Brexit regulations

From October 2024, you will need a valid ETA form to enter the UK.

I have posted a separate article for this purpose (link will follow shortly).

Even if travelling to Scotland is not allowed at the moment there are a few new regulations EU citizens need to observe from 1 January 2021. Being from Germany, I tried to sum them up for you.

I have also updated my packing list accordingly.

I have tried to put everything together to my best knowledge.

This information might still be incomplete and is not binding.

Please make sure to check for yourself again before you travel, e.g. on zoll.de (English and German available).

The most important regulation has another start date than the rest of them...

From 1 October 2021, you will need a travel passport instead of an ID card when travelling to the UK. The ID card will only be accepted until 30 September 2021.

So, if you would like to travel to Scotland you should apply for a passport on time in case you don't have one yet.

Tourists do not need a visa.

The German, European or international driving licence is still valid for use in the UK.

Please also take the green insurance card with you.

You can still use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Maybe you should also consider a travel health insurance.

Please check with your provider whether there are any changes to your mobile tariff while in the UK so you will not experience any unpleasant surprises. Most of the providers said they would keep their old tariffs for a start.

EU-based airlines stick to the old passenger rights concerning flights from Britain to the EU and the other way around. If you come from a third country (e.g. the US) this does not apply any longer when flying into the EU using a British airline.

Train and bus trips keep their regulations.

I could not find any details concerning travel on ships... 

After Brexit, the UK is considered a "third country".

You may import the following into the UK for your own use:

• 42 litres of beer
• 18 litres of wine (non-sparkling)
• 4 litres of spirits with an alcohol content of more than 22%
• 9 litres of fortified wine like port or sherry with an alcohol content of up to 22%
• The latter can be split, e.g. 4.5 litres of fortified wine and 2 litres of spirits

• 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, 200 tobacco sticks
• You can split this as well, e.g. 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars

• You may import goods up to 390 GBP of value (270 GBP when arriving on a private airplane or boat)

• Necessary medication allowed

These regulations apply to all passengers from the age of 18.

You may export the following to the EU for your own use:

• 16 litres of beer
• 4 litres of wine (non-sparkling)
• 1 litre of spirits with an alcohol content of more than 22% or ethanol with up to 80% alcohol by volume
• 2 litres of fortified wine like port or sherry with an alcohol content of up to 22%
• The latter can be divided accordingly

• 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco
• Splitting possible

• You may export goods up to a value of 300 EUR
• There is a limit of 430 EUR when travelling by plane or ship
• 175 EUR apply to travellers under the age of 15
• There are special regulations for liquids, tobacco sticks and shisha ingredients (please check before travelling)

• Necessary medication allowed

These regulations apply to all passengers from the age of 17.

Limits of multiple travellers may not be added.

CAUTION!

If you arrive by ferry - like we usually do - and would like to bring some food along please note that it's no longer allowed to bring animal products like meat or sausage with you. Bringing baby milk/milk powder is still okay.

Maybe you also read the article about the truck driver whose ham sandwich was confiscated at the ferry terminal in the Netherlands...

Let's hope that travel to this lovely country will be possible again soon!

Please leave your reviews, request or praise ;-) in the comment section.