or other vehicle identification details
- Insurance coverage period
Using your mobile phone in the United Kingdom as of January 1, 2021
From January 1, 2021, the costs of using your mobile phone in the UK may be higher than in EU countries. This is because British telecom companies are now allowed to set their own roaming rates and can therefore determine how much extra they charge. In contrast, the EU and the UK have agreed in the trade and cooperation agreement to strive for reasonably similar roaming rates. All in all, it will therefore vary by mobile provider how much you pay for phone calls, messages, and mobile data usage in the UK.
Are you going on a business trip to the UK soon and still have questions after reading this blog? Then please contact us for more information contact with your Business Travel Consultants, they are ready for you!
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Sources: gov.uk / Rijksoverheid / Uniglobe Travel Holland