10 Jan
2019

Brexit update – important information for customers and businesses

This week the Government has increased its communications activities about the possible implications of leaving the EU, with information and advice available for businesses and consumers at gov.uk/EUexit

Given that the political situation is still uncertain, and there will changes to passport validity requirements in the event of a no-deal, contacting customers who are due to travel immediately after 29 March is a sensible next step. Not only does it make sure they are aware of any actions they may need to take and gives them time to prepare, it will also give confidence to customers that ABTA Members are doing everything they can to help people continue with their holiday as planned.

The UK government recommends that travellers going to the EU after 29 March 2019 have six months left on their passport, and is also advising that any extra months which have been added to a 10 year passport will not be valid. 

The Passport Office has released a toolkit and customer Q&A to help travel companies make staff and customers aware about passport validity changes in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 29 March 2019, and the availability of the passport checker tool. There are also marketing materials available to businesses to use across your own channels. More information can be found in the Member Zone.

The Government is also running marketing campaigns to help make travellers aware about particular issues, including driving licences and pet passports.