Post-Brexit Business Travel: What you should know

With the UK finally leaving the EU there is a lot of worry about what that means for business travel.

Updated August 2026. Some details in the 2021 post below are out of date. Before you travel, check the latest official advice.

  • If you are taking a UK-registered vehicle, you need a UK sticker (not a GB sticker) from 28 September 2021, unless your number plate already shows the UK identifier. See driving in the EU.
  • A green card is not required for the EU, EEA or Switzerland. You still need valid vehicle insurance.
  • If you have a photocard UK driving licence, you generally do not need an International Driving Permit for short visits to the EU. You may still need one if you have a paper licence, or a licence issued in Guernsey, Gibraltar, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
  • The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational since 10 April 2026. Expect biometric checks at the border rather than a passport stamp.

With the UK finally leaving the EU there is a lot of worry about what that means for business travel. With that in mind here are some things to consider when planning for your next business trip to an EU country.

First of all there are some extra things you are going to have to do before traveling:

  • You may now need to renew your passport earlier than you used to. Make sure it has at least 6 month to go after the flight date and is less than 10 years old.
  • Make sure your health insurance still covers you.
  • Check which EU countries require you to have a visa and which you don't if you are staying less than 90 days.
  • If you will be driving there, check with the embassy of the country.
  • You cannot use the existing pet passport scheme and will need an Animal Health Certificate, which should take at least a month to arrange.
  • Check data roaming charges.

New Restrictions:

  • You will need to make a customs declaration if you are taking goods you intend to sell or use for business.
  • New restrictions on what food you can take across the border.
  • At borders you may need to show a return or onward ticket, prove you have enough money for your stay and use a different lane than you did before.
  • If you are taking a vehicle you will need a green card and a GB sticker and you may need an International Driving Permit if you have a paper driving license or had your license issued in Guernsey, Gibraltar, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
  • You will need a certificate to take certain plants with you.

For more info and to use the official Brexit checker please visit gov.uk

A map of Europe representing post-Brexit business travel to the EU

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