The British Berliner
A lifestyle expat travel blog about culture, history, Brexit, the Royal Family, travels around the world, Europe, and being British in Berlin!
Warning! If you’re British, live in Europe and want to travel in 2021, here’s what you need to know!
Brexit!
I am British.
I live in Germany.
I’m a very proud British German and a 100% for Europe.
Each and every time.
Just for the record, the idea of BREXIT
Is.
Frightening.
And.
Is.
Dreadfully Awful.
But let me be clear. I might be German, but I’m still British, and I’ll be British to the end.
So much so that I have to do my part.
Because I simply can’t seem to stop!
Brexit! What’s that?
If you haven’t a clue what I’m talking about or simply tuned everything out in the last few years months, here are some links to get you going:
Brexit!
Need I say more.
As you all know, I’m a very proud British person but as the coronavirus pandemic raged through the world, Britain fell apart and continued it’s thorny path to a hard Brexit. Was it any wonder that British expats in Britain, and beyond, scoured for information as to what to do, and landed on my page?
I’ve personally been through the process and have retained both British & German citizenship. It’s still not too late so if you need any help, I offer a consultancy which you can find here!
Meanwhile, read on:
Citizens’ Rights – EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU
If you’re not sure of your rights, the UK government has written a document that outlines or the rights you can expect once 01.01.21 kicks in.
For more details click here
The Withdrawal Agreement
There have been so many arguments and changes as to who is entitled to do what, when and how, as well as a new withdrawal agreement!
I simply can’t keep up!
However, if you want to read the documents for yourself, click here
Brexit transition – New rules for 2021
Are you worried about the new rules come 2021?
You’re not alone!
‘Best to get up to date information from the UK govt itself. Click here
Visit Europe from 1 January 2021
For everything you need to know if you’re a UK Citizen visiting / travelling to any part of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, please check details from the official GOV.UK website. Click here
Now for British citizens in Europe and European citizens in the UK, Brexit isn’t funny at all.
Not for a single second.
The Brexit vote stunned us all.
Even though the outcome was expected to be close, the final opinion polls had pointed to a narrow victory for Remain in Europe, and was given a mighty blow when the real outcome stuck at Leave!
In fact, Britain’s decision to leave the EU has been the biggest assault on the unity of Europe since World War Two!
On the assumption that the people have spoken, and democracy has taken effect, Britain will have to live with the political, constitutional, diplomatic, and economic consequences, and that starts with the shockwave effect of other European nations calling for the same thing, and thus, creating a domino effect.
As a result of the appalling outcome, Britain has left the EU.
I don’t usually write about politics on my blog, but that was the beginning of my doing so.
I’m so glad that I live in Germany right now and because of that, I applied for German nationality a few years ago, and got it.
WARNING! Get ready for Brexit!
Before we go any further, let me make it clear that I am not a lawyer, so if you need legal advice, go ahead and contact an expert specialised in naturalisation / citizenship matters. This post is based on my personal experience & for the sake of clarity, when I use the words EU, it also includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein!
I assume no liability for the accuracy of the enclosed data.
Right, now that’s out of the way, let’s push on.
The Brexit transition period, otherwise known as the Withdrawal Agreement will knock the final door on December 31st, 2020.
This Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on Citizens’ Rights.
It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31st December 2020. During this time you can continue to live, work and study in the EU, roughly as much as you did before 31st January 2020!
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
What this means is that British people who do not have dual citizenship, will no longer be able to move freely within the EU!
In plain English, if you’re a British citizen and want to move from the UK to the EU or if you’re already in the EU and want to move to a different EU country, if you haven’t done so already, now’s the time!
Visiting Europe from 1 January 2021 – Stay up to date!
Travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein will change from 1 January 2021!
Here is a list of some of the things you may need to do before you travel:
- check your passport
- check that you have a return ticket and money
- check if you need a visa
- check if you need any other entry requirement
Passports
Until 31.12.20, you can travel freely throughout Europe, however come 2021, travel rules will be stricter.
Please check if you need to renew your passport.
You’ll look a right billy, if the border authorities discover that your passport has in fact, expired!
If you’re travelling from 1 January 2021, you might actually need to renew your British passport now!
You’ll also need to check that your passport :
- has at least 6 months left
- is less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)
If you do not renew your passport, you might not be able to travel to most EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
To check if your passport is valid for travel to Europe from 1 January 2021, click here
To renew a British passport, click here
NOTE: These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland. You can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Border Control
Up to 31.12.20, British travellers can join the EU queue when arriving at borders but from 01.01.20, you will most likely have to join the non-EU lane.
At the border, you might also have to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay
- queue and use a separate lane for citizens that don’t come from the EU, EEA or Switzerland
- have your passport stamped for entry / exit
- wait far longer than you’re used to
Visas
If you’re a tourist, you won’t need a visa for a short trip to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Similar to US citizens, you’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Different rules will apply for a visit to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. If you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total.
In order to stay longer, work, study, or for business travel, you might need a visa or permit.
British citizens who live in Europe should already be in the process of either applying for residency or nationality status or have already done so in their adopted EU countries, to ensure they are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement and can make the most of the rights it protects.
If you’re worried that you might not receive your documents before 01.01.21, please note that under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, British citizens have until six months after the end of the transition period – effectively until July 2021 – to apply for residency in countries such as France and Germany where it will be required to do so.
However, please ensure that you’ve actually started in 2020 as the process is lengthy, and could take weeks to get an appointment in the first place!
If you’re travelling back to the UK or elsewhere for the holidays and don’t yet have a residency card, in order to get back into your EU country of residency, you are advised to carry various proof of residency such as bills, work contracts, insurance documents, etc. as well as email confirmation of your application for residency.
To check requirements for individual countries, click here
If you live in Germany, click here
If you want to bypass the jargon click here or here
NOTE: Travel to Ireland will not change from 1 January 2021. You’ll also be able to work in Ireland in the same way as before.
Travel in the EU
If you’re visiting Europe from 1 January 2021, please check for any delays or disruption, before you leave.
For everything you need to know if you’re a UK Citizen visiting / travelling to any part of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, please check details from the official GOV.UK website. Click here
EU citizens in the UK
You and your family will need to apply for residency in order to continue living in the UK after 31 December 2020, if you’re from any of the following countries:
- the EU (except Ireland)
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Switzerland
For UK government policy as to what to do, click here
Anything Else?
How to get German citizenship if you’re British!
Read the links below:
- How to get German citizenship if you’re British – How to be a German via Double Nationality!
- BREXIT! Don’t panic if you’re British & live in Germany. Here’s what to do!
For official confirmation re Brexit from the homepage of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, otherwise known as the Bundesministerium des Innern, für Bau und Heimat (BMI) in Germany, click here
For official information on the migration policy in Germany, click here
For official confirmation from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, click here
If you need any help, I offer a consultancy which you can find here!
For more information you can visit the official UK government Living in Europe guide or the official UK government country page. For easier reading, I’ve divided the sections into countries:
Austria
As long as you remain resident in Austria at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Austria by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Austria, click here
Belgium
As long as you remain resident in Belgium at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Belgium by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Belgium, click here
Croatia
As long as you remain resident in Croatia at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Croatia by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Croatia, click here
Czech Republic
As long as you remain resident in the Czech Republic at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in the Czech Republic by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in the Czech Republic, click here
Denmark
As long as you remain resident in Denmark at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Denmark by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Denmark, click here
Estonia
As long as you remain resident in Estonia at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Estonia by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Estonia, click here
France
As long as you remain resident in France at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in France by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in France, click here
Finland
As long as you remain resident in Finland at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Finland by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Finland, click here
Germany
As long as you remain resident in Germany at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
I’ve been clamouring for years for Brits in Germany to get dual British – German citizenship, however, not all is lost.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Germany by 31.12.20 at the latest.
Greece
As long as you remain resident in Greece at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Greece by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Greece, click here
Holland / the Netherlands
As long as you remain resident in Holland / the Netherlands at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Holland / the Netherlands by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Holland / the Netherlands, click here
Hungary
As long as you remain resident in Hungary at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Hungary by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Hungary, click here
Italy
As long as you remain resident in Italy at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Italy by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Italy, click here
Latvia
As long as you remain resident in Latvia at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Latvia by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Latvia, click here
Luxembourg
As long as you remain resident in Luxembourg at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Luxembourg by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Luxembourg, click here
Norway
As long as you remain resident in Norway at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Norway by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Norway, click here
Poland
As long as you remain resident in Poland at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Poland by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Poland, click here
Portugal
As long as you remain resident in Portugal at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Portugal by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Portugal, click here
Romania
As long as you remain resident in Romania at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Romania by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Romania, click here
Slovakia
As long as you remain resident in Slovakia at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Slovakia by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Slovakia, click here
Slovenia
As long as you remain resident in Slovenia at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Slovenia by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Slovenia, click here
Spain
As long as you remain resident in Spain at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Spain by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Spain, click here
Sweden
As long as you remain resident in Sweden at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Sweden by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Sweden, click here
Switzerland
As long as you remain resident in Switzerland at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in Switzerland by 31.12.20 at the latest.
If you live in Switzerland, click here
Other EU countries not mentioned above
As long as you remain resident in the EU at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.
If you’re focused, determined to keep ALL your rights as an EU citizen AND fit all the criteria, it’s not too late as long as you apply BEFORE the stroke of midnight on 31.12.20.
NOTE! Make sure you are registered as resident in the EU by 31.12.20 at the latest.
For other EU countries not previously mentioned, click here
p.s If you’re booking hotels, houses and apartments, use this link to save 20% or more, between 5th January and 31st March 2021!
Booking.com
Quite frankly, in the political mess that we find ourselves, nobody is a winner!
We can leave the EU, but we can’t quit Europe.
Because Europe is our continent.
But for goodness sake, whether we end up with this form or that form of Brexit, if you’re British or European, get yourself ready!
WARNING! If you’re British, live in Europe and want to travel in 2021, get ready for Brexit!
©Victoria Ade-Genschow – The British Berliner – Berlin – May 2020
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Warning! If you’re British, live in Europe and want to travel in 2021, here’s what you need to know!
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WARNING! IF YOU’RE BRITISH, LIVE IN EUROPE AND WANT TO TRAVEL IN 2021, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
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Brexit is here. Get ready!
Watch this space!
DISCLOSURE!
Please note that The British Berliner is a participant in affiliate programmes designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to World Nomads Travel Insurance & Booking.com.
In short, there are two affiliate link companies connected to this post!
Every time one of these services is used, booked, and paid for via my link, I get a little percentage, but at no extra cost to yourself!
A win-win for all!
Note! I never travel without insurance as you never know what might happen.
I learnt my lesson in Spain. And obviously, in countries like Qatar, where technically the risk is higher, I can’t imagine going that far beyond, WITHOUT INSURANCE. No siree! You can get yours here, at World Nomads!
So what are you waiting for?
Thanks a million!
Whether for or against Brexit, are you ready?
See you in Berlin.
If you have any questions, send me a Tweet, talk to me on Facebook, find me on LinkedIn, make a comment below or send me an Email: victoria@thebritishberliner.com
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