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    Saga's Brexit Promise

Brexit travel advice

Updated on January 12, 2021

The UK left the EU on December 31, 2020. As a result of a deal being approved on December 24, 2020, we can be confident that our holidays can operate with little impact. We can confirm the following:

  • Flights, ferries and the Eurostar will continue to operate as usual.
  • UK travellers will not need a visa to travel to EU countries.
  • Valid passports can still be used. You need to have six months left on your passport to travel to the EU.
  • Your passport does however need to be valid for the whole duration of your trip.
  • UK registered European Health Insurance Cards will no longer be valid. Please note it is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for all ocean cruises and holidays outside mainland Britain to cover all contingencies (including medical expenses).
  • There will be no additional charges for using your UK registered mobile phone within the EU.

Will I need a visa to travel to EU countries?

You will not need a visa for short trips to the EU. A visa will only be required should you be spending more than 90 days in the EU within a 180-day rolling period.

Will flights still operate?

With a deal now agreed, there will be no changes to the operation of flights between the UK and the EU.

At border control, you may have to show a return or onward ticket, show you have enough money for your stay and use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queuing.

Should I check my passport?

Yes. The UK government recommends you ensure that on the date of travel you have at least six clear months left on your passport and your passport is less than 10 years old (even if it has six months or more left). If you need to renew your passport, full details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Will my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) be valid?

It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for all ocean cruises and holidays outside mainland Britain to cover all contingencies (including medical expenses).

If you have a currently valid EHIC card this will remain valid until its given expiration date. No new applications will be accepted for the EHIC.

In its place, the UK Government and EU have agreed a deal to ensure that emergency treatment can still be provided on a reciprocal basis and a new Global Health insurance card (GHIC) has been created.

In both cases, the cards are no longer valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

Apply for the GHIC Card here

A GHIC card cannot be considered a substitute for a comprehensive insurance policy.

All overseas holidays with Saga include optional travel insurance within the price, which will provide all the cover you need.

Will I still be able to use my mobile phone in the EU?

At present, there are no additional charges for using your UK registered mobile phone within the EU.