For specific and up to date information on traveling to UK please visit Czech embassy in London.
The Ministry of Transport also published a comprehensive summarizing article on transport.
The end of the transitional period marks the departure of the United Kingdom (UK) from the single market and the customs union of the European Union (EU). This will end the free movement of people, goods and services between the UK and the EU. Since 1 January 2021 fundamental changes occurred despite concluded Trade and Cooperation agreement.
Travelers to and from the UK should be prepared for changes regarding border controls, visa requirements, driving licenses and roaming charges or travel documents for pets. Companies providing travel services should be aware of these changes and adapt their practices accordingly.
Checks on persons and visas
From 1 January 2021, UK nationals traveling to the EU and the Schengen area will be treated as third country travelers, ie border checks, the need to comply with the entry conditions for third-country nationals and the duration of their intended stay in the EU Member States may not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
From 1 January 2021, the visa requirement will not apply when crossing the UK-EU border. The British can continue to travel to the European Union for short stays (maximum 90 days during any 180-day period). This visa waiver does not establish the right to work in the EU. Short-term visa-free stay in the EU is subject to reciprocal visa-free stay rules in the UK. More detailed information: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/file_import/travelling_en_6.pdf
Driving license
From 1 January 2021, driving licenses will no longer be automatically mutually recognized. The recognition of driving licenses issued in the UK will be regulated at Member State level. The responsible authority of the Member State concerned should be consulted for further information.
More detailed information in Ministry of transport article on exchange of driving licences or in road transport notice of the European Commission.
Roaming
From 1 January 2021, EU citizens in the UK will no longer be guaranteed access to roaming condition similar to those in the EU. Mobile operators in both the UK and the EU will thus be able to charge roaming customers a surcharge. More detailed information: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/file_import/electronic_communications_en.pdf
Passenger rights
From 1 January 2021, the level of protection of passengers in air, rail, bus, coach and ship transport will be affected, including assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility between the EU and the UK. Depending on the mean of transport, passengers traveling to or from the UK may no longer be covered by the protection of passengers' rights in the EU. More detailed information: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/file_import/consumer_protection_and_passenger_rights_en.pdf
Traveling with pets
From 1 January 2021, the EU pet travel document issued to UK pet owners will cease to be a valid travel document with animals to any of the EU Member States. In future, the requirements for pet animals accompanying persons from the UK will be determined by the EU. More detailed information: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/file_import/animal_transport_cs.pdf
Sources of information
- Sdělení o připravenosti na konci přechodného období mezi Evropskou unií a Spojeným královstvím, Evropská komise, červenec 2020 HERE
- Další oznámení o připravenosti (podle jednotlivých oblastí/specifických sektorů) HERE
- Oznámení o cestování mezi EU a Spojeným královstvím po vystoupení Spojeného království z EU HERE
Author: Legislative, legal and analytical department, Chamber of Commerce