After 31 January 2020, the UK is set to enter into an 11 month transition period, until 31 December 2020. This means the UK will continue to follow EU rules until at least 31 December 2020. Jumping off a cliff is not happening. Nothing changes visa wise.
This transition arrangement lasts till at least 31 December 2020 and means:
1 valid passports can still be used as normal – and coaches and trains from the UK to the continent will be unaffected;
2 EU nationals can continue to arrive in the UK to live and work visa free;
3 the cost of making calls, sending texts and using the internet will continue to be the same in the EU as it is in the UK, and European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) will also remain valid.
EU nationals and family members in the UK (and even many outside the UK) not yet registered should register under the EU Settlement scheme to preserve their status in the UK. They can apply for Pre-Settled Status (limited leave to remain). After 5 years as a Qualified Person in the UK they can apply for Settled Status. These applications can be completed using an android or iPhone and supporting documentation can be uploaded online.
People can continue to make their travel plans with confidence that things won’t change until at least the end of 2020.
What happens from 1 January 2021? We wait to see. The transition period could be extended but it will need mutual consent or (more likely) there will be new visa rules in place for entry to the UK by EU nationals.
Our current recommendation is that If an EU national is thinking of coming to live and work in the UK, come before 1 January 2021, visa free.
Tom Redfern
