What is Brexit?
Brexit is the process of the UK Government withdrawing from the European Union. It is still riddled with uncertainty, with the specifics undergoing intense negotiation. A Brexit withdrawal deal has not yet been agreed, with MPs in the House of Commons rejecting Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit divorce deal this week. This has opened up both the prospect of a no deal Brexit – where the UK will leave the EU on March 29 with no guidelines on how to proceed, as well as calls for a second referendum, and the extension of Article 50. Mrs May is adamant a second Brexit vote will not happen.
Will Brexit impact flights from the UK?
The Government has stated nothing will change during the Brexit transition period which runs to December 2020.
In the no-deal scenario, the European Commission has advised that UK airlines will still continue to operate flights between the UK and EU.
If flights have been booked through companies protected by ABTA, they are fully protected under Package Travel Regulations.
This means passengers will be entitled to a full refund if their holiday can no longer go ahead.
Travel agents’ body ABTA has said: “There is nothing to suggest that you will not be able to continue with your holiday plans after 29 March.
“Even in a no-deal scenario, the European Commission and UK Government have said flights to and from the UK will still be able to operate.”
Meanwhile, cruise passengers and cruise routes have also been afforded protection.
Will Brexit impact UK passports?
There has been no change to UK passport requirements amid the Brexit negotiations.
Yet officials have advised travellers to have six months validity on their passport from their arrival date, in advice which applies from March 29 – the date the UK is scheduled to leave the EU.
The european Commission meanwhile confirmed UK travellers could still holiday to the EU without a visa.
EHIC cards should also remain valid in a post-Brexit Britain.
What impact has Brexit had on currency? Should holidaymakers buy holiday Euros now?
The pound remains volatile following Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit vote defeat on Tuesday but is holding its ground today (Thursday).
Experts have advised holidaymakers to make the most of the exchange rate and buy travel money now.
The pound is currently trading at €1.130 against the euro, according to Bloomberg.
Greg Baggio, Head of FX at P2P travel money provider WeSwap, said: “In the moments before Theresa May’s historic defeat, holidaymakers and traders alike may have been disheartened to see the pound slip.
“Holidaymakers need to think strategically around timings for currency exchanges.
“If timed carefully, their swaps can work to their advantage. For holidaymakers, now may be a good time to buy your foreign currency before any other announcements have the opportunity to affect the exchange rate.”
