ABTA welcomes Brexit trade deal
ABTA says it will be ‘looking closely’ at details of Britain’s new trade deal with the EU to work out what it means for travel companies and travellers.
The deal, which sets out new rules for travel between the UK and EU countries from 1 January, was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Christmas Eve.
UK parliament will be recalled tomorrow to vote on the last-minute deal before the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December.
An ABTA spokesperson said: "ABTA welcomes confirmation that a trade deal has been reached between the UK and EU. It is vital that we avoid additional uncertainty for the travel industry at a time when businesses are struggling with the impact of Covid-19.
"While there will still be changes, and businesses need to prepare for those, securing a deal will ensure that vital transport links are maintained, and provide at least some basis for the continued entry of tourism workers from the UK into the EU.
"ABTA will now be looking closely at the details to understand fully what this means for travel businesses and travellers. We will provide our members with updated guidance and information in the coming days.
"Comprehensive advice for customers travelling to the European Union from I January 2021 can be found on abta.com, in particular the need for customers to take out travel insurance rather than relying on an EHIC card and ensuring that passports have at least six month’s validity."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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