Ferry passengers urged to get EU-ready ahead of expected surge in last-minute bookings

Ferry companies are urging UK passengers to make sure they understand changes in requirements for travelling to the EU from 2021.

Operators expect bookings to be closer to departure date than usual—because of Covid-19 uncertainly—which allows less time to renew passports, update insurance and pet travel documents and organise an International Driving Permit if needed.

However, research by Discover Ferries reveals the majority of UK consumers are unaware of the changes that affect travel to the EU and the Republic of Ireland after 31 December 2020.

Only 36% of consumers are confident they know what travel changes will be in place at the end of the transition period for exiting the EU.

The industry body reveals almost all (94%) respondents failed to identify all of the changes to travel that will apply when travelling to the EU in 2021, only 3% of consumers are aware of all of the changes that will apply when travelling to the Republic of Ireland. 

From the New Year, passengers can take advantage of duty-free and tax-free shopping on board ferries to the EU, including the Republic of Ireland, and bring home a generous allowance of alcohol, tobacco and other goods from their holiday without paying additional duty in the UK.

To cut through confusion, the ferry industry has launched an EU travel check-list.

The guide also clarifies travel requirements for the Republic of Ireland. Although a member of the EU, the country is part of the Common Travel Area, which allows freedom of movement between the Republic of Ireland and the UK and offers reciprocal emergency health benefits. 

Over half (54%) of people aren’t aware they need at least six months validity on their passports when travelling to the EU.

Three-quarters (78%) of people aren’t aware they need to visit their vet four months prior to travel with a pet.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of people don’t know they may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive a vehicle in the EU.

A further 70% of people aren’t aware they need a Green Card from their motor insurers when driving in the EU; 80% of people don’t know they need a Green Card to drive their vehicle in the Republic of Ireland and 43% of respondents don’t know they can travel to the Republic of Ireland without a passport.

More than a quarter (27%) of respondents also believe they need a travel visa when visiting the EU, which is unnecessary for stays of less than 90 days.

Furthermore, 31% of people believed they would need to update their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will no longer be available to UK citizens.

Abby Penlington, Director of Discover Ferries, said: "2020 robbed many people of the chance of travelling abroad. With news of successful vaccine trials and improved testing to reduce quarantine periods for holidaymakers, travel opportunities are once again on the horizon. We want to make sure travellers are ready to visit favourite destinations such as France, Spain, The Netherlands and Ireland as soon as it’s safe to do so.

"It is easy and inexpensive to obtain the documents required, and in the case of Ireland, not necessary at all.

"Amidst UK lockdowns and the festive period, updating travel documents may not be at the forefront of the public’s mind. But spending a little time planning now, will mean people are ready to rearrange postponed holidays and book visits to see loved ones as soon as they are able to."