Can I motorhome in the EU during the Brexit transition period?

Britain left the EU on the 31 January 2020 at 11pm GMT. There will be a transition period until 31 December 2020 during which time the historic rules regarding EU travel will stay the same. If you intend to be touring Europe after the transition period read How to drive legally in Europe after the Brexit Transition and 4 must-do checks before entering the EU after the Brexit transition.

What is the Brexit transition period and does it affect motorhome travel?

Britain and the EU have entered into a transition period to enable future relationship negotiations. According to ABTA ‘…the UK will enter a transition period, meaning everything will continue to remain the same during that period and you can continue to travel as you do now.’ See https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers

During the transition period UK citizens will retain their rights to travel freely within the EU. Your EU driving licence, EHIC health card, passports and insurance will all be valid. You can still use the EU passport holder only lanes at ports and boarders.

When will BREXIT officially happen?

The Brexit legislation sets a deadline of 31 December 2020 for the transition period to end. 11 months may prove to be too short a timescale for UK and EU leaders to sort everything out. There is a good chance that the negotiation timetable will be extended. In the worst case scenario UK citizens will have to abide by rules affecting non-EU visitors when they visit the EU. If you intend to be traveling in the EU at the end of the transition period read How to Drive Legally in Europe after the Brexit transition and 4 must-do checks before entering the EU after the Brexit transition.

Keep calm and travel within the Schengen zone

British citizens, including their pets, are free to travel withing the EU this year. So get your maps out and plan your European road trip to all of the places you always said you would.

Why not eat home made cheese, and wash it down with some excellent wine on a France Passion site. Visit the gorgeous Port wine region, photographed below, using All the Aires Spain and Portugal. If you're stuck for inspiration try combining  Go Dutch and The Great War and More. Go for a long trip, if you can, but most of all get out in Europe and enjoy yourself.

About the author

Meli is currently packing her motorhome ready for touring France. Since 2000 she has toured all over Europe in various motorhomes. She is editor of a suite of  travel guides, including All the Aires Spain and Portugal, Go Motorhoming & Campervanning, and Road Trip Europe.

Vicarious Media is a specialist camping guidebook retailer, focusing on European motorhome travel. Since 2006 Vicarious Media has been seeking, and writing about motorhome Aires, stellplatz and campsites for campers, motorhomers, caravanners and road trippers. Vicarious books have improved the tours of thousands of motorhomers, and can transform your travels too.