Holidaying in Europe after Brexit

What Brexit will mean for your holiday plansWhat Brexit will mean for your holiday plans
What Brexit will mean for your holiday plans
Q: I want to book my summer holiday and was planning to drive to France with my dogs as I have in previous years.

Is there any way of knowing if this is a sensible thing to do? Can we plan that far ahead? I anticipate problems with the exchange rate for spending money once there; possible issues with ferries and trains; and uncertainty regarding pet passports.

A: There's a number of issues to look at here. The most time sensitive one is the issue of a pet passport, as you'll need to start the process at least four months before you leave if the UK exits the EU without a deal.

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Pet passports list the different treatments your pets have had and ensure they are microchipped and up to date with their rabies vaccine.

What Brexit will mean for your holiday plansWhat Brexit will mean for your holiday plans
What Brexit will mean for your holiday plans

The passport means your dogs won't have to go into quarantine on arrival.

If the UK leaves without a deal, then the rules will change and pet passports issued in the UK would no longer be valid. In this case, pet owners would need to get a health certificate. Your dog will need a rabies vaccine with blood samples (to be sent to an EU-approved laboratory) taken 30 days after the jab. You will then have to wait three months after the samples come back clear to get the health certificate.

The best thing to do is contact your vet as soon as possible.

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The second issue is that you will be driving.

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If you want to drive abroad in the case of a no-deal Brexit then you will need an International Driving Permit. These are available at Post Offices across the country and cost £5.50. There are three available (1926, 1949 and 1968) depending on which country you are visiting and you may need both types if you are travelling through more than one country. In your case you will need a 1968 IDP to travel to France.

To apply for an IDP you will need a full valid UK driving licence - photocard or an older paper licence - a passport sized photo and an original valid passport as proof of identification, if presenting an older paper version licence. You can apply three up to months before you travel.

You'll also need a green card to prove you are fully insured.

The Association of British Insurers has said that if you travel without one, you may be breaking the law. Green cards - essentially just a paper document rather than an actual card - proves that the motorist has the necessary third-party motor cover. The new rules will affect anyone planning to take their vehicle to European countries after March 29. You will need to contact your insurer at least one month before travelling.

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With regards to transport, Discover Ferries has said that Brexit will not affect the ability of ferries to sail between the UK and the rest of Europe regardless of a deal or no deal Brexit scenario.

They have addressed concerns about potential delays at ports due to additional customs checks at British ports, saying: "It should be noted that these additional checks apply mainly to the transportation of freight/commercial goods between Britain and the EU and not people looking to travel to Europe on holiday or for leisure purposes. We are confident that British passport holders travelling to Europe from the UK for leisure purposes should not experience many changes to t