What will change on 1 January for European citizens
Brexit: Passport, permit, phone... What will change on 1 January for European citizens
We explain the main changes that come into effect this Friday
On 24 December, the UK and the European Union reached a post-Brexit deal, narrowly avoiding a "no deal" with dramatic consequences.
From 1 January 2021, on Friday, the UK will exit the common market, leading to many changes, notably in trade relations.
And for us European citizens, what does that change? "20 Minutes" takes stock of the practical questions you're asking yourself.
The time has finally arrived. More than four years after the British referendum and after months of negotiations, the European Union and the United Kingdom reached an agreement, in extremis,last week. The new rules governing the post-Brexit relationship between London and Brussels are due to come into force on 1 January.
If we have heard a lot about fishing,trade or how to deal with future conflicts, Brexit will bring about a series of concrete changes for the French and the British. Will you be able to go to the UK with your passport? What about expats? Will you need an international driver's license? 20 Minutes takes stock of what will change concretely from Friday for you, European citizens.
What document do I need to submit to cross the Franco-British border?
No more IDs when you board the Eurostar in a few months. Until 1 October 2021, you will be able to continue to travel with the same national identity card or your valid passport, but after that date, the French will have to present a passport to cross the border, the government explains on the portal dedicated to Brexit.
For visas, as a French citizen, you will not need them for a visit to the UK, if it does not last more than six months. This will also be the case for professional visits, training, conferences, seminars and short-term workshops. Conversely, if you are travelling to the UK to work or for a stay of more than six months, a residence permit will be required.
The British will have to carry a valid passport, as well as a health insurance certificate proving that all medical expenses are covered during the stay.
Could I drive in the UK with my French licence?
There is still some uncertainty on this issue. According to the government's website, the French licence is expected to continue to be recognised in the UK after 1 January. As this point is "still under negotiation", the authorities recommend that an international driver's licence be issued from 1 January 2021.
As a French expat, can I stay in the UK?
If you are French or European and have moved to the UK before 31 December 2020, a special scheme has been put in place to help you obtain your resident status. From 1 January, a points system based on several criteria will decide whether you can stay or not: age, English language level, level of education... To obtain a visa valid for five years, you will need to have a job offer from a company authorised by the UK Home Office with a salary of more than 26,500 pounds (22,930 euros) per year.
I am a European student, can I go to the UK?
Yes, but under certain conditions. With Brexit, the UK has decided to leave the Erasmus university exchange programme. This is bad news for the 32,000 European students who will study on the other side of the Channel each year. For students who have already started their course in a British institution, you will be able to continue to take your courses by obtaining a special status, called "pre-settled" or "settlement scheme for EU citizens".
For those who want to start their exchange in the UK after 1 January, it is complicated. You will need to obtain a student visa (at 390 euros for a period of more than 6 months, 557 euros to benefit from the public health service) under certain conditions: to be accepted in an institution, to speak, read and understand English, and to be able to finance his stay.
Will my phone plan work in the UK?
Since 2017, EU nationals can use their mobile and internet plans in another EU country without being overcharged. But what about Brexit? "Orange and Bouygues Telecom have informed Le Figaro that they will maintain their current commercial rates. On its website, Free has kept Britain in the list of countries at no extra cost," explain our colleagues at Le Figaro. Regarding SFR, the mobile operator has not yet communicated its new pricing policy.
On the other side of the Channel, the post-Brexit agreement allows UK operators to charge roaming charges if they wish. But according to the BBC,the four main operators in the UK have no intention of reintroducing roaming charges. Before going abroad, you can only be advised to contact your operator to avoid unpleasant surprises on return.
Am I allowed to take my pet across the Channel?
If you want to take your pet to Britain, no change in the immediate future. As is currently the case, he must be dictated, vaccinated against rabies and carry a pet passport. Please note that for dogs entering Ireland or the United Kingdom, they must be at least 3 months old and have received, between 24 and 120 hours before arrival, treatment for parasitic worms (Echinococcus) recorded on the passport by the veterinarian who administered it.
For British animals bound for the EU, it's more complicated. They will now have to be accompanied by a health certificate to enter the European Union. This certificate of good health is valid for four months with a veterinarian, and must be completed no earlier than ten days before the trip. Animals will only be able to enter the EU through one of the designated entry points to allow document control. Like European animals, they will need to be equipped with a microchip, vaccinated against rabies and, in order to enter certain countries, to be treated against worms.
Source:- Flash News and News Agencies